Introduction
East-West University (EWUNI) is a private higher education institution located in Tbilisi, Georgia. The university was established in 2019 with a focus on providing modern medical education to local and international students. Its educational approach combines European academic standards, international practices, practical training and a student-focused learning environment.
For students looking to study medicine abroad, East-West University offers a six-year, English-language Medical Doctor (MD) program. The program is designed to combine basic medical sciences, clinical subjects, practical skills and clinical training. The current program consists of 360 ECTS credits and requires at least 5,500 contact hours of medical education.
One of the notable features of the university is its academic collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU). The university describes its programs as being supported by international academic practices and states that selected ASU courses are integrated into the MD curriculum. Students who successfully complete applicable ASU courses can receive an additional ASU certificate.
East-West University at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University Name | East-West University |
| Location | Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Type | Private Higher Education Institution |
| Established | 2019 |
| Medical School | School of Medicine |
| Medical Program | Medical Doctor (MD) |
| Program Duration | 6 years |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Total Credits | 360 ECTS |
| Medical Training | Minimum 5,500 contact hours |
| Tuition Fee for Foreign Students | USD 5,500 per year |
| Academic Collaboration | Arizona State University |
| Medical Program Accreditation | Accredited by Georgia’s NCEQE accreditation system |
| International Listing | Listed in World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), according to the university |
| Location Advantage | Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia |
The tuition figure above is the university’s currently published fee for the English-language Medicine MD program for foreign students. Students should confirm the final fee and other charges with the university before admission.
About Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia. It is an important educational, cultural and economic centre of the country and is home to several universities and medical institutions.
For international students, Tbilisi can provide an opportunity to experience a European-oriented educational environment while living in a relatively compact capital city. Students can access public transportation, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare facilities and other everyday services.
For medical students, the location is also useful because the university works with medical institutions and hospitals in Tbilisi for clinical education.
History of East-West University
The background to East-West University’s establishment goes back to an educational initiative that began in 2004–2005, aimed at encouraging cooperation between universities in the South Caucasus and Turkey.
East-West University itself was established in 2019. According to the university, its purpose was to improve access to high-quality medical education and introduce modern European and international approaches to medical education in Georgia.
The university has developed its medical program around international academic standards, practical education and clinical exposure. Its stated objective is to prepare graduates who can work effectively in modern healthcare environments and continue their professional development internationally.
School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at East-West University operates a one-cycle Medical Doctor educational program taught in English. The university says its academic and invited teaching staff includes medical specialists from Georgia and other countries.
The medical program focuses on more than textbook learning. Students are expected to develop:
- Knowledge of basic medical sciences
- Clinical knowledge
- Practical medical skills
- Patient communication skills
- Professional ethics
- Critical thinking
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Teamwork
- Clinical problem-solving
- Understanding of modern healthcare technologies
The program also includes areas such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, gynecology, intensive care, cardiology, nephrology, pulmonology, anesthesiology, rehabilitation, sports medicine, telemedicine and AI in medicine.
MD Program – Duration and Structure
The Medicine program at East-West University is a six-year integrated MD program.
The university’s current program documentation states that the program consists of 360 ECTS credits. Students are expected to complete at least 5,500 contact hours of medical training before receiving the Medical Doctor qualification.
The academic structure combines:
Basic Medical Sciences
Students build their foundation through subjects and modules related to the structure and functioning of the human body.
These areas may include concepts related to:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Histology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Clinical Sciences
As students progress, the curriculum connects basic science knowledge with clinical medicine.
Important areas include:
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Anesthesiology
- Intensive Care
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Geriatrics
- Rehabilitation
- Sports Medicine
The university describes its curriculum as an integrated and spiral structure, meaning that students revisit important concepts at progressively deeper levels while connecting theoretical knowledge with clinical problems.
English-Medium Medical Education
One of the major attractions for international students is that the MD program is taught in English.
This allows international students to study medicine without having to complete the main medical curriculum in Georgian.
However, students should understand that learning some Georgian language can be useful during clinical training because communication with local patients may require knowledge of the local language.
The current curriculum also allocates credits for Georgian language courses to help students develop language skills needed for communication with patients in healthcare settings.
Clinical Exposure and Hospital Training
Clinical exposure is an important part of medical education at East-West University.
According to the university, students begin gaining practical experience in laboratories and clinical environments from the early stages of the program.
The university works with medical institutions including:
- LLC Alexander Aladashvili Clinic
- LLC Tbilisi Balneological Resort
- LLC Geo Hospital
These partnerships are intended to give students opportunities to learn in real healthcare environments under the supervision of medical professionals.
Clinical learning can help students understand how medical knowledge is applied to real patients. Depending on the stage of training, students can be exposed to different departments and clinical specialties.
The university’s program specifically highlights clinical areas such as emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, intensive care, cardiology, nephrology and pulmonology.
Practical Training and Simulation Facilities
East-West University places importance on practical education.
The university states that its infrastructure includes:
- Medical laboratories
- Simulation centre
- Integrated teaching classrooms
- Library
- Computer laboratories
- Electronic learning resources
- International scientific databases
- Student study areas
- Collaborative learning spaces
The simulation centre is particularly relevant for medical students because simulation-based education allows students to practise clinical skills in a controlled academic environment before applying those skills in hospitals.
Curriculum and Modern Medical Education
The university’s MD curriculum is designed around six broad areas:
- Structure of Life
- Control of Life
- Cycle of Life
- Preservation of Life
- Protection of Life
- Support of Life
The university says the curriculum integrates basic and clinical sciences and emphasizes clinical problem-solving.
Modern areas such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence in medicine are also included among the areas highlighted by the program.
This is important because healthcare is changing rapidly. Doctors increasingly need to understand digital healthcare systems, medical technology, data and new diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Arizona State University Collaboration
East-West University describes itself as being “Powered by Arizona State University” and states that its medical program was developed in collaboration with ASU.
According to the university, selected ASU courses are incorporated into the medical curriculum in different formats. Some are integrated into program modules, while others are offered as electives or additional credit components. Students who successfully complete applicable ASU courses may receive an additional certificate issued by Arizona State University.
Students should understand that this does not automatically mean the medical degree itself is an Arizona State University medical degree. The MD degree is awarded by East-West University under its accredited medical program.
Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation is one of the most important factors students should check before choosing a medical university abroad.
East-West University states that it received authorization as a higher education institution from Georgia’s National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE).
The university also states that its English-language one-cycle Medicine program received accreditation in 2022 from the Accreditation Council for Higher Education Programs under NCEQE.
The university further states that its medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and that it is recognized by the National Medical Commission of India (NMC) and meets ECFMG-related requirements.
Tuition Fees
The university currently publishes the following tuition fee for the Medicine program:
Medicine MD – English Language
Foreign Students: USD 5,500 per year
The university separately lists 5,000 GEL for national students enrolled through the national examination system.
Students should also budget separately for expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Visa/residence-related expenses
- Books and study materials
- Personal expenses
- Travel between Georgia and India
The total cost of studying medicine should therefore be calculated using both tuition and living expenses rather than tuition alone.
Admission Requirements for International Students
International applicants should carefully check the current admission process before applying.
The university’s current MD program documentation states that foreign applicants can meet the English-language requirement through an internationally recognized certificate showing at least B1-level English, such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, UNIcert or EnglishScore. Alternative evidence may include proof that the applicant completed relevant education in English, or the university’s own assessment of English proficiency.
The university’s program documents also include requirements relating to knowledge of Biology and Chemistry for admission. The exact procedure for international applicants should be confirmed with the admissions office because requirements and verification procedures can vary according to the applicant’s educational background and applicable Georgian regulations.
Common documents may include:
- Valid passport
- Secondary school certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency, where applicable
- Passport-size photographs
- Other documents requested for international student admission and credential verification
The university’s admissions FAQ currently lists a passport/ID, secondary school diploma and photographs among required documents.
Who Can Consider East-West University?
East-West University may be considered by students who:
- Want to study medicine in English
- Are interested in studying in Georgia
- Prefer a six-year integrated medical program
- Want exposure to both laboratory and clinical education
- Are looking for an international academic environment
- Want to study in Tbilisi
- Prefer a medical university with an internationally oriented curriculum
- Are comfortable studying outside India and adapting to a new culture
Student Life in Tbilisi
Life in Tbilisi can offer international students a mix of education, culture and city life.
Students can experience Georgian culture while interacting with people from different backgrounds. The city has restaurants, cafés, shopping areas, public transportation, healthcare facilities and other services needed for everyday student life.
For medical students, maintaining a balance between academics and personal life is important. A six-year medical program requires consistent study, practical training and clinical work, so students should be prepared for a demanding academic schedule.
Why Consider East-West University for Medicine?
There are several factors that may make East-West University interesting for international medical applicants:
1. English-Taught MD Program
The main medical program is taught in English, making it accessible to international students.
2. Six-Year Medical Program
The program is structured over six years and includes 360 ECTS credits.
3. Clinical Training
The university works with medical institutions in Tbilisi and emphasizes clinical exposure as part of medical education.
4. Practical Learning
Laboratories and a simulation centre are part of the university’s medical education infrastructure.
5. International Academic Approach
The university incorporates international medical education practices and collaborates academically with Arizona State University.
6. Accreditation
The English-language Medicine program has been accredited through Georgia’s NCEQE accreditation system, according to the university.
7. Tbilisi Location
Students can study medicine in Georgia’s capital city, with access to hospitals, healthcare institutions and urban facilities.
Important Points for Indian Students
Indian students planning to study medicine abroad should not select a university only because of its tuition fee or location.
Before admission, students should carefully verify:
- NMC eligibility
- Current NMC rules for foreign medical graduates
- University and medical-program accreditation
- WDOMS listing
- Course duration
- Clinical training structure
- Internship arrangements
- Medium of instruction
- Licensing requirements
- Total tuition and living costs
- Eligibility for the applicable Indian licensing examination
- Current admission requirements
Students should also obtain written confirmation from the university and verify information with the relevant Indian authorities before making a financial commitment.
Career Opportunities After the MD
Completion of a medical degree is an important first step, but it does not automatically give a graduate unrestricted medical practice rights in every country.
The university’s program documentation explains that graduates may continue into residency and pursue the requirements needed for independent medical practice according to the applicable laws and licensing system.
Depending on the country where a graduate wants to work, additional steps may include:
- Licensing examinations
- Internship requirements
- Residency or postgraduate training
- Registration with the relevant medical council
- Language requirements
- Credential verification
Indian students must follow the current NMC framework applicable to foreign medical graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East-West University private or government?
East-West University is a private higher education institution in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Does East-West University offer MBBS?
The university offers a six-year Medical Doctor (MD) program rather than using the MBBS title. The program is taught in English.
What is the duration of the medical program?
The MD program lasts six years and comprises 360 ECTS credits.
What is the tuition fee for foreign students?
The university currently lists USD 5,500 per year for foreign students in the English-language Medicine MD program.
Is the Medicine program accredited?
The university states that its English-language one-cycle Medicine program received accreditation through Georgia’s NCEQE accreditation system in 2022.
Is the program taught in English?
Yes. The Medicine MD program is offered in English.
Does the university provide clinical exposure?
Yes. The university states that it works with medical institutions in Tbilisi, including Alexander Aladashvili Clinic, Tbilisi Balneological Resort and Geo Hospital.
Does East-West University have an association with Arizona State University?
Yes. The university describes its academic model as being powered by and developed in collaboration with Arizona State University, with selected ASU courses integrated into the curriculum. Eligible students can receive an additional ASU certificate after successfully completing applicable courses.
Is East-West University suitable for Indian students?
Indian students can consider the university, but they should verify the latest NMC eligibility and foreign medical graduate requirements before admission. Recognition and licensing requirements can change, so students should not rely only on third-party claims.
Admission Assistance
Students interested in studying Medicine at East-West University, Tbilisi, Georgia, should compare the university’s tuition, admission requirements, accreditation, clinical training, living costs and licensing requirements before making a final decision.
For the latest university information, students can visit the https://thinkedfirst.com/east-west-university-ewuni-georgia-mbbs-md-admission-fees/ official East-West University Think Education First can also assist students and parents with the process of understanding university options, admission documentation and studying medicine abroad.
