Mongolia's formal school system includes сургуулийн өмнөх боловсрол (preschool education) and ерөнхий боловсрол (general education). Preschool generally covers ages two to five and lasts four years. The five-year preschool year is explicitly compulsory and must provide at least 200 hours. Childcare without a recognized preschool or school-preparation function belongs outside this school system. General education lasts 12 years. Primary education covers grades 1 to 5, basic education covers grades 6 to 9, and upper secondary education covers grades 10 to 12. Mongolia does not use direct equivalents of the German Gymnasium, Realschule or Hauptschule. Schools are distinguished mainly by education stage and the type of general education school they provide. A general education school is commonly called ерөнхий боловсролын сургууль and abbreviated as ЕБС. Children normally enter grade 1 at age six. Admission at age seven may be allowed for developmental, health or other substantiated reasons. Schools may not use an entrance examination for first-grade admission. For the 2026-27 school year, online registration for first grade at state schools through E-Mongolia is scheduled for 17 to 28 August 2026 for children born in 2020. The child's address is relevant because the хамран сургах тойрог, or school catchment and enrollment area, helps determine the responsible school. Schools provide offline assistance where families cannot complete the online process. School types include primary schools and combined kindergarten-primary complexes for grades 1 to 5, basic secondary schools for grades 1 to 9, and secondary schools covering grades 1 to 12 or grades 6 to 12. Mongolia also has state, local and private schools, specialized talent programs from grade 6, diversified and international programs, dormitory schools, alternative preschool provision, distance and online learning, primary home education on a parent's request, and catch-up education for children and adults. Technical and vocational education is a separate pathway after grade 9 or grade 12 rather than a school stage within general education. The school year normally runs from 1 September to 15 June and includes about 170 to 185 teaching days. Kindergarten generally runs from 1 September to 1 June. An education authority may adjust the academic calendar on a proposal from an aimag, meaning a province, or the capital city when local climate or conditions require it. Dormitories are especially relevant for access to school in rural and remote areas. Mongolian is the main language of instruction, and English is the main foreign language. The system recognizes mother-language learning rights where applicable. Foreign and international schools must teach Mongolian language, the national script, Mongolian literature and Mongolian history in Mongolian. The curriculum includes mathematics, natural and social sciences, humanities, language and communication, physical education, artistic and aesthetic subjects, digital and creative technology, and civic and life skills. Upper secondary education combines compulsory and elective subjects. A revised primary curriculum begins with grades 1 and 2 in the 2026-27 school year and extends to grades 3 to 5 in 2027-28. Pearson English is being introduced progressively in grades 3 to 9 during 2025-26, with a stated target extending from grades 3 to 12. Schools assess readiness for school and monitor learning progress, promotion and completion. Grades 1 to 3 do not use numerical or letter grades. The school decides promotion, while a local education organization conducts the final graduation assessment. After the final assessment, the student receives a completion document, and certificates can also be accessed digitally. Completion of grade 9 leads to the Basic Education Certificate, Суурь боловсролын гэрчилгээ. Completion of grade 12 leads to the Complete Secondary Education Certificate, Бүрэн дунд боловсролын үнэмлэх. These certificates support transition to technical and vocational education or higher education, which follow different rules outside the school system. State and local general education schools are generally tuition-free. Primary textbooks are provided free of charge, while textbooks for grades 6 to 12 may be supplied through the school library for a fee and may also be purchased. Families usually provide school materials and uniforms, and uniforms are compulsory. Schools may not impose unlawful fees, donations or collections from teachers or students. Meals and dormitory services follow regulated arrangements, but local food, accommodation and budget rules can affect the amount charged or covered. Students have rights to non-discrimination and to a safe environment free from violence, bullying and harassment. Support can include individual learning plans, accessible materials, special-needs teachers, assistants, doctors, nurses and other professional staff according to need. Students with hearing impairments may receive written communication and Mongolian sign-language support. Schools can provide social work, psychological support, career guidance, talent support and achievement programs. Local administrations are responsible for measures such as social and financial support, safe transport, dormitories, disability support and remedial education. Libraries, extracurricular activities, meals and legally permitted distance learning form part of school life. The Ministry of Education sets national policy, approves curricula and establishes financing rules. The General Authority for Education supports implementation and professional guidance, while national and professional councils advise on curricula. Aimag and capital education departments and district education divisions handle local implementation, quality and methodological support. Governors and soum or district administrations are responsible for buildings, maintenance, transport, dormitories and access. The school principal, teachers' council and school council manage registration, teaching, student support and internal governance. In the 2025-26 school year, Mongolia reported 900 general education schools, including 717 state or local schools and 183 private schools, serving 819,907 students.
School in Mongolia
Formal schooling in Mongolia combines preschool education with a 12-year general education cycle. Primary school covers grades 1 to 5, basic education covers grades 6 to 9, and upper secondary education covers grades 10 to 12. Children generally enter grade 1 at age six, and state or local schools are generally tuition-free, although families still pay for items such as uniforms and some textbooks.
Tip
Choose a school in Mongolia by matching the child's age, education stage, address, language needs, learning support and likely next pathway. Secure first-grade registration through the relevant E-Mongolia process and school catchment area, then check the full cost of uniforms, supplies, textbooks, meals, transport and dormitory services. Do not assume that a school label corresponds to a German school type or that every year of grades 1 to 12 is legally compulsory.