Tbilisi Medical Academy – TMA
Established: 1992
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Type: Private University
Approvals: WHO, NMC, ECFMG, FAIMER
Medium of Instruction: English
Intakes: October/November, March/April
Tbilisi Medical Academy, officially known as Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA), is one of the most respected private medical universities in Georgia. Founded in 1992 by the distinguished Georgian physician and professor Petre Shotadze, the university was created with a mission to offer high-quality medical education rooted in both scientific excellence and human values. Over the years, TMA has grown into a trusted destination for students who want to pursue a career in medicine, while still maintaining the warmth and personal approach of a smaller academic community.
Although it began as a young institution in the early years of Georgia’s independence, TMA has steadily built a reputation for academic strength and international recognition. The university focuses exclusively on healthcare education, offering programs in medicine that are taught in both Georgian and English. Its flagship program is the six-year MD (MBBS equivalent), which follows European standards and prepares graduates for licensing exams and postgraduate opportunities worldwide.
One of the greatest advantages of studying at TMA is the balance it offers between rigorous academics and a supportive learning environment. Unlike larger universities, TMA maintains smaller class sizes, which allows students to interact more closely with their professors and mentors. This personal approach creates a strong sense of community on campus, where students feel guided and supported throughout their medical journey.
Practical training plays a central role in education at TMA. Students begin with a strong foundation in basic sciences, learning anatomy, physiology, and pathology in modern laboratories equipped with advanced tools and technology. As they progress through the program, they gradually move into clinical training at some of the leading hospitals and clinics in Tbilisi. This step-by-step learning process ensures that theory and practice go hand in hand, and by the time students graduate, they have already gained significant experience working with patients in real medical settings.
The university’s degree is recognized by major international medical organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, among others. Thanks to this recognition, graduates of TMA are eligible to sit for licensing exams such as the USMLE, PLAB, and FMGE/NExT, and can pursue careers across the globe. Many alumni have gone on to become successful doctors in Europe, the United States, India, and beyond.
TMA also has a vibrant international student community. Over the past three decades, it has welcomed students from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Africa, and various European countries. This diversity gives the campus an international flavor, where students learn not only medicine but also about different cultures and perspectives. Indian students in particular find a welcoming atmosphere, with familiar cultural traditions celebrated each year. Festivals such as Diwali and Holi bring a sense of home, creating lasting bonds and memories during their years of study abroad.
Life at Tbilisi Medical Academy goes beyond textbooks and hospital wards. The university encourages students to participate in research, scientific conferences, cultural events, and community service. The city of Tbilisi itself adds to the student experience, offering a safe, affordable, and friendly environment where young people can thrive both academically and socially. With its blend of European charm and Georgian hospitality, Tbilisi has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in the region.
More than three decades since its foundation, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy continues to uphold the vision of its founder: to provide a medical education that is globally competitive while remaining deeply human-centered. For aspiring doctors who want the advantages of an internationally recognized degree combined with the warmth of a close-knit academic environment, TMA stands as an excellent choice in the heart of Georgia.
Required documents for programs
- Grade 12th results (equivalent to A-level)
- International Passport
- NEET certificate
- Passport-size photograph
Programs
One cycle programs
- MBBS – 6 years – 7,000$ per year
