Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU)
Comprehensive public university powering STEM, health & social innovation in western Georgia
About
Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) is one of Georgia’s oldest public universities. Founded in 1930 as a branch of Tbilisi State University and permanently located in Kutaisi since 1933, ATSU today serves more than 12,000 students across nine faculties that span Medicine, Humanities, Business, Engineering & Technology, Natural Sciences, Agrarian Sciences, Maritime Transport, Education, and Arts. The university’s mission is to deliver research-driven teaching that supports the socio-economic development of western Georgia while remaining closely aligned with European Higher Education Area standards.
ATSU’s 100,000 m² campus combines heritage buildings with newly modernized laboratories, a simulation hospital, engineering workshops, maritime navigation simulators, viticulture & agritech stations, and entrepreneurial co-working hubs. Students benefit from 150+ Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, DAAD, and Mevlana partnerships, dual-degree options with EU universities, and a strong network of regional hospitals, infrastructure firms, logistics companies, and public agencies that offer internships and applied research placements. Dedicated international services assist with admissions, visas, accommodation, and Georgian language support.
College Highlights
College Highlights
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
National Accreditation
Authorized by the Georgian National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE); ATSU medical programs operate under the Ministry of Education & Science and the Ministry of Health.
Global Recognition
Member of the European University Association (EUA), International Association of Universities (IAU), Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe consortia. MD program listed in WDOMS and accepted by NMC (India), WHO, WFME, and ECFMG/FAIMER.
Comprehensive Facilities
Simulation hospital & OSCE center, engineering prototyping labs, maritime simulators, viticulture research plots, smart classrooms, applied research institutes, and refurbished residence halls.
Specialties
Specialties
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Medicine (MD, English Track)
Duration: 6 years (360 ECTS)
Medium: English
Faculty: ATSU Faculty of Medicine & Healthcare Sciences with simulation-based teaching and partnerships with Kutaisi hospitals
Eligibility: 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with 50% aggregate; NEET (for Indian applicants); English proficiency (IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 72)
Recognition: NCEQE, WDOMS, NMC (India), WHO, WFME, ECFMG/FAIMER
Energy & Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: Georgian with English electives
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering & Technology with labs for renewable energy, CAD/CAM, mechatronics, and hydropower simulations
Eligibility: High school diploma with math/physics; national exams or international admission test; English B1 for Erasmus mobility
Highlights: Projects with Enguri & Namakhvani hydropower, Kutaisi industrial park internships, Erasmus+ dual-degree options
Business, Tourism & Logistics (BBA)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian cohorts
Faculty: Business, Law & Social Sciences with instructors from hospitality, logistics, and SME sectors
Eligibility: High school diploma; English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or ATSU internal test) for English track
Highlights: Applied tourism lab, logistics partnerships with Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone, entrepreneurship incubator
Postgraduate Programs
MSc in Renewable Energy & Smart Grids
Duration: 2 years
Medium: English
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical engineering or related field; English B2; motivation interview
Highlights: Research with ATSU Energy Research Center, Horizon Europe projects, dual supervision with Polish & German partner universities
University Highlights
- Over 90 years of public higher education serving western Georgia’s STEM, health, agrarian, and social sectors.
- Nine faculties with 150+ degree programs, including English-medium Medicine, Engineering, Business, and Maritime Transport.
- ISO-certified labs, simulation hospital, renewable energy center, viticulture research plots, and maritime navigation simulators.
- 150+ Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, DAAD, and Mevlana partnerships with double-degree and joint research opportunities.
- Strong employer network with West Georgian hospitals, hydropower & transport projects, agribusinesses, and logistics companies.
- International services assisting with visa support, Kutaisi housing, Georgian language courses, and career mentoring.
Fee Structure
| Course | Year Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Medicine (MD, English track) | 5,500 USD per year |
| Energy & Mechanical Engineering (BEng) | 3,000 USD per year |
| Business, Tourism & Logistics (BBA) | 2,700 USD per year |
| Maritime Transport & Navigation | 3,200 USD per year |
| Agrarian & Viticulture Sciences | 2,500 USD per year |
| MSc Renewable Energy & Smart Grids | 3,500 USD per year |
| Student Housing & Campus Services | 1,000 – 1,300 USD per year |
Note: Tuition is billed in GEL; USD figures shown for guidance. Application, visa, insurance, laboratory consumables, internships, and housing are additional. ATSU offers state-funded seats, merit scholarships, social grants, and Erasmus+/DAAD stipends for eligible students.
Campus Photos
Student Reviews & Ratings
Share Your Experience
Help other students by sharing your experience at this university
Write a ReviewRajesh Kumar
December 2024"ATSU combines strong medical academics with real exposure in Kutaisi clinics. The Erasmus+ semester in Poland and the new simulation hospital helped me feel confident heading into clinical rotations."
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for the Medicine (MD) program?
Applicants must complete 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and 50% aggregate, submit a valid NEET score (for Indian nationals), provide English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 72 or ATSU placement test), passport copy, and medical fitness certificate. Shortlisted candidates join an online interview before receiving the admission letter.
Is the ATSU MD degree recognized internationally?
Yes. Akaki Tsereteli State University is accredited by NCEQE, and its MD program is listed in WDOMS and recognized by NMC (India), WHO, WFME, and ECFMG/FAIMER. Graduates are eligible for FMGE/NExT, USMLE, PLAB, and other licensing exams after fulfilling each country’s regulations.
What documents are required during admission?
Submit notarized academic transcripts (10th & 12th), passport copy, birth certificate, NEET report (if applicable), English proficiency certificate, medical fitness report, eight passport photos, and a financial support affidavit. Documents must be apostilled/legalized according to Georgian consular requirements.
Fees & Living
What is the average cost of living in Kutaisi for students?
Plan for 320–420 USD per month covering shared apartments or ATSU dorms (120–180 USD), meals, public transport (bus card < 15 USD), utilities, and personal expenses. Kutaisi remains more affordable than Tbilisi or Batumi.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes. ATSU provides Georgian state grants, merit scholarships, social support stipends, Erasmus+/DAAD mobility funding, and discounts for high-performing international students. Maintaining the required GPA and completing academic milestones is necessary to retain aid.