Understand the MBBS credit system in Georgia: GPA, ECTS, grading, repeat rules & visa impact. A must-read guide for Indian students studying MBBS abroad. |
What Will You Learn in This Blog?
- What is the ECTS credit system used in Georgia
- How grading and GPA work and how it’s calculated
- What happens if you fail a subject
- How poor academics can affect your visa/TRC
- Tips to stay academically safe & successful
- Credit transfer and internship options
Georgia has become one of the top MBBS Abroad destinations. There is a rising trend of studying MBBS Abroad among Indian NEET aspirants observed all across India. Georgia has many globally recognised universities, English-medium programs, and a lower cost of education attracts thousands of Indian students each year.
However, many students and their families are unfamiliar with one critical aspect of medical education in Georgia, the credit-based academic system.
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Understanding the MBBS credit system in Georgia is not just helpful; it’s essential. It determines how students are evaluated, promoted, or even placed on academic probation. Misunderstanding it can lead to failed exams, repeated semesters, or even visa issues.
In this blog, we’ll explain the entire structure of the MBBS credit system in Georgia, from GPA calculation and ECTS credits to exam failures, repeat rules, and academic warnings for students.
MBBS in Georgia Credit System
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
Most medical universities in Georgia follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This means:
- 1 academic year = 60 ECTS credits
- 1 semester = 30 ECTS credits
- A single course (like Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology) may carry 3 to 9 credits depending on its complexity and hours.
Each credit roughly equals 25–30 hours of study, which includes lectures, practicals, self-study, and assessments.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
- ECTS is a standardised credit system adopted by European countries to measure students’ workload in higher education.
- It helps in credit transfer, academic mobility, and degree recognition across institutions in Europe and associated countries like Georgia.
- ECTS is especially useful for MBBS students planning to transfer credits or pursue postgraduate studies in Europe.
Duration and Credits in MBBS
- Total Duration: 6 years (including 1 year of clinical internship)
- Total Credits Required: ~360 ECTS for completion
- Pre-clinical (Years 1–2): ~120 ECTS
- Clinical (Years 3–5): ~150 ECTS
- Internship/Thesis (Year 6): ~90 ECTS
How Grading Works in MBBS Georgia
Grading System
Grading is based on continuous evaluation plus a final exam:
Score (%) | Grade | Description | GPA Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
91–100 | A | Excellent | 4.0 |
81–90 | B | Very Good | 3.0–3.9 |
71–80 | C | Good | 2.0–2.9 |
61–70 | D | Satisfactory | 1.0–1.9 |
51–60 | E | Passed | 0.5–0.9 |
Below 51 | F | Failed | 0.0 |
Note: To pass a subject, students must secure at least 51% overall, including continuous internal assessments.
Components of Evaluation
- Attendance: Minimum 75% mandatory
- Mid-Term Exams: 20-30% weightage
- Practical/Clinical Skills: 20-30%
- Final Written/Oral Exam: 40-50%
- Project Work/Presentations: 5-10% (in some subjects)
Understanding GPA for MBBS in Georgia
The GPA (Grade Point Average) is used to track your overall academic standing.
- Calculated per semester and cumulatively (CGPA)
- GPA typically ranges from 1.0 to 4.0
- A GPA below 2.0 can trigger academic probation
Example GPA Calculation:
Subject | Credits | Grade (Out of 4) | Grade Points |
---|---|---|---|
Anatomy | 10 | 3.5 | 35 |
Histology | 6 | 2.5 | 15 |
Physiology | 8 | 3.0 | 24 |
Total | 24 | — | 74 |
GPA = 74 ÷ 24 = 3.08
What Happens If You Fail?
Re-exams and Repeat Policies
Failing a subject does not automatically mean you repeat the year. Here’s how it works:
- 1st Attempt: If failed, a re-exam (supplementary) is conducted.
- 2nd Attempt: If you fail again, the university may allow another re-exam with a penalty fee.
- Final Chance: After 3 failures, you may have to repeat the course (and in some cases, the semester).
Failing a subject (below 51/100) means:
- You may get one or two re-exams within the academic year.
- If you fail again, you may repeat the subject in the next semester (with extra tuition fees).
- Too many failures = You can’t progress to the next academic year.
Many colleges allow only 5 failed credits before you’re denied semester promotion.
Cost of Repeat Exams
- Most universities charge $50-$150 per subject for re-exams.
- Repeat semesters may cost $1,500-$3,000, depending on the course and university.
Academic Probation and Visa Implications
What Is Academic Probation?
If a student:
- Fails multiple subjects repeatedly
- Does not maintain a GPA above 2.0
- Is caught in plagiarism or misconduct
They may be placed on academic probation.
During probation:
- The student is monitored closely.
- A performance improvement plan is issued.
- Failing to improve may lead to suspension or disqualification from the course.
Impact on Visa and TRC (Temporary Residence Card)
- Georgian TRC (residence card) requires proof of active student status.
- Academic probation or non-enrolment in credits can jeopardise TRC renewal.
- Failure to maintain 30 credits/year may result in visa rejection during renewal.
Advice: Always stay enrolled, even during repeats or exam breaks. Maintain communication with the registrar’s office.
Understanding GPA & How It Affects MBBS Progression
GPA Calculation
GPA (Grade Point Average) is computed on a 4-point scale.
Formula: GPA=∑ (Grade Points × Credit Hours) / ∑ Credit Hours
Why GPA Matters
- A GPA below 2.0 may:
- Delay promotion to the next academic year
- Prevent access to the internship
- Deny thesis submission eligibility
- Trigger academic probation
- A GPA of 3.5+ often helps with:
- Scholarships (if applicable)
- Erasmus exchange eligibility
- CV building for residency applications abroad
Students Must Avoid
Red Flag | Consequence | Solution |
---|---|---|
Failing 3+ subjects | Probation or repeat semester | Seek help from mentors/tutors |
Less than 30 credits/year | TRC renewal issues | Enroll in summer/remedial sessions |
Plagiarism | Fail, suspension | Always submit original work |
Poor attendance | Not allowed for exams | Maintain 75%+ attendance |
Ignoring GPA | Delay in graduation | Use GPA calculators & monitor performance |
Attendance Requirement in Georgia MBBS Colleges
Most colleges require 75%-80% attendance in each subject. Falling short can result in:
- No permission to appear for the final exam
- Additional project work or attendance repeat
How to Stay Academically Safe
- Target 3.0 GPA or higher every semester
- Don’t skip midterms or internal assignments
- Clear doubts early with professors; they are usually very cooperative
- Don’t ignore small subjects with 2-3 credits
- Use academic support groups and university resources
Credit Transfer and Internships
Can You Transfer Credits to Other Countries?
Yes, ECTS credits are recognised across Europe and some other countries. However:
- You need transcripts and course descriptions.
- Each university evaluates transfer cases by case.
- Clinical credits are harder to transfer than pre-clinical ones.
Internship Year (6th Year)
The 6th year involves:
- Clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals
- Thesis or research project
- ~90 ECTS credits
- Some universities allow internships in India or abroad if approved
Colleges with Transparent Grading Policies
University | Re-Exam Attempts | Academic Probation Policy |
---|---|---|
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) | 2 allowed | GPA <2.0 = Probation |
Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) | 2 per module | Continuous support + warning |
New Vision University (NVU) | 2–3 attempts | Personalized mentoring program |
BAU International University | Strict attendance | Personalised mentoring program |
Tips for Indian Students to Navigate the System
- Keep a GPA tracker spreadsheet
- Ask for a detailed syllabus to understand credits per subject
- Never miss midterms, they are easy marks
- Be vocal about doubts early, use office hours
- Plan repeats/supplements strategically
- If on probation, take it seriously, don’t wait for dismissal
- Get guidance from Indian seniors who’ve completed Years 5-6
The MBBS credit system in Georgia is systematic, structured, and transparent, but only if you understand it well. For Indian students, it’s a big shift from the school-board style of learning. GPA, re-exams, credit loads, and attendance can deeply affect your progression and graduation.
Whether you dream of returning to India and clearing FMGE or applying for PG abroad, your journey starts by mastering the academic structure.
So, stay alert, manage your credits, and build your GPA. Your MBBS journey is not just about passing- it’s about thriving.