The Ministry of Education and its affiliated agencies presented preparations for the 2026-2027 academic year, including an update on the funding situation of the Educational Loan Fund (ELF). The fund provides four types of financial support to students: scholarships, grants, concessional loans and tuition assistance for students studying at local universities.

In 2025, the ELF provided 39.8 billion MNT in funding to 16,548 students enrolled at domestic educational institutions and 66.8 billion MNT to 1,254 students studying abroad. During the first half of 2026, it disbursed a total of 91.5 billion MNT, largely to make up for funding that had not been provided in 2025.

Of the first-half disbursements, 42.9 billion MNT was allocated to 24,533 domestic students, including 15,880 students whose 2025 funding had been delayed and 8,653 students receiving 2026 funding. Another 48.6 billion MNT was provided to students studying abroad, covering 938 students who had not received their 2025 funding and over 1,410 students included in the 2026 allocation.

Acting Head of the ELF’s Office P.Zokhikhsuren said the fund is now facing a shortage of funding sources after a large portion of its annual budget was disbursed during the first half of the year. P.Zokhikhsuren explained that the 2025 budget had been approved with a relatively low quota, meaning this year’s funding has been distributed according to the approved quota. Students who fell within the quota have received their funding in full.

However, more than 6,800 students who met eligibility requirements under government regulations but were not included in the quota remain affected. Among them, the fund has decided to allocate 1.45 billion MNT to 506 students, including children of teachers and education workers who have worked in the sector for more than 15 years, as provided for under the General Law on Education.

The fund is also working to allocate 3.5 billion MNT to 1,692 students enrolled at universities outside Ulaanbaatar. In addition, funding of around 1 billion MNT is being arranged for 502 students who graduated last spring and meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Of the 6,800 students who were not included in the spring quota, the fund is working to resolve the cases of around 2,700 students. However, approximately 4,100 students will have to cover their own educational expenses, according to the ELF. The funding shortfall highlights continuing challenges in ensuring timely financial support for students, particularly those who meet eligibility criteria but fall outside the fund’s approved annual quota.