Scholarship program expands following a meeting between President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, on April 13, 2026. The president expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s projects in education, human resources, traditional medicine, and research. These programs contribute significantly to Mongolia’s sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.
The program enables 1,000 students from rural areas to study on full scholarships at four Mongolian universities. These institutions include the National University of Mongolia, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, and Mongolian University of Science and Technology. The first 100 students are already studying successfully.
Under the program, students will study fields including environmental science, forestry, ecology, clinical medicine, public health, and nutrition. Animal husbandry, agronomy, plant protection, food production, food supply and safety, biotechnology, microbiology, and engineering are also included. Upon graduation, students must work in their local areas for three years. The program will run for 12 years with grant funding exceeding USD 5 million.
The Presidential Office and the Nippon Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding in 2025. This agreement implemented the Japan–Mongolia Sasakawa Scholarship Program. The Nippon Foundation also plans a short-term training program in Japan for young officials from the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Khurelsukh awarded Yohei Sasakawa the Order of the Red Banner of Labour. He also awarded Yuji Mori, Special Advisor to the Foundation, the Polar Star Order. Rural students gain access to quality higher education without relocating to Ulaanbaatar permanently. The three-year work requirement ensures local communities benefit from these trained professionals. The scholarship program expands over 12 years, creating a pipeline of skilled graduates.
