Studying in Mongolia

Understand Whether Mongolia Fits You

Mongolia suits students who want very affordable medical education (MNUMS), or Mongolian studies/language/culture, in a safe country — but most programs are in Mongolian, so English options are limited. Weigh this language reality carefully before applying.

Understand the System

The leading universities are the National University of Mongolia (NUM — broad, and strong for Mongolian studies), the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS — the public healthcare university, with an English medical track), and the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST). All are in Ulaanbaatar, with some branch campuses.

Get the Student Visa & Residence

After admission, you apply for a student visa and complete residence registration after arrival; your university’s international office (or host department) assists. Required items include a passport (valid 3+ years), your diploma, a medical form (including an HIV test), a tuition receipt, photos, and a registration fee.

Apply to Universities

Apply directly to your university (NUM has an international admissions office; MNUMS publishes international admission regulations). MNUMS is selective (organized once a year). Provide academic transcripts, a diploma, and English proficiency where the program is English-taught. Submit documents about three months ahead; windows run roughly March–June.

Plan for Tuition & Costs

Tuition is very affordable and varies by program (MNUMS notes that international students are charged at the same rate as Mongolian citizens from the following year). Living costs are low (~$300–600/month). Government and university scholarships exist — check with each institution.

Meet the Financial Requirement

You’ll provide a tuition receipt (paid before the year begins), proof of funds for living, a medical form (including an HIV test), a registration-fee receipt, and health insurance (international travel insurance is strongly recommended). Confirm the exact requirements with your university and immigration.

Understand the Language Reality

This is the key consideration: the main language of instruction is Mongolian. English-taught options are limited — chiefly MNUMS’s medical track and some international programs. If studying in Mongolian, plan for intensive language classes; learn at least basic Mongolian before arrival either way.

Prepare for the Move

After arriving, complete your residence registration, arrange dormitory or private housing, and set up banking and insurance. Prepare for Ulaanbaatar’s cold winters and winter air pollution (a real health consideration — pack warm clothing and factor in precautions). Universities’ international offices help with logistics.

Explore the Niche Strengths

Mongolia is a strong destination for two things: affordable English-medium medicine at MNUMS, and Mongolian studies, language, history, and culture at NUM (excellent for field trips, faculty expertise, and cultural immersion). There are also links to mining and resource sectors via technical programs.

Thrive & After Study

Graduates often move into resource, mining, and technology sectors, or Mongolia-focused academic and research paths. For medicine, verify recognition and pass the licensing exam where you’ll practice. Confirm the current post-study work pathway if you want to stay.

Studying in Mongolia: The Essentials

A snapshot — English-taught programs are limited, and recognition/licensing vary, so confirm with your university’s international office and immigration.

• The systemThe National University of Mongolia (NUM — broad, strong for Mongolian studies), the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS — public healthcare, with an English medical track), and the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST).
• Visa & languageApply for a student visa and complete residence registration after arrival (the international office assists); crucially, the main language is Mongolian — English is limited to MNUMS medicine and a few tracks, so verify and plan.
• ApplyingApply directly to NUM or MNUMS (MNUMS is selective, admitting once a year), with transcripts, a diploma, and English proof for English tracks; submit ~3 months ahead (roughly March–June).
• MoneyVery affordable (MNUMS charges the local rate from the following year); low living costs (~$300–600/month); provide a tuition receipt, a medical form (HIV test), and insurance; some scholarships.
• Strengths & afterBest for MNUMS medicine and Mongolian studies/culture (plus mining/resource links); prepare for cold winters and winter air pollution; for medicine, verify recognition and the licensing exam.

Where to learn more