Law on Higher Education – Mongolia

Summary of Policy:
1.Target population

This law addresses the issue of offering higher education services to students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

2. Goals and Objectives

The law regulates the content delivered by tertiary education providers, training institutions, management and organizational issues.

3. Challenges and difficulties

The fourth amendment to the law introduced in 2016 states that start-up companies can be established as part of university courses and that this is a worthwhile and innovative action.  It is unclear whether this regulation, designed to link higher education institutions with labour markets, is applicable to real life situations, as well as how realistic and accessible it will be for students.

4. Outcomes and impact

Every year about 30,000 young people are enrolled in higher education, but according to the Human Development Report 2016, young people with a higher education are more vulnerable to unemployment risks. This highlights the need to improve the quality of tertiary education and to provide education services that are aligned with labour market expectations.

Timeline: It has been in effect since 2002.

Strengths:
It is specified in the law that a student has the right to establish a “startup company” through which students can gain job market experience and test business ideas, while obtaining a higher education. This has advantages as it is important to gain practical skills which relate to the market while at the same time lowering unemployment.

Weaknesses:

The participation of students and student representatives at the decision-making level has not been adequately addressed.

Although the law states that it is a student’s right to participate and discuss education related with officials, in reality students do not have adequate avenues to express their opinions to the government, especially when it comes to views regarding increased tuition fees and improving the quality of education.

Opportunities for Improvement:

The law stipulates that a start-up business linked to tertiary education can be established alongside university education. However, mechanisms for implementation are vague and not clearly defined in the law.

It is necessary to examine the specific regulations in the legislation that defend the rights of youth, define the rights of school students as well as introduce coordinating mechanisms in the law.

References:
http://www.legalinfo.mn/law/details/251?lawid=251