RBI Report: Georgia is the new choice for MBBS studies among Indians, while the trend towards countries like Ukraine is declining.

Ukraine, once a favorite destination for Indian medical students, is now falling out of favor. According to RBI data, remittances to Ukraine have declined significantly.

Amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, Indian students are now turning to Georgia for MBBS studies. According to data released under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalized Remittance Scheme, Indians sent $50.25 million to Georgia for education in 2024-25. This amount is nearly five times more than the $10.33 million sent in 2018-19. So, let us explain why Georgia and Ukraine are becoming the new choice for MBBS studies among Indians, and why the trend towards countries like the United States and Canada is declining.

The trend is shifting from Ukraine to Georgia.

Ukraine, once a favorite destination for Indian medical students, is now falling out of favor. According to the latest RBI data, remittances to Ukraine declined from $14.18 million in 2018-19 to $2.40 million in 2024-25. Meanwhile, remittances to Russia reached $69.94 million, a 200 percent increase compared to previous years. According to the RBI, while 4,148 Indian students were studying in Georgia in 2019, this number is projected to increase to 10,470 by 2023. Medical colleges here are renowned for their low fees and English-medium education. MBBS course fees in Georgia range from ₹4,000 to ₹7,500 per year. The total fee for a six-year course ranges from 24,000 rupees in some universities to nearly $45,000 in others.

Why is Georgia's popularity growing?

Medical education in Georgia is conducted in English medium and the visa process is easy. The country's security, proximity to Europe, and affordable fees make it a good option for Indian students. Many students are now transferring directly from Ukraine to continue their studies at Georgian medical colleges.

Indian interest in the US and Canada is declining.

According to the latest RBI data, remittances from Indian students to the US declined by 10 percent in 2024-25. Canada saw a 43 percent decline, while Australia saw a 5 percent decrease. The UK saw a 12 percent increase, and Germany saw a 70 percent increase. However, Georgia and Russia are emerging as new choices for Indians in the medical education sector.