About Mongolia

Mongolia has an adult literacy rate of roughly 98–99%, among the highest in the world, a dramatic shift from 1921, when about 99% of the population couldn't read or write. Education today follows a 12-year system with compulsory attendance generally covering ages 6 to 16, followed by optional higher education at one of the country's universities. As of January 2025, Mongolia also began requiring government documents to be issued in both Cyrillic and the traditional Mongolian script (bichig), with full restoration of the traditional script targeted by 2030.

Before the 1921 Mongolian People's Revolution, an estimated 99% of the population was unable to read or write, and formal study was largely restricted to men. The revolution triggered a sweeping transformation of the education system, and Mongolia's first kindergarten opened in 1930. Within a few generations, the country moved from mass illiteracy to a literacy rate now estimated at around 98–99% of the adult population, one of the highest rates in the world today.

Mongolia's education system has moved from the old Soviet-era model of 10 years of schooling (8 compulsory) toward a 12-year system more in line with international standards, with compulsory education now generally covering children from around age 6 to 16.

Structure of the system:

After completing compulsory education, students choose between continuing general academic study toward university or attending a vocational institution to train for a specific trade or profession.

Mongolia's university sector has consolidated significantly in recent years, with a number of smaller private institutions losing their operating licenses. As of the 2022–2023 academic year, the country had around 69 active higher education institutions, made up of roughly 16 public universities, 50 private institutions, and a small number of religious universities, enrolling more than 145,000 students nationwide, with women making up a clear majority of enrollment.

The best-known institution remains the National University of Mongolia, established in 1942, Mongolia's first university. The first private university opened in 1991, following the country's transition to a market economy.

Paying for university: Since the mid-1990s, higher education tuition has largely fallen on students and families rather than the state, and tuition remains one of the biggest financial barriers to higher education, particularly for rural students who must also cover living costs while studying in Ulaanbaatar, where the large majority of higher education institutions are concentrated.

One of the most significant recent changes to Mongolian education isn't about school structure at all, it's about the writing system itself.

Cyrillic script was introduced in Mongolia in the 1940s under Soviet influence, replacing the traditional vertical Mongolian script known as bichig. As of January 2, 2025, under Mongolia's Language Law, state and local government bodies are now required to conduct official business using both Cyrillic and traditional Mongolian script, with the government aiming for full restoration of the traditional script by 2030.

What this means in practice:

For students, this means many are now learning both scripts from an early age, a significant shift from previous decades when bichig was taught only sporadically, if at all.

Mongolia spends a substantial share of its budget on education, roughly 5.2% of GDP as of recent estimates, above the global average of around 4.3%. This reflects continued government emphasis on education as a development priority, even as the sector faces real structural challenges.

Roughly a quarter to a third of Mongolia's population lives a nomadic or semi-nomadic herding lifestyle, which creates real challenges for consistent schooling. For decades, the government has addressed this partly through boarding schools in provincial centers and partly through non-formal distance education, delivering lessons by television and video on topics ranging from basic literacy to vocational skills like wool processing and bookkeeping.

Even with these programs, disparities remain, with rural children, especially boys from herding households, more likely to leave school early to support family labor. For more on how nomadic family life shapes daily routines, see our guide: Mongolian Nomadic Lifestyle

What is the literacy rate in Mongolia?

Mongolia's adult literacy rate is around 98–99%, among the highest in the world, a dramatic change from 1921, when about 99% of the population was illiterate.

How many years of school are compulsory in Mongolia?

Mongolia has shifted from the old 10-year Soviet-era model to a 12-year system, with compulsory education generally covering children from around age 6 to 16.

What is the best-known university in Mongolia?

The National University of Mongolia, established in 1942 in Ulaanbaatar, is the country's oldest and most recognized university.

Is university education free in Mongolia?

No, Since the mid-1990s, tuition has largely been the responsibility of students and families, making cost one of the biggest barriers to higher education, especially for rural students.

What changed with Mongolia's script reform in 2025?

Starting January 2, 2025, Mongolian government bodies are required to use both Cyrillic and the traditional Mongolian script (bichig) in official documents, with full restoration of the traditional script targeted by 2030.

Will Mongolia stop using Cyrillic script?

Not entirely, at least not soon. Cyrillic is expected to remain in everyday use, including media and casual writing, even as the traditional script regains official status in government documents.

How does Mongolia educate children in nomadic herding families?

Through a mix of provincial boarding schools and non-formal distance education, including lessons delivered by television and video, though rural students still face higher rates of early school leaving than urban peers.hrough a mix of provincial boarding schools and non-formal distance education, including lessons delivered by television and video, though rural students still face higher rates of early school leaving than urban peers.

How much does Mongolia spend on education?

Government education spending is around 5.2% of GDP, above the global average of roughly 4.3%, reflecting continued national investment in the sector.