Politics
Customs Inspectors Sentenced in Bribery Cases
Published: 2026-08-12
Mongolia’s Anti-Corruption Agency has completed investigations in 15 criminal cases involving customs inspectors, authorized customs representatives and transport operators, and referred them to prosecutors for possible court action. Courts have resolved 11 of those cases. The investigations, launched in May 2026, examined alleged abuse of authority during customs inspections for goods and vehicles entering the country, as well as suspected bribery and money laundering. In total, 70 people were named as defendants across 20 criminal cases: 40 customs inspectors and 30 authorized representatives. Three inspectors received one-year prison sentences and bans from public service. Six representatives were fined MNT 2.7 million each, while another was fined MNT 4 million. One case is before the inter-soum court in Zamiin-Uud, three remain with the Capital City Prosecutor’s Office, and five investigations continue.
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Marriage Contracts Must Be Notarized Under New Family Law
Published: 2026-08-12
A revised Family Law, approved by parliament on July 3, 2026, will take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing a framework that has operated largely unchanged since 1999. The law and a separate Family Case Procedure Law introduce more detailed rules for marriage, divorce, child support, adoption and family disputes. Couples will be able to make marriage contracts before or after registering a marriage, but the agreements must be written and notarized. Agreements concerning real-estate rights must be recorded as a preliminary entry in the state register. The law also regulates property relationships for long-term cohabiting couples with children, gives priority to children’s best interests in divorce proceedings, and requires courts to consider the views of children aged seven and older. Adoption cases will be decided only by courts.
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Published: 2026-08-12
A justice and home affairs minister has said the government should move toward a system in which each adult has only one social-media account, registered using a national registration number and telephone number. The proposal follows an announcement last month that law-enforcement and communications agencies would form an interagency working group to address illegal and harmful online content. The article reported that the minister cited 2.7 million Facebook users in Mongolia, including 400,000 allegedly fake accounts, and linked anonymous accounts to false and paid information. It also questioned whether state systems adequately protect personal data, referring to the reported use of e-Barimt data in fuel-purchase monitoring and previous security incidents involving e-Mongolia. The article noted that anonymous online expression can be protected under international human-rights principles and that the Constitutional Court found the false-information provision unconstitutional in a November 2025 conclusion, which parliament accepted.
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Published: 2026-08-12
Mongolia’s Passenger Information Center uses airline passenger data to identify potentially high-risk travelers before international flights arrive and support relevant authorities. In 2026, the center supported the detection of about USD 10 million in undeclared cash and identified eight people listed in INTERPOL notices. Relevant authorities also detected attempted smuggling of goods valued at about MNT 700 billion and seized 446.81 grams of methamphetamine in two cases; the report does not specifically attribute those detections to the center. It also says a person sought for 30 years was identified. Established in December 2023 with support from the UN Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, the center receives data from seven airlines covering about 90 percent of international commercial air passengers and has fully used the UN goTravel system since January 2025.
“The main purpose is not to subject every passenger to additional screening, but to identify high-risk passengers in advance through intelligence-led risk assessment.” - Colonel A. Enkhtur (unuudur.mn)
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Published: 2026-08-12
Lawmakers O. Saranchuluun and J. Bayasgalan are collecting public and civil-society comments on a draft Law on Barrier-Free Environment and Accessibility, which they plan to submit to Parliament during its autumn 2026 session. The proposal would support employment for people with disabilities, help children with disabilities develop multiple skills from early childhood, and require buildings and infrastructure to align with the right to a healthy and safe living environment. The lawmakers describe it as a foundational measure for equal participation in social life, access to services, education and work, and more independent living. Comments can be submitted through Parliament’s online consultation portal.
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Economy
Central Bank Raises Policy Rate to 12.5% to Contain Inflation
Published: 2026-08-12
The Bank of Mongolia’s Monetary Policy Committee raised its policy rate by 0.5 percentage points to 12.5% on August 12. It also increased the reserve requirement on banks’ tugrug deposits by 0.5 percentage points to 14.5%. The central bank said the measures aim to stabilize inflation expectations, curb secondary effects from supply-driven price rises, and align tugrug returns with policy objectives. Annual inflation reached 13% nationally and in Ulaanbaatar in July, led largely by fuel, food and regulated goods. Fuel-price increases could raise production costs and core inflation, the bank said. Governor S. Narantsogt said broad money growth reflected stronger exports rather than central-bank money creation. The policy rate had remained at 12% since March 2025.
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Fuel and Food Prices Push Annual Inflation to 13%
Published: 2026-08-12
Annual inflation reached 13.0% in July, up 1.0 percentage point from June, according to Bank of Mongolia data reported on August 12. Fuel prices rose 4.6% during the month and 20.2% year on year, contributing 1.2 percentage points to headline inflation. Prices for imported non-food goods increased 5.3%, accounting for 1.8 percentage points. Domestic food-price growth remained the largest component, adding 6.5 percentage points to inflation. Meat and meat-product prices were 54.0% higher than a year earlier, while other food prices increased 13.7%. The Bank of Mongolia said fuel and food-price increases were the main factors behind the July inflation rate.
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33% Additional Excise Tax Takes Effect on High-Value Imported Cars
Published: 2026-08-12
An additional 33% excise tax now applies to the portion of an imported passenger car’s customs value above MNT 360 million. The change follows an amendment to the Excise Tax Law adopted on June 26, 2026, and took effect on August 10 under the law’s implementation timetable. The General Customs Administration announced the measure and asked citizens to familiarize themselves with and follow the revised legal requirements. The additional charge is levied on the amount above the MNT 360 million customs-value threshold, in addition to the excise-tax rate set out in Article 6.3 of the law. It does not apply to the full customs value of every imported passenger vehicle. The threshold concerns the customs value declared for imported passenger cars.
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Capital Veterinary Office Takes Over Selected Export Certificates
Published: 2026-08-12
The General Authority for Veterinary Services has transferred issuance of selected international veterinary certificates to the Capital City Veterinary Office, effective August 10. The office will issue certificates on behalf of the national authority for hides, skins, wool, cashmere, horse mane and tail hair, coarse hair, and certain pet-related exports. Applicants will continue to submit requests through the IVC-MAHIS system and must select the Capital City Veterinary Office as the issuing authority. Required documents include proof of origin, veterinary and sanitation assurances, laboratory results, processing and disinfection details, packaging and transport information, and any documents required by the importing country. Authorized state inspectors will approve certificates after reviewing compliance. The change is intended to bring the service closer to exporters and speed processing.
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Tourist Arrivals Surpass Mongolia’s 2019 Full-Year Record
Published: 2026-08-12
Mongolia recorded 622,123 foreign tourist arrivals as of August 9, exceeding the 577,300 visitors recorded during all of 2019, the pre-pandemic peak. The 2026 total was 44,823, or 7.8 percent, above the previous annual record as of August 9. Arrivals rose by 203,391 from 418,732 on July 1 over the following 39 days. A separate report said 53,134 tourists arrived over a recent nine-day period. Travelers from Russia, China, South Korea and Japan make up the largest visitor groups. The government has designated 2023-2028 as Years to Visit Mongolia and is pursuing tourism as a leading economic sector. Industry specialists say visitors still concentrate in just over 10 of the country’s 21 provinces, reflecting infrastructure gaps and established routes.
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Back-to-School Costs Reach MNT 500,000–600,000 Per Child
Published: 2026-08-12
Preparing one child for the new school year costs an average MNT 500,000–600,000, according to a report by Urug.mn. Complete school-uniform sets are selling for about MNT 80,000–230,000, while uniforms for senior secondary students can exceed MNT 200,000. Total household spending varies with the choice of uniform, backpack, school supplies and a child’s preferences. Basic uniform prices have remained comparatively stable from previous years, although parents interviewed by the outlet said material quality is an important consideration alongside price. Retailers said they are trying to limit additional pressure on household budgets. N. Ariunzula, director of Otto LLC, said some goods are being sold close to wholesale prices, with a MNT 5,000 markup on certain products.
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Underground Mining Specialists Gather in Ulaanbaatar for Caving 2026
Published: 2026-08-12
The Caving 2026 international conference is under way in Ulaanbaatar, bringing together mining companies, consultants, research institutions, academics and suppliers from more than 20 countries to discuss underground mining technology and practice. The University of Science and Technology is co-hosting the event with the Australian Centre for Geomechanics at the University of Western Australia, which has organized the conference every four years since 2007. It is the first time the conference has been held in Asia. Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi are principal sponsors. Companies including Rio Tinto, BHP, Codelco and Freeport-McMoRan will present approaches to productivity, responsible and efficient operations, risk management, artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Participants are scheduled to visit Oyu Tolgoi’s block-cave mine, operating 1,300 meters below ground, on the final day.
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Diplomacy
Asian Development Bank Appoints John Juhyun Jong as Resident Representative
Published: 2026-08-12
The Asian Development Bank has appointed South Korean national John Juhyun Jong as its resident representative in Mongolia. He will lead work under the ADB-Mongolia country partnership strategy for 2025-2028, coordinating with the government, private sector, development organizations and other partners. Jong has 17 years of financial-sector experience and is in his ninth year at ADB. He most recently served as senior adviser to the bank’s president and previously managed agribusiness investments and Mongolia-related projects in ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department. Before joining ADB, he worked at McKinsey & Company in New York and Seoul and with the UN World Food Programme in Phnom Penh.
“I will work closely with partners to support Mongolia’s development and improve people’s quality of life.” - John Juhyun Jong (unuudur.mn)
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Infrastructure
Fuel Rationing Rules Set to End as Additional Shipments Arrive
Published: 2026-08-12
Authorities plan to end temporary fuel-rationing rules on August 15 after additional AI-92 gasoline shipments from Russia and China were arranged to ease long queues. The rapid-response headquarters said 1,200 tonnes were delivered to 144 fuel stations in Ulaanbaatar and about 900 tonnes to 82 stations in provincial areas during the previous 24 hours. Reports said 180 rail wagons of AI-92 were en route from Russia and scheduled to reach Ulaanbaatar over the weekend. Russia agreed to provide an additional 25,000 tonnes of AI-92 and 5,000 tonnes of jet fuel this month. China is supplying 3,000 tonnes of jet fuel, with 1,000 tonnes received. The restrictions capped purchases at MNT 50,000 per vehicle and used even-odd plate days.
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Government Orders Faster Work and Security for Oil Refinery Project
Published: 2026-08-12
Prime Minister N. Uchral has ordered ministries and agencies to accelerate work on the oil refinery being built in Altanshiree soum, Dornogovi province, with USD 1.7 billion in Indian financing. The government says construction is about 60% complete and the project is planned to enter operation in 2028. Its directives include intensifying crude-oil exploration; securing feedstock and construction-material supplies; ensuring reliable power; speeding technical reviews; training specialized engineers; and resolving loan and administrative issues for participating companies. The refinery site and construction work will be placed under domestic military protection. Officials are also considering development of the project as an industrial and technology park. Uchral said implementation of 14 measures, including responses to permit requests and financing issues, will be reviewed weekly. The government is preparing further decisions for its next meeting.
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Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley-Emeelt Railway Scheduled to Enter Service in September 2026
Published: 2026-08-12
The Prime Minister has tasked Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan with accelerating the 214.9-kilometre Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley-Emeelt railway project, improving coordination among sectors and providing unified management. The railway is scheduled to enter service in September 2026. It will branch from Bagakhangai station, pass through Khushig Valley in Sergelen soum and Altanbulag soum in Tuv Province, and connect to Emeelt station. Authorities are to clear affected land, relocate structures where needed, and protect or move electricity transmission and distribution lines and substations. Mongolian Railway is implementing the project in two phases. On the 87.8-kilometre Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley section, bridges and culverts are complete and track-superstructure installation is 86.6% complete. Earthworks on the Khushig Valley-Emeelt connection are 48.2% complete.
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Government Restores National Road Safety Council
Published: 2026-08-12
The government restored the National Road Traffic Safety Council at its August 12 meeting after the body was dissolved in 2025. Prime Minister N. Uchral will chair the non-staff council, with Road and Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan and B. Bold serving as deputy chairs. Members include ministers, police and traffic-police leaders, the Ulaanbaatar governor, a public broadcaster executive, an insurer association executive and private-sector representatives. The council is tasked with coordinating agencies under the Road Traffic Safety Law, implementing relevant international commitments and reporting annually to parliament. The government cited rising road-crash risks over the past five years. Reports said 312 children were killed and 3,861 injured in traffic accidents during that period, while the council had previously not held a meeting.
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Air China’s C919 Makes First International Commercial Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-08-12
An Air China C919 passenger jet completed the Chinese-built aircraft’s first international commercial flight on August 12, landing at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. The aircraft departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 3:00 p.m. and arrived at about 5:00 p.m., where it received a water-cannon welcome. Air China planned to operate the Beijing-Ulaanbaatar CA723/CA724 service daily with the C919 from that date. The arrival marked the aircraft’s first international commercial operation after it was designed and manufactured in China. The planned service would place the type on a cross-border route connecting the two capitals. The report identifies the flight as the C919’s first international commercial operation and says it landed successfully in Mongolia’s capital.
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Government Reviews Winter Preparedness Across All 21 Provinces
Published: 2026-08-12
Deputy Prime Minister and State Emergency Commission Chair N. Nomtoibayar visited all 21 provinces to assess readiness for the 2026-2027 winter and collect requests for inclusion in the 2027 state budget. The review covered fodder reserves, seasonal livestock movements, animal health, water, power and heating supplies, fuel stocks, roads, mountain passes, bridges, and emergency personnel and equipment. Provincial and soum authorities were instructed to identify risks before they emerge and address them through public-private partnerships. The government’s Free Up national initiative, led by Prime Minister N. Uchral, is aimed at reducing bureaucracy, unnecessary procedures and overlapping regulations while giving citizens, the private sector and local areas more authority and opportunity. From next year, provinces are to retain 10 percent of mineral royalty revenue for selected local investments, while preparedness monitoring will continue based on risk levels.
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School-Bus Network Prepares to Expand to Grades 1-6
Published: 2026-08-12
Ulaanbaatar is preparing to expand its school-bus program to serve first- through sixth-grade students, although officials have not yet announced the new routes or schedules. During the 2025-2026 school year, 296 buses operated on 60 routes, carrying more than 13,000 students from 76 schools. The service began with 40 buses on 35 routes for 29 schools. City officials say route and school coverage will increase where possible, while transport authorities are adjusting operations for the broader age group. The report noted that no published study has measured the program’s effect on traffic congestion. It also raised operational issues including routes that do not follow schedules, limited coverage, short waiting times and the lack of dedicated pick-up areas or reliable bus-tracking systems.
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Society
Search Continues for 10-Year-Old Girl Missing in Khovd
Published: 2026-08-12
Search teams were continuing their 11th day of work on August 12 for a 10-year-old girl reported missing in Norjinkhairkhan bagh, Buyant soum, Khovd province. She left home on foot at about 9 a.m. on August 1, saying she was going to help harvest watermelons, and did not return. Her family notified emergency authorities at 8:40 p.m. on August 2. The search involves 77 people from the provincial Emergency Management Department, Armed Forces Unit 123, the soum professional unit and family members. Teams are using eight vehicles, three motorcycles, a drone and a search dog. Five personnel from neighboring Myangad soum joined on August 11, and authorities said they were calling for volunteers. Officials reported no confirmed lead as of August 12.
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Road Crashes Kill 297 People in First Half of 2026
Published: 2026-08-12
Police recorded 2,330 road-traffic accident reports in the first six months of 2026, with 297 people killed and 1,578 people injured or suffering property damage. Officials said the majority of reported crashes involved drivers breaking traffic rules, driving under the influence of alcohol, or speeding. On August 11 alone, police registered 32 violations involving drunk driving and five criminal cases involving people driving while intoxicated without a valid driving licence. Under the Violations Law, driving under the influence can result in a MNT 400-unit fine or seven to 30 days’ detention. People who drive intoxicated after losing their licence may face criminal penalties, including fines, community service, travel restrictions or imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
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Police Warn of Fuel Sale Scams During Shortage
Published: 2026-08-12
Police have warned that online scams offering unofficial fuel sales and fuel vouchers are increasing during the nationwide fuel shortage. In recent days, citizen O and another person transferred money after responding to an advertisement for resold gasoline and lost about MNT 500,000, according to police reports. Fraudsters are also posting claims that vouchers are for sale or that holders can buy fuel without waiting in line, then requesting advance payments. Authorities said vouchers do not give customers priority access to fuel. They advised the public not to transfer money in response to unverified online advertisements, especially those seeking advance payment, and not to buy fuel sold illegally in unsuitable containers or locations. Such retail sales may be penalized under the Law on Offences.
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Ulaanbaatar Opens Online Kindergarten Registration as First-Grade Applications Near
Published: 2026-08-12
Ulaanbaatar’s online kindergarten registration is under way, with 60,557 children registered in its first 24 hours. The total represents 48 percent of the 126,827 children expected to attend kindergarten in the capital during the 2026-2027 academic year. Registration is online; progress information is available at parent.edu.mn, and registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 23. Parents must verify their own and their child’s registered address, and children already enrolled can choose to continue at their current kindergarten. Separately, applications for first grade at state general education schools are scheduled through E-Mongolia from August 17 to 28 for children born in 2020. Parents should confirm address information before applying. One report refers to the previous 2025-2026 school year and gives different first-grade dates and eligibility details.
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Housing Crunch Leaves Students Searching for Affordable Options
Published: 2026-08-12
More than 50,000 students are estimated to move to Ulaanbaatar from rural areas each year for university, but dormitory capacity does not cover even one tenth of incoming students, News.mn reports. More than 40,000 students therefore rely on private rentals, hostels, relatives or shared flats. Average monthly rent for a one-room apartment is MNT 1.27 million citywide, starting from an average of MNT 1.51 million in Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts and reaching MNT 1.95 million near Sukhbaatar Square and the 220,000 district. Student hostels charge MNT 250,000–450,000 per person monthly, typically including utilities and internet. Students who work alongside classes may earn MNT 500,000–1 million a month, often insufficient to rent alone.
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Police Record Six Residential Burglary Reports in One Day
Published: 2026-08-12
Police recorded six reports of residential burglary through the emergency number 102 in one day, including cases in Ulaanbaatar’s Khan-Uul and Bayanzurkh districts and Saikhan soum in Selenge province. Reported stolen property included silver bowls of different sizes. In Saikhan soum, a 55-inch Samsung television, an airag container and a pitcher were reported missing. Police said 1,252 residential burglaries had been recorded by the end of July this year. With the summer travel season under way, authorities advised residents to check doors, windows, locks and other security measures before leaving homes unattended. They also recommended using surveillance cameras, avoiding posting personal information online, improving communication with neighbors and asking trusted relatives or neighbors to watch homes during absences.
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Environment
New Study Finds Desertification Affecting 81.9% of Territory
Published: 2026-08-12
A national study based on 1991-2025 data found that 81.9% of the country’s territory is affected by desertification to some degree, up from 76% in the 2020 assessment. Separately, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ts. Sandag-Ochir reported that 0.9% was very severely affected, 6.2% severely affected, 42% moderately affected, 31% slightly affected, and 18% unaffected. The ministry says the findings should inform urban planning, development plans and investment allocations. The results were released as Ulaanbaatar prepares to open the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 on August 17. Organizers said preparations were 95% complete, 7,800 participants had registered, and facilities were scheduled to transfer to UN security on August 15. The state budget allocated about MNT 250 billion, with about MNT 20 billion in private-sector contributions.
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Ulaanbaatar Holds 40,456 Tonnes of Semi-Coke Fuel Ahead of Winter
Published: 2026-08-12
Ulaanbaatar has 40,456 tonnes of semi-coke fuel in reserve and plans to hold 80,000 tonnes during the 2026-2027 heating season, according to city air-pollution and green-development coordinator A. Amartuvshin. The city plans to distribute fuel through 435 sales points across its seven districts. It expects to fully supply households with semi-coke from November 15 through the end of February. An open tender to buy 280,000 tonnes of semi-coke fuel for MNT 288.7 billion was announced on June 26. Its opening was initially scheduled for August 5 but was delayed after a complaint to the Anti-Monopoly Agency. The tender opened on August 11, and four companies submitted applications. The measures form part of the city’s plans for the coming heating season.
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Authorities Warn Visitors After Bear Sighting Near Ikh Bayan
Published: 2026-08-12
The Ulaanbaatar Department of Environment has received a report that an adult bear was about 20 metres from a visitor near the Ikh Bayan area of Sukhbaatar District. The agency warned people travelling or recreating near Ikh Bayan and the nearby summer-camp area to leave the mountain area and move away from the location. It also advised anyone who encounters a bear not to approach it, take photographs, try to scare it away, feed it or follow it. Authorities further advised the public to avoid travelling or recreating in that direction for now. The warning concerns safety for people in and around the reported area. The agency asked the public to follow the guidance and take appropriate precautions rather than attempting to interact with the animal.
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Khuvsgul Lake Cleanup Removes 325 Tonnes of Waste
Published: 2026-08-12
A two-month, three-stage cleanup campaign around Khuvsgul Lake and the Eg River water-protection area collected about 325 tonnes of waste from roughly 1,300 kilometers of land. More than 1,500 people participated across the campaign. Its first phase, from June 22 to 29, covered about 866 kilometers in the areas of Renchinlkhümbe, Khan Kh, Khatgal, Alag-Erdene, Chandmani-Öndör, Tünel, Erdenebulgan and Tsagaan-Uur. A July 30 scientific conference produced 10 recommendations on protecting the lake’s ecosystem, reducing pollution and developing tourism sustainably. Proposed measures include a 20-year development plan for surrounding soums and Khatgal, clearer land-use zones, and improved waste sorting and processing. Officials plan to study a waste-incineration facility for Khuvsgul Province. They also said Khatgal needs integrated heating, drinking-water, sewerage and wastewater-treatment infrastructure to reduce contamination risks.
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Volunteers Prepare for COP17 Delegations
Published: 2026-08-12
COP17 organizers are preparing volunteers to support the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, scheduled in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026. Isee.mn reported that more than 2,000 people applied and that more than 600 volunteers were selected under set criteria. Urug.mn reported that 600 volunteer activists received training. They are being assigned to the Green Zone, Blue Zone, hotels, airports and transport operations, where they will help receive and direct visitors and provide information on local culture and traditions. Organizers expect delegates from 197 countries, with more than 7,000 people attending. Training was organized jointly by the UN Volunteers programme, Mongolian Red Cross Society, UN Development Programme and the COP17 National Committee’s working office.
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Herders From 102 Countries Join Global Forum Across Mongolia
Published: 2026-08-12
Nearly 200 herders from 102 countries are taking part in the World Herders Forum in Mongolia from August 10 to 15, organized by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Held as part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, the program includes field visits and regional discussions in Khentii, Selenge, Govisumber, Arkhangai, Bayankhongor and Bulgan provinces. Participants are meeting local communities and examining rangeland use, nomadic traditions, livelihoods and cultural heritage. Discussions will address climate change, rangeland degradation, herder livelihoods, market access, youth participation and women’s roles. Recommendations from the regional meetings will be considered at plenary sessions in Ulaanbaatar on August 14-15, where the forum is expected to finalize key declarations.
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Innovation
Government to Present Green AI Data-Center Policy at COP17
Published: 2026-08-12
The government plans to present its policy for building a green AI data center in Mongolia at COP17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Digital Development, Innovation and Communications Minister Nomin said the presentation will describe investment conditions, the legal framework, and Mongolia’s geographic and climatic advantages. Officials are focusing on drafting an initial Data Law, linking the effort to conditions for competing in the international data-center market. The government also plans a National Artificial Intelligence Council, to be chaired by Prime Minister Uchral. The council is intended to support AI-based public services and adoption in education and health. At the August 12 cabinet briefing, officials also said the oil refinery project would be developed as an industrial and technology park.
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More Than 183,000 Students Study in Classes of 40 or More
Published: 2026-08-12
MP Galbadrakh said that, nationwide in the 2025–2026 school year, state and locally owned schools had 3,974 classes with 40–49 students and 224 classes with more than 50 students. He put enrollment in those groups at 172,033 and 11,745 students, respectively—183,778 in total. Separately, Education Ministry specialists have reported 1,068 classes with more than 40 students in Ulaanbaatar. Galbadrakh’s calculation covered 723 state and locally owned schools, enrolling 739,382 students. It also identified 5,017 classes with 35–39 students, enrolling 186,914. He said the three stated categories together enrolled 370,692 students. He estimated that building 108 schools and 95 kindergartens over the next four years could bring group size below 40 students.
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Public Universities Set 2026-2027 Tuition Rates for New Entrants
Published: 2026-08-12
Major public universities have set higher tuition rates for students entering in the 2026-2027 academic year. At the National University of Mongolia, first-year general foundation courses will cost 203,700 tugriks per credit and professional foundation courses 204,700 tugriks, putting a typical 30-credit first year at 6.111 million tugriks. At the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, general and professional courses for new entrants will cost 209,000 tugriks per credit, while selected high-demand programs will charge 218,500. The Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences set annual first-year fees between 3.52 million and 6.851 million tugriks, depending on program. Universities and colleges will begin classes on September 15 because COP17 is scheduled in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28.
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Health
Hospital Warns of Sharp Rise in Sur-Ron, Scooter and Moped Injuries
Published: 2026-08-12
The National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics has warned of a sharp increase in accidents and injuries involving Sur-Rons, scooters and mopeds. Its emergency department provided care to 1,235 people injured in incidents involving those vehicles in June and July 2026, according to the center. The warning concerns accidents linked to small transport vehicles, including Sur-Rons, scooters and mopeds. The center said the number of accidents and injuries from these vehicles had risen sharply. The report identifies the June-July emergency-department total but does not provide further figures needed to compare it reliably with earlier periods. The center’s warning focuses on the recent increase in such incidents and the injuries treated by its emergency department.
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