Studying Dentistry in Georgia

Many international students interested in pursuing medical specialties choose to study dentistry in Georgia. One of the key factors for studying dentistry in Georgia is the duration of the program. The dentistry program in Georgia is offered at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels and takes 5 years to complete. On the other hand, the cost of studying dentistry in Georgia is very affordable compared to many other countries. Although the official language of Georgia is Georgian, the dentistry program is taught in English, which can be a great advantage for international students. In this article from Elm Vira, we will explore all aspects of studying dentistry in Georgia.

Advantages of Studying in Georgia

Georgia is one of the safest countries in the world, with a transparent political system and a well-established police force. The people of Georgia share cultural and traditional similarities with Iranians and are very hospitable. Some of the benefits of studying dentistry in Georgia include:

• Affordable tuition fees for dentistry compared to universities in other European countries
• No need for international language proficiency certificates for admission
• Reasonable living costs, housing, food, and clothing compared to European countries
• Opportunity to participate in free student exchange programs during studies in Europe and the USA
• Free English and Georgian language preparation courses before entering university
• Presence of distinguished medical professors in Georgia’s dental universities
• Opportunities for employment after graduation
• Support for students’ scientific ideas and various research camps throughout the studies

Conditions for Studying Dentistry in Georgia

The duration of dental studies in Georgia is typically 6 years, although most students complete the program in 5 years. In all dental universities in Georgia, students undergo practical training in healthcare centers for one year. Applicants can apply for admission to study dentistry up to 3 times a year, with application periods varying based on the university—usually in March, October, or November. The tuition fees for dental studies in Georgia are higher than those for medical studies. One of the conditions for admission to dentistry programs in Georgia is that some universities may require the Dental Admission Test (DAT) score as part of the application process.

Cost of Studying Dentistry in Georgia

Dental universities in Georgia strive to align their educational systems with European standards, resulting in slightly higher tuition fees for dental programs. However, these fees are still lower compared to many European countries. The cost of studying dentistry in Georgia is approximately between $4,000 and $7,000 per year, depending on the university and city where the program is pursued.

Main Advantages of Studying Dentistry in Georgia

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, aims to be recognized as a European country. As such, it follows European educational standards. Some of the main advantages of studying dentistry in Georgia include:

• High quality of education
• Modern medical and dental infrastructure and technologies used by universities
• Dentistry education goes beyond theoretical knowledge
• Recognition by UNESCO and the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Availability of hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art technologies

However, there are also some disadvantages to studying dentistry in Georgia:

• Cold weather and harsh winters
• A limited number of public universities
• High tuition fees for private universities
• Recognition of dental degrees in Georgia

The quality of education, especially in higher education, has improved, which has enhanced the value of dental degrees from Georgian universities. While Georgian medical and dental universities are not recognized by Iran’s Ministry of Health, they are highly respected worldwide. Graduates can pursue careers in countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, or European nations. This creates new opportunities for graduates to enter the job market and universities in advanced countries. As mentioned, degrees from Georgian universities are recognized by UNESCO and the World Health Organization.

Best Dental Universities in Georgia

Dental universities in Georgia accept applicants from both public and private institutions. The requirements for studying dentistry at each university are specific to each institution. Some of the best universities for dentistry in Georgia include:

1. Tbilisi State University
2. Georgia University Georgia
3. Ilia State University
4. Free University of Tbilisi
5. SEU (South European University)
6. American University of Georgia
7. Caucasus International University
8. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Here’s an overview of some of the top dental universities in Georgia:

1. Georgia University of Dentistry

Located in Tbilisi, this private institution is one of the best higher education establishments in Georgia. The Georgia University campus is large and well-equipped, with 90% of graduates entering the workforce after graduation. The tuition fee for studying dentistry at Georgia University is $4,800 per year.

1. Caucasus International University (CIU)

Established in 1998, CIU is one of the top medical and dental universities in Georgia. In addition to medical and dental studies, CIU also offers programs in pharmacy, humanities, technology, social sciences, and law.

1. Eastern European University of Dentistry

Founded in 2012, this private university is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Georgia. The university offers a range of programs, including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, business, and social sciences. It is highly regarded by international students.

Scholarships for Dentistry Studies in Georgia

Considering the tuition fees for studying dentistry in Georgia, many dental universities in the country offer scholarships to students with strong academic records. Students who achieve high grades after at least 2–4 semesters or have recognized international academic achievements may be eligible for these scholarships. The scholarship may cover full or partial tuition fees.

Admission Requirements for Dentistry Studies in Georgia

International applicants wishing to study dentistry in Georgia must prepare and submit the necessary documents to obtain admission to one of the country’s universities. Before proceeding, applicants should gather complete information about the requirements for studying dentistry in Georgia. If all conditions for studying dentistry in Georgia meet their expectations, they can proceed with the following steps for admission:

• Completed application form
• Most recent educational certificate with official transcripts (translated)
• Identity documents with official translation
• Financial solvency certificate
• Valid passport
• Academic resume and motivation letter
• Health certificate
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Payment receipt for document review
• International language proficiency certificate (if available, as it is an advantage)

Obtaining a Student Visa for Dentistry Studies in Georgia

After receiving admission, another important step is to obtain a student visa. Once accepted into a Georgian university, students must apply for a study visa. Applicants should visit the Georgian Embassy in Tehran to receive the study visa application form. Due to positive political relations between Iran and Georgia, applicants can stay in Georgia for up to 3 months without a visa; however, dentistry students must apply for a D3 student visa. The documents required for obtaining a Georgian student visa include:

• Completed study visa application form
• Official admission letter from the university
• Officially translated identity documents
• Travel insurance with required coverage
• Latest educational certificates with transcripts (translated)
• 6 passport-sized color photos
• Employment records and certificates (if applicable)
• Medical certificate
• Proof of financial solvency
• Valid passport
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Payment receipt for document review

Studying Dentistry in Georgia: Work Conditions

Graduates of dentistry programs in Georgia are granted the right to stay and work full-time in the country for one year. After this period, if they are unable to find a job related to dentistry, they must leave the country. It is common for many foreign students to leave Georgia after graduation and move to other countries, particularly in Europe, where they either enter the job market or continue their education at universities.

Student Dormitories

Since Georgia considers itself part of Europe, its higher education system adheres to European and international standards. The country also makes provisions for housing foreign students. There are three main options for accommodation:

1. Student Dormitories: These dorms are located near university campuses. The advantages of student dormitories include their affordability, proximity to the university, and availability of necessary amenities.
2. Renting Apartments: The cost of renting an apartment varies depending on the city, neighborhood, and size of the apartment.

Language of Instruction for Dentistry in Georgia

Since Georgia is one of the former Soviet republics, the Russian language is still widely spoken. The language of instruction in Georgia is either Russian or English, and students can choose the language of their studies. However, studying dentistry in English comes at a higher cost. It is not mandatory to have an international language certificate, but students must prove their language proficiency. Students who are not proficient in the language of instruction are required to attend language proficiency courses before starting their studies and obtaining the relevant certification.

Conclusion

Georgia, as a bridge between Europe and Asia, boasts a modern and standardized educational system. Many international students opt to study dentistry in Georgia due to the country’s favorable conditions. While Georgia’s higher education system meets international standards and provides high-quality education, the cost of studying dentistry in Georgia is generally lower than in European countries. The duration of the dentistry program is typically five years, during which students receive professional training for one year in equipped medical centers.

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