Studying medicine in the UK is becoming increasingly competitive, with thousands of qualified applicants competing for a limited number of places every year. For many aspiring doctors, looking beyond the UK has become a practical and life-changing alternative.
For Dr. Kebba, choosing to study medicine in Georgia opened the door to achieving his dream of becoming a doctor. Originally from London, he enrolled at Caucasus International University (CIU) in Tbilisi through MedConnect Europe and has since successfully graduated.
In this case study, Dr. Kebba shares why he chose Georgia, what life was like as an international medical student, and the advice he would give to others considering the same path.
Student Profile
- Name: Dr. Kebba
- Home Country: United Kingdom
- Home City: London
- University: Caucasus International University (CIU)
- Country of Study: Georgia
- Degree: Medicine (MD)
- Status: Graduate
Why Did Dr. Kebba Choose to Study Medicine in Georgia?
Like many UK students, Dr. Kebba discovered that gaining admission to medical school at home was becoming increasingly difficult due to intense competition and limited places.
Initially, studying medicine elsewhere in Europe was unfamiliar territory.
“It was very foreign to me the first time I heard about people studying in Europe because I thought traditionally everyone stayed in the UK.”
After researching his options online and discovering MedConnect Europe through YouTube, he realised there was another pathway to becoming a doctor.
The combination of internationally recognised medical education and significantly lower costs made Georgia an attractive choice.
Leaving London for Tbilisi: A Different Experience
Moving abroad is never an easy decision, but Dr. Kebba quickly found himself enjoying life in Tbilisi.
He describes the city as:
- Vibrant
- Beautiful
- Rich in history and culture
- Affordable
- Full of activities for students
For him, affordability played a major role in choosing Georgia.
“I chose to come here because of affordability.”
Compared to studying medicine in the UK, Georgia offered substantial savings while still providing a high-quality medical education.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in Georgia?
One of the biggest advantages Dr. Kebba experienced was the lower overall cost of living.
According to his experience:
- Tuition fees were approximately three times cheaper than studying medicine in the UK.
- Rental accommodation was significantly less expensive than London.
- Groceries and everyday expenses were considerably more affordable.
At the time of the interview, he was paying approximately $400 per month (around £335) for accommodation.
He noted that finding similar housing in London would cost several times more.
For many international students, these lower costs make studying medicine abroad financially achievable.
How MedConnect Europe Helped Throughout the Journey
Dr. Kebba discovered MedConnect Europe online before beginning his application.
From his first enquiry, he felt supported through every stage of the process.
The team explained how studying medicine in Europe worked, guided him through the application requirements, and assisted with relocating to Georgia.
Importantly, he emphasised that the support did not stop after arrival.
Even several years into his studies, he still felt comfortable reaching out whenever he needed assistance.
“They’ve been supportive ongoing… even now I still feel like I can reach out if I needed help.”
What Was the Application Process Like?
Looking back, Dr. Kebba describes the admissions process as straightforward.
His advice for prospective students is simple:
- Don’t panic.
- Don’t let nerves stop you.
- Trust the process.
- Ask questions whenever you need guidance.
He particularly appreciated that MedConnect connected new arrivals with senior students already studying in Georgia.
These mentors helped newcomers with:
- Finding accommodation
- Opening bank accounts
- Settling into university life
- Meeting other students
- Building study groups
This peer support made adapting to life abroad significantly easier.
Studying Medicine at CIU: Small Groups and Personalised Learning
One aspect of studying at Caucasus International University that stood out to Dr. Kebba was the smaller teaching groups.
Rather than sitting in large lecture halls with hundreds of students, classes often consisted of around ten students.
This created:
- More personalised teaching
- Greater interaction with tutors
- Better opportunities to ask questions
- Closer relationships with classmates
- Exposure to students from many different countries and cultures
He felt this environment allowed students to receive more individual attention throughout their education.
Can Muslim Students Practise Their Faith in Georgia?
As a practising Muslim, maintaining his religious commitments was an important consideration before moving abroad.
Despite Georgia being predominantly Christian Orthodox, Dr. Kebba found the country welcoming and accommodating.
He highlighted that:
- Many restaurants serve halal food.
- Supermarkets stock halal products.
- Turkish imports make halal chicken widely available.
- Dedicated halal butchers and shops exist.
- Vegetarian alternatives are easy to find.
He also noted that there are multiple mosques in Tbilisi and university Islamic societies that organise Friday prayers and community activities.
For Muslim students considering studying medicine in Georgia, he found practising his faith to be straightforward.
Student Life in Tbilisi
Outside university, Dr. Kebba believes students have plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves.
Popular activities include:
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Shopping centres
- Bowling
- Pool halls
- Go-karting
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Parks
- Mountain attractions
He compared many aspects of social life in Tbilisi favourably with London, suggesting students would not feel they were missing out.
Places Every Student Should Visit in Georgia
For anyone moving to Georgia or visiting friends studying there, Dr. Kebba recommends exploring:
- Mtatsminda Park, located on the mountainside overlooking Tbilisi
- The coastal city of Batumi
- Georgia’s winter ski resorts
- The many parks and scenic areas throughout the country
These destinations offer opportunities to experience Georgia beyond university life.
Is Georgia Safe for International Students?
Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for students considering studying abroad.
Based on his own experience, Dr. Kebba found Georgia to be a very safe country.
Coming from London, he commented that he had rarely witnessed street crime during his time living in Tbilisi.
Has Dr. Kebba Experienced Racism in Georgia?
When discussing race and cultural differences, Dr. Kebba offered an honest perspective.
As someone from an African background, he explained that local people may sometimes appear curious because they have had limited exposure to different cultures.
However, he personally did not interpret these experiences as racism.
Instead, he believes politeness, friendliness, and simple interactions such as greeting people respectfully help build positive relationships with locals.
His overall experience with Georgian people was overwhelmingly positive.
Describing Tbilisi in Four Words
When asked to summarise the city, Dr. Kebba chose:
- Vibrant
- Friendly
- Affordable
- Full of activities
Together, these qualities capture why so many international medical students choose Georgia as their destination for medical education.
Advice for Future Students Considering Georgia
For anyone nervous about studying medicine abroad, Dr. Kebba encourages students not to let fear hold them back.
He believes that with the right preparation and support network, moving overseas becomes far less daunting than many imagine.
Having successfully completed his own medical degree and graduated as a doctor, his journey demonstrates that studying medicine in Georgia can provide a realistic and rewarding pathway into the medical profession.
Thinking About Studying Medicine in Georgia?
Dr. Kebba’s journey from London to graduating as a doctor at Caucasus International University highlights what many students discover after exploring international medical education: high-quality training, lower costs, personalised teaching, and the opportunity to experience a new culture while working towards a medical career.
If you’re considering studying medicine in Georgia, speaking to experienced advisors and students who have already completed the journey can help you make an informed decision and confidently plan your next steps.