RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025: Indian students are rapidly turning towards Georgia for their MBBS studies, moving away from Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical instability. According to the RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025 under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians remitted $50.25 million to Georgia for education in 2024-25, a fivefold jump from $10.33 million in 2018-19.
This trend underscores a major shift in study abroad patterns, particularly for medical education aspirants, who now prioritize safety, affordability, and accreditation over legacy destinations.
RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025
The RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025 paints a clear picture of how global conflicts and economic factors are reshaping student mobility. Until 2021, Ukraine was one of the most popular destinations for Indian MBBS students, hosting thousands across universities such as Bogomolets National Medical University and Kharkiv National Medical University. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has completely changed the landscape.
| Country | Remittance 2018-19 ($ million) | Remittance 2024-25 ($ million) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 10.33 | 50.25 | +387% |
| Ukraine | 14.80 | 2.40 | –84% |
| Russia | 23.31 | 69.94 | +200% |
While Ukraine’s remittances fell sharply from $14.8 million to $2.4 million, Georgia saw a 387% increase, and Russia, despite its own challenges, recorded a 200% jump, reaching $69.94 million in 2024–25.
This data signifies a redistribution of student choices rather than a decline in overall overseas medical enrolment. Students who once favored Ukraine are now relocating to safer, affordable European alternatives, with Georgia emerging as a clear frontrunner.
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In 2019, Georgia hosted approximately 4,148 Indian students. By 2023, that number had more than doubled to 10,470, according to international education tracking data.
Georgia’s rise as an MBBS hub can be attributed to its affordable tuition, globally recognized medical universities, and English-medium instruction. Most importantly, it offers stability and safety, two factors that have become decisive post-Ukraine conflict.
Compared to private medical colleges in India, where MBBS fees can exceed ₹1 crore. Georgia offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on academic quality or clinical training.
Why Georgia Is Emerging as the New MBBS Hotspot
Affordable Medical Education
With tuition between $4,000 and $7,500 per year, Georgia provides world-class education at one-fourth the cost of Indian private colleges. Many universities also allow installment-based fee payments and on-campus housing, reducing the overall financial burden on families.
English-Medium Instruction
All major Georgian medical universities offer MBBS programs entirely in English, eliminating language barriers and easing global mobility after graduation.
Globally Recognised Universities
Several Georgian universities, including Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI), New Vision University (NVU), and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU), are recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), WHO, and ECFMG, allowing graduates to pursue licensing exams like FMGE, USMLE, and PLAB.
Easy Visa and Transparent Admission Process
Georgia’s student visa process is simpler and faster than that of many Western countries. Universities maintain transparent admission procedures without entrance tests, relying on NEET qualification as the primary eligibility criterion.
Secure Living and Student Support
Unlike war-affected regions, Georgia offers political stability, safety, and European-standard living conditions. Several universities, such as GRUNI and TSMU, provide Indian food options, FMGE coaching, and student mentoring systems to ensure comfort and academic success.
The Ukraine Effect: A Shift Driven by Safety and Stability
Before 2022, Ukraine was the second most preferred destination for Indian MBBS aspirants after Russia. The war disrupted education for over 18,000 Indian students, many of whom were forced to evacuate or transfer their credits to other nations.
Georgia became a natural alternative due to its geographic proximity to Ukraine, comparable fee structure, and academic compatibility, which allowed students to seamlessly transfer credits and continue their medical training.
Education experts note that “Georgia’s universities acted swiftly to accommodate displaced Indian students from Ukraine, offering credit transfers and hostel support, a humanitarian gesture that strengthened India, Georgia education ties.”
Read Also: Why Indian Students Prefer Georgia for MBBS in 2025?
Georgia and Russia Rise as Western Destinations Slow
RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025 also shows that while medical education remittances to Georgia and Russia surged, traditional English-speaking destinations like the US, Canada, and Australia witnessed declines.
| Country | Change in Education Remittances (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| United States | –10% |
| Canada | –43% |
| Australia | –5% |
| United Kingdom | +12% |
| Germany | +70% |
| Georgia | +387% |
| Russia | +200% |
The U.S. continues to top the chart for total Indian students abroad, but factors such as visa delays, rising costs, and employment uncertainty have prompted many families to explore non-traditional yet secure options like Georgia, Russia, and Uzbekistan.
Read Also: MBBS Abroad Trends in 2025: How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Indian Medical Education Migration?
Safety and Affordability Redefine Priorities
Industry experts believe the current pattern reflects a “safety-first mindset” among Indian families.
“The Ukraine crisis was a wake-up call. Parents are now evaluating not just the ranking or location of universities but also their safety record, financial sustainability, and recognition by Indian authorities,” says an medical education consultant.
The appeal of Georgia lies in its balanced ecosystem, affordable education, European living standards, and globally accepted medical degrees.
Moreover, Georgian universities are tightening academic oversight and practical training standards, which adds to their credibility among international students.
Georgia’s Strategic Advantage
Looking ahead, MBBS in Georgia are likely to attract an even greater influx of Indian students in 2025 and beyond. The country’s integration with European Union educational frameworks, rising English-taught programs, and bilateral education collaborations are strengthening its reputation as a global medical education hub.
For India, this shift also means greater diversification in its international education footprint. With nearly 1.3 lakh students now pursuing MBBS abroad, the growing popularity of Georgia underscores the evolving aspirations of India’s middle-class families, who seek both affordability and global recognition.
Georgia Becomes India’s New Medical Education Gateway
The RBI Data on MBBS Abroad 2025 reflects more than just remittance flows, it signals a geopolitical and educational realignment. As Ukraine fades from the map of preferred destinations and Russia faces global isolation, Georgia stands out as a stable, secure, and affordable choice for Indian MBBS aspirants.
With a 387% increase in education remittances and a student population exceeding 10,000, Georgia has firmly established itself as India’s new medical education gateway to Europe.
