- Desire2Study
- Jun 26
- 13 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Table of Contents
Why Georgia Attracts International Students for Medicine and Dentistry?
Over the last decade, Georgia has become a popular destination for those looking to study dentistry in Georgia. With promises of low tuition fees, simplified admission processes, and medical English-taught programs, many international students — especially from the UK, EU, India, and the Middle East — have been drawn to European medical universities in Georgia like New Vision University, European University Georgia, or University of Georgia Tbilisi.
On the surface, it sounds ideal: no entrance exams, no UCAT or BMAT, and a chance to study dentistry in Georgia in English with affordable living costs. This has led to a spike in applications, particularly for dentistry in Georgia for international students.
However, as advisors at Desire2Study, we urge prospective students and their families to take a step back. Our team has supported numerous students who went to Georgia and later reached out, distressed and confused about their future. Many were misled by agents, websites, or word of mouth, only to realise after enrolling that their degree may not be accepted in their home country, that transferring from a Georgian medical school is extremely difficult, or that costs were not as cheap as expected.
In this article, we will break down the realities of studying dentistry in Georgia — not the glossy brochure version, but the one based on real student experiences. We will also explore other options to study dentistry in English in Europe. If you’re a student from the UK or EU considering Georgia, this is a must-read. We’ll also provide safer, EU-recognised alternatives in countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Lithuania where your investment in medical education truly pays off.
The Reality Behind Studying Dentistry in Georgia
While Georgia is marketed as a European destination for medical studies, it is important to understand that it is not a member of the EU, Schengen, or EEA. This distinction is critical when it comes to the recognition of medical degrees and licensing to practice in Europe.
Most medical universities in Georgia Tbilisi, including European University Georgia Medicine, Caucasus Medical University Georgia, and Geomedi Medical University, offer degrees in English. Yet students often face a significant lack of clinical exposure, poorly structured teaching, and very limited patient interaction in actual hospital settings. These are critical components of any strong medical education — and they’re often missing.
Students who return to the UK or Ireland after graduating are typically required to sit additional exams, such as ORE (for dentistry), which are difficult to pass without proper clinical training even if you can secure the spot as the places for ORE exams in the UK are really limited. Worse still, we’ve worked with students who were denied recognition entirely due to concerns over their academic transcripts or teaching quality.
To make matters more complex, many Georgia country medical schools operate on business models where often anyone who can pay is admitted — regardless of academic suitability. This results in overcrowded classes, limited one-on-one support, and, ultimately, underprepared graduates.
So while it may seem like a shortcut to become a dentist, in reality, studying in Georgia often means taking the long way around — or being left without a clear dentistry career at all.
Dentistry in Georgia: The Harsh Truth
Many international students are drawn to the idea of studying dentistry in Georgia, often influenced by agents promising quick access to EU-equivalent dental degrees. Institutions like the University of Georgia Tbilisi, European University Georgia, and New Vision University Georgia offer English-taught dentistry programs, seemingly without complex entry requirements.
But here’s what many students discover far too late:
Clinical practice is limited or poorly supervised. Patients are often scarce, and hands-on work is minimal until the final years.
Many students graduate without sufficient skills or confidence to treat real patients — which becomes obvious when attempting licensing exams abroad.
The ORE (Overseas Registration Exam) in the UK is difficult to pass without strong clinical and academic preparation.
Students who study dentistry in Georgia Tbilisi often feel misled, frustrated, and trapped. At Desire2Study, we’ve helped medical transfer students who desperately tried to transfer from Georgian medical or dental universities, but often it is very challenging exercise. They face additional exams, gaps in coursework and loose a few years of study.
Are Georgian Medical Degrees Recognised in Europe?
This is the question most prospective students fail to fully investigate. One of the most pressing concerns for those who study dentistry in Georgia is the recognition of their degree in Europe. While many Georgian universities are listed in international directories such as the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS), this does not guarantee automatic recognition across the EU or UK. Recognition depends on a wide range of factors — from the structure of the curriculum to clinical experience, language of instruction, and even political agreements between countries.
Graduates often find that upon returning to Europe, especially the UK an EU, they are required to pass additional exams or face lengthy bureaucratic processes to have their qualifications recognised. For dental graduates, the situation is particularly severe. The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) in the UK has limited availability, making it incredibly difficult to secure a place and ultimately register to practise. Many qualified dentists have ended up working in fast-food restaurants or as carers while waiting for recognition or access to licensure — as highlighted in recent reports by Dentistry.co.uk,
While Georgian degrees may be technically recognised under certain bilateral agreements, the practical recognition — especially for dentistry graduates — is another story.
For example:
In the UK, dentistry graduates must pass ORE — which is currently oversubscribed, expensive, and has a very low pass rate.
In Germany, France, Ireland, and Scandinavia, Georgian degrees often require extensive documentation, supplementary exams, or postgraduate clinical work — which is rarely straightforward.
Many licensing bodies have raised red flags about academic inconsistency and poor clinical training in Georgian schools.
Moreover, language barriers and the clinical quality of training are under scrutiny. Unlike accredited EU medical programmes that meet set standards, Georgian programmes may lack consistency in how clinical practice is delivered, making recognition decisions even more uncertain. It's not unusual for graduates to discover — too late — that their medical or dental degree does not meet the standards expected in their home country.
This reality has left many international students in limbo, unable to progress professionally despite completing their studies. At Desire2Study, we regularly receive messages from students desperately seeking help to transfer out of Georgia or asking whether anything can be done to fix the situation. The unfortunate answer is that once you graduate, your options become extremely limited. That’s why it’s essential to fully research whether your Georgian degree will serve your long-term goals before enrolling.
In short, your diploma might look valid, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be allowed to practice — especially without additional exams or training.
Georgian Universities Entry Requirements: Low Barrier, High Risk
One of the reasons why medical dental schools in Georgia attract so many international students is the low entry barrier. Unlike in the UK or EU, where students typically need high school results in science subjects and competitive entrance exams, Georgian universities often admit students without rigorous screening. For example, the University of Georgia Tbilisi medicine and European University Georgia dentistry programmes typically require little more than a high school diploma and proof of English proficiency.
While this seems like an appealing shortcut for those struggling to gain admission elsewhere, it often leads to serious problems. Students who are not academically prepared for the demanding content of a medical or dental degree quickly find themselves overwhelmed or failing exams.
The European medical university Georgia approach may feel inclusive, but in practice, it can backfire. Without tough entry requirements, students from vastly different academic backgrounds are grouped together, and teaching standards may suffer. This contributes to the widespread perception that Georgian medical degrees lack credibility, especially in comparison to those from Czechia, Slovakia, or Lithuania, where standards are more regulated and costs are only slightly higher.
In addition, the “everyone gets in” culture has led to overcrowding in some faculties.
With increasing numbers of international students flocking to study dentistry in Georgia for international students, universities are struggling to maintain quality. Some reports from students describe insufficient access to clinical placements, underqualified teaching staff, and a lack of structure — all of which put their future at risk. As some agents and universities continue to promote Georgian schools aggressively, it’s essential for students and parents to ask deeper questions about what lies beyond the easy entry point.
Core Structure and Clinical Exposure at Georgian Medical Universities
When students choose to study medicine in Georgia, they often expect a hands-on, Western-style curriculum. Unfortunately, the reality differs. While Georgian universities like New Vision University Georgia and Caucasus Medical University Georgia offer English-taught dentistry programs, the clinical exposure is frequently delayed or inadequate.
In the early years, students mostly follow theoretical modules without entering real hospital settings. Unlike European schools where patient interaction begins in Year 2 or 3, in Georgia this may be postponed until the final years — and even then, it often lacks supervision and practical rigor.
Another concern is limited access to modern hospital facilities. Clinical partners are often under-equipped or poorly staffed. Some students report having to observe rather than participate in key procedures. For aspiring dentists, this is a critical shortfall that leaves them underprepared for real-world healthcare environments.
In contrast, medical universities in Czechia, Slovakia, or Lithuania integrate clinical practice from early stages. EU programs are structured around strong academic and hands-on experience, helping students transition smoothly into residency or postgraduate exams in the UK and other countries.
If you’re serious about becoming a competent, recognized dentist, you must consider the long-term impact of poor clinical training. Desire2Study hears from many students wishing to leave Georgia — often too late — because they feel undertrained and stuck.
The Truth About the Cost of Studying Dentistry in Georgia — Not So Cheap Anymore
For many years, one of the most attractive reasons to study dentistry in Georgia was the perceived affordability compared to Europe. Promises of low tuition fees, inexpensive living costs, and quick entry into the profession made Georgian dental schools seem like a smart financial decision for international students — especially those from the UK, EU, and Middle East. However, the reality in 2025 is far from what’s advertised.
What’s Changed?
Firstly, tuition fees have risen steadily across Georgian dental faculties. While agents still claim you can study for as little as €3,000 a year, most university of Georgia Tbilisi dentistry or European University Georgia dentistry programs now cost between €5,000 and €7,000 annually. That’s not including registration fees, student visa renewals, or exam retake charges — which can quietly increase the total yearly cost by €1,000–€3,000. For a five-year dental degree, the real cost often exceeds €30,000, even before factoring in the cost of licensing exams after graduation.
Secondly, the cost of living in Georgia — particularly in Tbilisi — has increased dramatically. Rent, utilities, and food prices have gone up due to growing demand and economic pressures. Students now report paying between €400–€700 per month for modest housing, which is not far off prices in smaller EU cities like Kaunas (Lithuania) or Košice (Slovakia). Once considered cheap, Georgia no longer offers the cost advantage it once did.
Furthermore, there are significant hidden costs that are rarely discussed upfront. These include mandatory health insurance, residence permits, visa renewals, textbooks, and even transport for off-site clinical placements — all of which can add thousands over the course of a degree. Some students also pay for external tutoring or exam coaching just to pass internal assessments, especially in under-resourced programs where academic support is limited.
And perhaps the biggest financial shock comes after graduation. If you study dentistry in Georgia, you’ll likely need to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) or equivalent in your home country to practise — a process that can cost £5,000–£10,000 or more, and is incredibly competitive. Many graduates are left waiting for years for a seat or end up working in unrelated jobs while their degree remains unrecognised. Suddenly, the idea of a “cheap” dental education doesn’t feel like a bargain at all.
For prospective students hoping to study dentistry in Georgia in English, it’s essential to understand that the low price tag is often misleading. By comparison, countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Lithuania may appear more expensive at first glance, but they offer EU-recognised degrees, more structured clinical training, and a clearer path to licensure. In the long run, the total cost of studying dentistry in Georgia may be higher — not just in money, but in time and opportunity.
Dentists Left in Limbo: The Real Consequences
For those who study dentistry in Georgia, the road after graduation is often one of uncertainty and frustration. As highlighted in recent articles from by Dentistry.co.uk, many UK graduates of Georgian dental schools are unable to practice in the NHS due to the lack of ORE exam access and recognition barriers.
Dentistry has very strict clinical requirements, and many Georgian dental universities fail to meet them. Students graduated from University of Georgia Tbilisi dentistry or European University Georgia dentistry report poor simulation labs, little access to patients, and lack of real treatment exposure versus other countries in central Europe.
This leaves graduates with a degree they cannot use — stuck in limbo for years. The emotional and financial toll is enormous. Some have returned home only to work in unrelated jobs, or have spent thousands on ORE preparation courses with no exam date in sight.
These are not rare exceptions. Desire2Study has spoken with dozens of affected students, many of whom say they wish they had chosen a European dental school instead. Institutions in Lithuania, Slovakia, or Czechia offer degrees that are automatically recognised in the EU — saving students from years of uncertainty.
Before enrolling in a Georgian dentistry program, students should ask: Is it worth the risk of being left with a degree no country wants to accept?
Med School Transfer Problems from Georgia to Europe
A growing number of students contact Desire2Study asking to transfer from Georgia to an EU medical university. Sadly, most of these cases are unsuccessful.
Georgian universities do not always follow ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), and course content often doesn’t match the syllabi of accredited EU schools. This means EU universities either reject transfer applications outright or require students to start over from Year 1.
Even those who gain some credit transfer often find it difficult to catch up, especially if their previous studies lacked real clinical exposure. This creates academic and emotional setbacks, and in many cases, wasted years of tuition and time.
Moreover, many European dental schools have limited transfer slots — and they prioritise candidates from within Europe. Those coming from Georgia face intense scrutiny, and their degrees are seen as lacking in rigour.
If you’re thinking about using Georgia as a “stepping stone” to Europe, think again.
The path is much more difficult than most students expect, and there’s no guarantee of success.
Desire2Study always recommends students start their studies in a recognised EU university, even if admission is slightly more competitive. It saves time, money, and disappointment in the long run.
Safer Alternatives to Study Dentistry Abroad
If you’re serious about becoming a doctor or dentist, consider EU-accredited universities where:
Degrees are automatically recognised in all EU and EEA countries.
Programs offer strong clinical exposure, often starting in Year 3.
Licensing is far more straightforward.
At Desire2Study, we help students get admitted to top medical universities in many European countries in Czechia, Slovakia, and Lithuania, but also slightly expensive options in Poland, Germany, Hungary, or Spain, which maintain strict academic standards and offer English-taught programs with real long-term value.
How Desire2Study Can Help You to Make the Right Choice?
At Desire2Study, we’ve worked with hundreds of international students, who felt let down by Georgian universities. Some struggled with transfers, others faced rejection when trying to register as professionals back home.
We offer:
Free consultations to understand your academic background and help you to choose the right dental school.
Application support to medical universities in the EU.
Help with entrance exams, interview prep and settling in in the new country.
Most importantly, we give you honest advice — not sales pitches. If you’ve already applied to dental unis in Georgia, we’ll review your options and help you plan your next steps.
Final Thoughts: Do Your Research Before You Apply
The decision to study dentistry abroad is a major one — and Georgia is not always the shortcut it seems to be. While the country offers English-taught programs, low entry requirements, and seemingly cheap fees, the long-term consequences can be devastating.
Licensing issues, transfer challenges, poor clinical experience, and rising costs are all real and growing problems. And with recent media coverage exposing the plight of Georgian-trained dentists in the UK, students must be cautious.
Before enrolling, do your research thoroughly. Speak to current or former students, look into licensing requirements in your home country, and verify whether your future degree will be accepted. The cheapest or easiest path isn’t always the wisest.
Desire2Study has helped countless students make informed decisions — and redirect those stuck in Georgia toward better futures. We strongly recommend looking at reputable European universities in Europe, where medical degrees come with international recognition and a secure career path.
When in doubt, ask us. We’re here to help you make the right choice the first time — not after years of regret.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Georgia
Why should you not study dentistry in Georgia?
Despite being a popular destination, studying dentistry in Georgia can lead to major setbacks. Many Georgian medical universities lack international recognition, clinical experience is often limited, and transferring to better universities is difficult. Students from the UK or EU must still pass tough licensing exams like ORE in the UK, often without the necessary preparation.
What are the alternatives to studying dentistry in Georgia?
Dentistry in Lithuania, Slovakia, and Czechia and other European countries offers far better value and professional outcomes. Universities in these countries provide structured clinical training and their degrees are fully recognised across the EU and UK, making registration and employment much easier after graduation.
Are degrees from Georgian medical universities recognised in Europe?
Recognition varies widely. While technically accepted on paper, most Georgian dental degrees require graduates to pass extra exams (e.g. ORE) or complete bridging courses. These exams are difficult and expensive, and many students find themselves unable to meet the requirements years after graduation.
How much does it really cost to study dentistry in Georgia?
The cost of studying dentistry in Georgia has increased significantly. Tuition now ranges from €5,000 to €8,000 annually, and living expenses in Tbilisi are no longer cheap. When factoring in visa fees, travel, poor teaching quality, and post-graduation licensing costs, Georgia is not the low-cost option it once appeared to be.
Can I transfer from a Georgian medical university to an EU university?
In most cases, transferring from Georgia to an EU medical school is very difficult, but sometimes still possible. Differences in curriculum, lack of accreditation, and missing clinical hours make transfers very difficult after Year 1. Desire2Study strongly advises students to choose a recognised EU university from the beginning.
How does Desire2Study help students choose the right dental school based on their background and career plans?
At Desire2Study, we go far beyond just processing applications — we offer personalised guidance to ensure students choose a dental school that aligns with their academic background, budget, and career aspirations. For example, if you're a UK or EU citizen who plans to return and practise in your home country, we’ll steer you away from options like studying dentistry in Georgia, which often require additional licensing exams such as the ORE or KRO, and are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.
Instead, we help you explore EU-accredited dental schools in Europe, where degrees are fully recognised across Europe, and where the quality of clinical training meets international standards. We assess your educational history, preferred learning environment, language skills, and long-term goals, then match you with the best options that offer both quality and recognition.
Desire2Study also provides detailed support throughout the process — from explaining university entry requirements and fee structures to helping you prepare for entrance exams or interviews. Our goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes and find a program that truly supports your future in dentistry.
