Expanding International Schools in Mongolia

International Schools in Mongolia are ripe for expansion, supported by a growing economy and a strong appetite for improved education options.

Mongolia’s economic outlook for 2024-25 remains robust, driven by a government-led initiative to expand transport infrastructure, particularly benefiting mining exports. This expansion will yield soaring export receipts, ensuring a sound balance-of-payment position and continued access to international capital markets. Additionally, Mongolia strategically positions itself as an emerging provider of critical minerals, aiming to attract investments from Western nations. However, despite these efforts, the country’s dependence on coal exports to China is not expected to diminish in the near term significantly.

Projections from the World Bank’s latest semi-annual Mongolia Economic Update forecast steady economic growth, with a 5.8 per cent expansion in 2023 and a further increase to 6.2 per cent in 2024. This growth is underpinned by the expanding mining sector, recovering private consumption, and strong fiscal expansion. The mining sector, in particular, has been a primary driver of Mongolia’s robust economic performance, although growth has been uneven, underscoring the economy’s reliance on mining and its susceptibility to sectoral cycles. (Source)

Mongolia Looking Ahead

Economic growth is expected to accelerate further, averaging above 6 per cent in 2025-2026. This growth trajectory is propelled by a substantial increase in mineral production, with Oyu Tolgoi’s mining production anticipated to double by 2025. However, significant downside risks persist, including lower mineral exports due to slower-than-expected growth in China and uncertainties surrounding coal offtake agreements.

The World Bank report also highlights Mongolia’s trade opportunities in digital services as a means to diversify the economy. Despite progress in telecommunications and internet penetration, challenges remain in digital infrastructure and skilled workforce shortages. Continued reforms aimed at economic diversification and resilience to commodity price cycles are necessary to sustain positive economic trends.

Amidst this economic landscape, Mongolia’s political arena is also witnessing transformations. The ruling Mongolian People’s Party is expected to retain the majority in the parliamentary election scheduled for June 2024, ensuring policy continuity. However, corruption and governance issues continue to be sources of popular discontent. President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh’s administration has initiated anti-corruption measures and parliamentary reforms, signalling a broader transformation in domestic politics and international cooperation.

Mongolia is navigating a path of economic growth driven by mining exports and infrastructure development while addressing challenges such as diversification, governance, and corruption. The country’s aspirations for the future involve sustaining economic momentum, fostering diversification, and enhancing governance to ensure long-term prosperity and stability under President Khurelsukh’s leadership.

Mongolia’s Education Systems – Public, Private and International Schools

Mongolia’s education system encompasses various institutions, including public, private, and international schools, each playing a distinct role in providing education to its population.

1. Public Schools: Public schools in Mongolia are government-funded and provide primary and secondary education. The curriculum typically follows national standards set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Sports. Instruction is primarily in Mongolian, emphasizing subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and physical education. Public schools are accessible to all Mongolian citizens and are the primary mode of education for most students in the country.
2. Private Schools: Private schools in Mongolia operate independently of government funding and are often run by non-profit organizations, religious institutions, or private entities. These schools may offer alternative educational approaches or specialized curricula beyond what is provided in public schools. While some private schools follow the national curriculum, others may offer international programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Private schools often charge tuition fees, making them accessible primarily to families with higher income levels. They may also provide additional resources and amenities compared to public schools.
3. International Schools: International schools in Mongolia cater to expatriate families and local families seeking a global education for their children. These schools typically follow international curricula, such as the IB, CIE, or American or British educational systems. Instruction is often conducted in English or another foreign language, and students may have the opportunity to obtain internationally recognized qualifications. International schools offer a diverse learning environment, with students from various cultural backgrounds. While tuition fees at international schools tend to be higher than public and private schools, they provide a quality education that prepares students for global citizenship and higher education opportunities abroad.

Access to quality education remains a priority for the government, and ongoing efforts are being made to improve educational standards and expand opportunities for all students.

Opportunities for Investment in International Schools in Mongolia

In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, there’s a bustling community of international schools catering to expatriate families and affluent Mongolian households. These schools typically offer day schooling from kindergarten to senior secondary levels. Among the English-medium schools, several provide British educational programs leading to qualifications such as IGCSEs and A-levels, while one follows the Massachusetts curriculum leading to an American school-leaving diploma. Additionally, there’s a French-medium school offering the national curriculum of France for students aged three to 18.

Mongolia boasts four IB World Schools, two of which teach in English. Notably, the International School of Ulaanbaatar is authorized to offer all three stages of the International Baccalaureate program. The English School of Mongolia combines the IB Diploma with IGCSEs, while Shine Ue School offers a bilingual education in English and Mongolian leading to the IB Diploma.

In total, 25 schools in Mongolia offer IGCSEs and A-levels under the oversight of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), the examinations arm of the University of Cambridge. Additionally, at least three public sector schools follow the Cambridge Pathway curriculum, which also leads to IGCSEs and A-levels through collaboration between CAIE and Mongolia’s Ministry of Education.

Who will lead the expansion of schools in Mongolia?

Global Services in Education has plans to expand our school management brand to Mongolia on the back of several previous projects in and around Ulaanbaatar. The expansion of international schools in Mongolia will attract diverse investors, each with unique motivations and capabilities to lead the development of new educational institutions.

1. Private families with a high net worth: Wealthy families seeking to invest in education recognize the long-term value and prestige of owning and operating international schools. With their financial resources, these families have the potential to establish high-quality educational facilities that cater to both local and expatriate students. Their investment can enhance the educational landscape in Mongolia while providing lucrative returns on their investment. These investors have an appetite for financial gain but deeply care about legacy and making an impact. They care about the impact of their investment on this and future generations. (Learn more about legacy)
2. Real Estate and Property Developers: Real estate developers understand the intrinsic link between quality education and property value. By integrating international schools into their real estate developments, developers can attract families looking for comprehensive lifestyle options. These developers have the expertise to create purpose-built school facilities within residential communities, enhancing the appeal of their projects and driving demand for housing in the area. Learn more about the impact of schools on investment.
3. Existing global school groups: Established international school groups with experience in operating educational institutions see Mongolia as a promising market for expansion. With their proven track record and established infrastructure, these groups can deliver high-quality education that meets international standards. By expanding into Mongolia, they can leverage their brand reputation and educational expertise to attract students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to the country’s educational development. Learn more about the large global groups.
4. Private equity and investment groups: Private equity firms and investment groups recognize the potential for returns on investment in the education sector, particularly in emerging markets like Mongolia. These entities can provide the necessary capital to fund the establishment and expansion of international schools. With their strategic approach to investment and access to financial resources, private equity and investment groups play a crucial role in driving the growth of the education sector in Mongolia.

Overall, these investor groups bring diverse strengths and resources to the table, positioning them to lead the expansion of new international schools in Mongolia and contribute to the country’s educational advancement.

Global Services in Education has received many new enquiries about leading the expansion of international schools in Mongolia. We have led projects there before and look forward to discussing further expansion of our schools to the region.

GSE has previously operated, or currently operates projects, in the following locations:

India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, East Timor, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, Kenya, Libya, Bahrain, Iraq, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, USA

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CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership and Leading with impact, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Minister’s Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company GSE (Global Services in Education) has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals worldwide in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start-up projects, leadership and curriculum development has made him a sought-after authority in this discipline.

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Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
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