The Ministry of Education and Science in Mongolia aims to fund 442 educational and science projects totalling 744.8 billion tugriks in 2024. The education sector's overall budget is set at 4.2 trillion tugriks, equivalent to 5% of the gross domestic product. The plan for 2024 includes the construction of 142 schools, 149 kindergartens, and 40 dormitories to enhance educational infrastructure. An allocation of 330.5 billion tugriks will be dedicated to 173 projects. Additionally, 14.5 billion tugriks will be allocated for teacher education scholarships, and 6.9 billion tugriks will cover tuition fees for the children of teachers and employees with a minimum of 15 years of service, pursuing studies in key professions. Rural teachers will receive a six-month bonus for every five years of service, totalling 105.3 billion tugriks. Furthermore, 196.8 billion tugriks will be assigned to cover variable costs for vocational institutions. The "Lunch" program for secondary school students will be implemented with a budget of 87.4 billion tugriks.
Mongolia's education system underwent significant transformations in the 20th century. The educational reforms during the communist era marked a distinct departure from the traditional, often religious and esoteric, form of education. Modelled after Soviet education systems, these reforms substantially increased educational accessibility for Mongolian citizens. One notable change was the shift from the traditional Mongolian script to the Cyrillic alphabet from 1941 to 1946. This period saw a substantial increase in literacy rates, facilitated by widespread access to free primary school education for the majority of the population.
Mongolian children start their education journey at the age of two by enrolling in one of the 1416 kindergartens across the country. The first kindergarten was established in 1930. Afterwards, they progress to preschool classes until the age of eight. Subsequently, they commence ten years of schooling, with eight years being compulsory. This education spans the Primary, Middle, and Senior stages and is delivered in 74 primary schools, 116 secondary schools, and 608 high schools situated throughout Mongolia.
