Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav met with representatives from the Federation of Mongolian Education and Science Unions. The meeting centered on the proposed Teacher Salary Increase, with the Federation calling for a raise to MNT 3.5 million per month.
During the meeting, Gombojav updated the attendees on Mongolia’s economic situation and the government’s budgetary constraints. He emphasized the government’s commitment to investing more in education. In fact, the 2026 draft state budget proposes doubling education funding, alongside an additional MNT 100 billion for variable expenses. However, Gombojav acknowledged that the state budget cannot currently meet the Federation’s salary demands.
To find alternative funding, the Prime Minister suggested exploring the Borte mining project. If approved by the State Great Khural, this initiative could generate the necessary resources for a Teacher Salary Increase. It would also address broader social issues within the education sector.
The Federation of Mongolian Education and Science Unions has been advocating for the base salary of teachers to be raised to MNT 3.5 million per month. The Ministry of Education estimates that this would cost MNT 3.3 trillion annually. Given the current budget, this is not feasible within one year.
Therefore, the government proposed a phased approach. Minister of Finance Javkhlan Bold will study the feasibility of increasing salaries to MNT 1.85 million by January 1, 2026. The second phase would raise the salary to MNT 2.5 million by mid-2026. Ultimately, the goal is to reach the target of MNT 3.5 million by 2028.
The proposal also includes a wage structure reform within the education sector. This reform aims to create a more sustainable system that addresses the immediate concerns of teachers while ensuring long-term financial stability.
The Teacher Salary Increase initiative comes at a time when educators in Mongolia are demanding fairer pay. Teachers argue that their contributions to shaping the nation’s future should be reflected in their compensation. If approved, the salary increases could have a lasting impact on the teaching profession and society as a whole.
Looking ahead, the government is likely to face continued pressure from teachers’ unions and the public. Experts suggest that successfully implementing the salary increase could serve as a model for other public service sectors. However, balancing fiscal responsibility with social demands will remain a challenge for Mongolia’s leaders in the years to come.
