How to Study in Mongolia for International Students
Situated between China and Russia, Mongolia is a landlocked nation with a uniquely rich culture that blends its ancient traditional lifestyle with modern developments. The country has also made significant progress in higher education, with its universities offering programs in engineering, technology, and business. Studying in Mongolia will allow you to learn more about Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, participate in its local customs, and get to know its people while earning your degree in one of its reputable institutions.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Mongolia currently has 45 universities, from which 12 universities are a part of the public sector and 33 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Mongolia you should definitely check out are National University of Mongolia, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, and Mongolian University of Life Sciences.
Being able to study in Mongolia as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Mongolia, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Mongolia
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Mongolia, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 6,731 MNT to 11,623,000 MNT, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 3,450,000 MNT and 10,360,000 MNT.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Mongolia
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Mongolia, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
National University of Mongolia | 10,500,000 MNT | 10,360,000 MNT |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Mongolia
Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
Huree University | 3,450,000 MNT | 3,450,000 MNT |
Mongolia International University | 6,434,000 MNT - 11,623,000 MNT | |
Citi University | 2,000,000 MNT - 3,800,000 MNT | 3,800,000 MNT |
University of Finance and Economics | 6,731 MNT - 15,400 MNT |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Mongolia, check out the Cheap Universities in Mongolia!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Mongolia for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Mongolia, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Mongolia, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Mongolia may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Mongolia are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Mongolia and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum score
- TOEFL: No minimum score
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Global Leadership University
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Mongolian National University
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Mongolia
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Mongolia have online applications available on their websites, like National University of Mongolia and Mongolian University of Science and Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Mongolia.
National University of Mongolia
Mongolian University of Science and Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Mongolian University of Life Sciences
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Mongolia differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Mongolia.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Mongolia
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Mongolia. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Mongolia as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Mongolia. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Study Visa.
To start your student visa application in Mongolia, you will need to present the following:
- Completed application form
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- 3.5x4.5 cm photo
- Proof of accommodation
- Copy of flight or train ticket
- Proof of financial capability
- Approval from Immigration Agency
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Mongolia is 70 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Prepare the required documents.
- Complete and submit the application form to the nearest Mongolian embassy or consulate.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for a response and receive your visa.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Mongolia. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!