It may come as a surprise that Georgia — this small Caucasus republic — has become one of the fastest-growing destinations among Saudi students studying abroad. Not because of a trend or by chance, but because it offers a real equation: medical education to international standards, at competitive costs, with documented Saudi recognition.
In this guide, the Future Way Academy team provides everything a Saudi student needs: seven documented universities with their links, real cost tables, admission requirements, the Saudi recognition status, and daily life in Tbilisi — without exaggeration and without hiding the facts.
| Why Georgia specifically in 2026? Saudi students began turning to Georgia after finding that it combines what they were looking for in Turkey and Eastern Europe at once: geographic proximity, teaching in English, low costs, and Saudi recognition. Its place on the scholarship map is growing steadily. |
Why choose Georgia as your study destination?
A strategic location between Europe and Asia
Georgia sits at the meeting point of two continents, making it a destination that brings together multiple advantages in one place. The capital, Tbilisi, is 4–5 hours by plane from most Saudi cities, and this relative proximity makes it easier to visit family and eases the burden of being far from home.
Comparing Georgia with competing destinations
| Criterion | Georgia | Lithuania | Czech Republic | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition — medicine | $8,000 – 12,000 | €12,000 – 14,000 | €13,000 – 16,000 | $8,000 – 15,000 |
| EU membership | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Teaching in English | Full | Full | Full | Full |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized | Recognized | Recognized | Recognized |
| Monthly living costs | $400 – 600 | €600 – 900 | €700 – 1,000 | $500 – 900 |
| Competition for admission | Low – medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Distance from Saudi Arabia | 4 – 5 hours | 7 – 8 hours | 7 – 9 hours | 3 – 4 hours |
| Arab community presence | Large and growing | Small – growing | Medium | Very large |
| An objective assessment from the Future Way team Georgia stands out on two fronts: relatively low cost and easier admission. But it is not in the EU, and that is an important difference for anyone who wants a degree with official European weight. If the goal is medicine at the lowest possible cost with Saudi recognition, Georgia is a very logical choice. |
Fully English-taught programs
Major Georgian universities offer complete programs in English, especially in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. This removes the need to learn Georgian before enrolling and makes the move from Saudi Arabia to Tbilisi academically smooth.
The best cities to study in Georgia for Saudis
Tbilisi — the academic capital
Tbilisi is the academic heart of Georgia. It hosts most of the major international universities and has the densest Arab and Saudi community. The city is relatively modern in its infrastructure, with good public transport and living costs far lower than European capitals.
- Home to 80% of the international universities in Georgia
- An international airport with direct flights to several Gulf cities
- Competitive rent and living prices
- An active and safe cultural life
Kutaisi — the second university city
Kutaisi stands out as a quieter, cheaper option than Tbilisi, with a number of medical universities. It suits the student looking for academic focus away from the bustle of the capital.
Leading universities available to Saudi students in Georgia
Below is a profile card for each university with a link to its detailed page on our site:
| Ilia State University — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Human medicine, natural sciences, business |
| Annual tuition | $8,000 – 10,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | The most prominent among Saudi students — fully English programs — an international environment |
| University of Georgia — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Medicine, business administration, law, information technology |
| Annual tuition | $8,500 – 12,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | A large private university — 10,000+ students — one of the most established private universities in Georgia |
| International Black Sea University — IBSU — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Business administration, information technology, engineering, media |
| Annual tuition | $4,500 – 7,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | Partnerships with Turkish and international universities — the most affordable option — diverse programs |
| Tbilisi State University — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Medicine, sciences, humanities, law |
| Annual tuition | $5,000 – 9,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | The oldest public university in Georgia — founded in 1918 — broad international academic recognition |
| Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Law, economics, social sciences, exact sciences |
| Annual tuition | $4,000 – 7,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | One of the most established research universities — suited to postgraduate study — a venerable academic environment |
| Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine |
| Annual tuition | $7,000 – 10,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | Dedicated to medicine exclusively — English programs — structured clinical training |
| Caucasus International University — Tbilisi | |
| Core specializations | Medicine, business administration, law, media |
| Annual tuition | $5,000 – 9,000 per year |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized in Saudi Arabia |
| Key features | International in character — joint programs with foreign universities — flexible admission |
| How do you choose the right university for you? The specialization is the first criterion. For medicine: Ilia, Shotadze, and Tbilisi State are the most experienced. For business and technology: IBSU and the University of Georgia. For postgraduate study: Javakhishvili. Your budget is the second criterion. Contact us at Future Way and we will help you with a personalized comparison. |
The cost of studying in Georgia for Saudis — the real numbers
Tuition by specialization and university
| Specialization | Annual range ($) | Annual range (SAR) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MD) | 7,000 – 12,000 | 26,000 – 45,000 | 6 years |
| Dentistry | 6,000 – 10,000 | 22,500 – 37,500 | 5 years |
| Pharmacy | 5,000 – 8,000 | 18,750 – 30,000 | 5 years |
| Business administration | 3,000 – 6,000 | 11,250 – 22,500 | 4 years |
| Engineering and technology | 4,000 – 7,000 | 15,000 – 26,250 | 4 years |
| Law and social sciences | 3,000 – 5,500 | 11,250 – 20,625 | 4 years |
Monthly living costs in Tbilisi
| Item | Monthly cost ($) | Monthly cost (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (room in a shared apartment) | 150 – 300 | 562 – 1,125 |
| Small independent apartment | 300 – 550 | 1,125 – 2,062 |
| Food and daily groceries | 150 – 280 | 562 – 1,050 |
| Public transport (metro + bus) | 15 – 30 | 56 – 112 |
| Phone and internet | 10 – 20 | 37 – 75 |
| Books and supplies | 20 – 50 | 75 – 187 |
| Entertainment and activities | 50 – 120 | 187 – 450 |
| Estimated monthly total | 395 – 800 | 1,481 – 3,000 |
| Georgia is cheaper than most European options A Saudi student in Tbilisi spends on average $500–700 per month on living — far less than Poland or Lithuania (€700–900). Over 6 years of medical study, this represents a real difference of $14,000–28,000. |
Admission requirements at Georgian universities
General academic requirements
| Specialization | Minimum GPA | Required core subjects | Additional test? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine | 75% – 85% | Biology, chemistry | Some universities require it |
| Dentistry | 70% – 80% | Biology, chemistry | Rarely |
| Pharmacy | 65% – 75% | Chemistry, biology | No |
| Business administration | 60% – 70% | No specific requirement | No |
| Engineering | 65% – 75% | Mathematics, physics | Sometimes |
English language requirements
- IELTS: 5.5 – 6.0 (lower than Lithuania and the Czech Republic)
- TOEFL iBT: 72+
- Prior study in English is accepted at most universities
- Some universities run a paid internal language test
Application file documents
- High school certificate — translated and certified
- Detailed transcript of grades
- Passport (valid for at least one year)
- English certificate or internal test
- Motivation letter
- Personal photos on a white background
- Application fee: $50 – 100 (depending on the university)
| ⚠️ Watch the application deadlines Georgian universities usually accept applications year-round (autumn and spring intakes), but seats in medical faculties are limited and fill early. Applying 3–4 months before your target start date gives you the best options. |
Saudi recognition of Georgian degrees
The major Georgian universities mentioned above are listed in the international WHED database and enjoy documented Saudi recognition. Recognition covers the university and the specialization together, so verifying the specific specialization before enrolling is advised.
Full details of the equivalency procedures are available in our dedicated article: equivalency of European certificates in Saudi Arabia.
| Item | The situation for Georgian universities |
|---|---|
| WHED listing status | Major universities are listed |
| Successful equivalency precedent in Saudi Arabia | Yes — for numerous Saudi graduates |
| Most-recognized specializations | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy |
| Estimated equivalency time | 3 – 6 months (with complete documents) |
| Is Georgia in the EU? | No — but the universities meet international standards |
To review the conditions of the Saudi external scholarship and whether it can apply to studying in Georgia, please visit our dedicated page.
Daily life for the Saudi student in Georgia
The Arab and Saudi community in Tbilisi
Tbilisi has a large and growing Arab community, especially from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. There are active student groups on social apps that offer practical support to new students, from airport pickup to finding housing.
Food and halal
Tbilisi offers good halal food options compared with many study destinations, with Arab restaurants and halal meat shops in several areas of the city. Georgian cuisine itself is rich and varied, and close to Arab tastes in some of its dishes.
Safety and the general environment
Georgia, and Tbilisi specifically, are classified among the safe countries in the region. Crime levels are low, and the city welcomes international students, who represent an important economic segment for it.
Climate and weather
Tbilisi’s climate is generally moderate: relatively hot summers (up to 35°C) and cold winters (which can reach −5°C) with possible snowfall — milder than the Baltic states or Central Europe.
| 🗣️ A Saudi student’s testimonial in Tbilisi “I chose Georgia because I wanted to study medicine at a reasonable cost in an international student environment. In Tbilisi I found a supportive Saudi community that helped me adapt quickly. The fully English teaching and the available professors clearly set my experience apart.” |
Frequently asked questions about studying in Georgia for Saudis
Is studying in Georgia recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Major Georgian universities such as Ilia University, the University of Georgia, Tbilisi State, IBSU, and Shotadze Academy are listed in the WHED database, and their degrees are recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the core specializations. It is always advised to verify the specific specialization before enrolling.
What is the cheapest university in Georgia for Saudi students?
In terms of tuition, International Black Sea University (IBSU) and Caucasus International University are among the most competitively priced ($3,000 – 7,000 per year). For medicine specifically, the range is between $7,000 and $12,000 at most Georgian universities.
How do I apply to a Georgian university from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Applications are submitted electronically at most universities via their official website. The required documents are sent digitally at first, with originals sent later. The Future Way team guides you through every stage of the application and communicates with the university in English on your behalf.
Are there Saudi students in Georgia?
Yes, and in growing numbers. Tbilisi has a relatively large Saudi and Gulf student community, with active support groups on social platforms. This makes adapting easier and provides a real support network for the new student.
Can the Saudi scholarship be used for Georgia?
Yes. A scholarship for Georgia is possible in the specializations approved by the sponsoring body, provided the university and specialization are listed in the body’s approved list. Medical and health specializations are the most likely to be accepted. Obtaining preliminary approval before applying is advised.
| Have you decided to study in Georgia? We are here The Future Way Academy team helps you from choosing the university, to preparing your file, to welcoming you in Tbilisi. Our field experience with Georgian universities saves you time and costly mistakes. |
