Teaching English in Mongolia in 2026: salaries of ₮1.5–5.5 million ($420–$1,530) a month, degree and 120-hour TEFL requirements, the HG work visa process, Ulaanbaatar living costs and the schools that hire foreign teachers.
To teach English in Mongolia you typically need a bachelor’s degree, a 120-hour TEFL certificate and an employer to sponsor an HG work visa. Most jobs are in Ulaanbaatar and pay ₮1.5–3.5 million (about $420–$970) a month, with international schools paying more. This guide covers 2026 salaries, requirements, the visa process, living costs and how to get hired.
TL;DR
- Salary: ₮1.5–3.5 million ($420–$970) a month at public, private and language schools and universities; ₮3.5–5.5 million ($970–$1,530) at international schools, often with housing and flights.
- Requirements: bachelor’s degree in any subject, 120-hour TEFL certificate, native or near-native English and a clean criminal record.
- Visa: your employer obtains labour approval, you apply for an HG work visa abroad, then register and get a residence permit after arrival.
- Demand: Mongolia’s 2023 Education Law made English the first foreign language in secondary schools; most jobs are in Ulaanbaatar and the school year starts in September.
- Verdict: a rewarding, offbeat choice for adventurous teachers who can handle winters near −40°C and winter smog in the capital.
Last updated: November 2026
Table of Contents
- Is There Demand for English Teachers in Mongolia?
- Requirements to Teach English in Mongolia
- Mongolia Work Visa for English Teachers
- How Much Do English Teachers Earn in Mongolia?
- Types of Teaching Jobs and Where to Find Them
- Cost of Living in Mongolia for Teachers
- Pros and Cons of Teaching in Mongolia
- How to Get Hired: Step by Step
- Related Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Is There Demand for English Teachers in Mongolia?
Yes, and it is growing. Mongolia’s 2023 Education Law made English the first foreign language studied in secondary schools, and pupils now start English from grade 3. A Pearson English programme for public schools, backed by £10 million of UK support over three years, reached around 140,000 pupils in grades 5 and 6 by 2024.
Teacher training is expanding too: a Center of Excellence for English, set up in 2025 with the US Embassy, American Councils, the Ministry of Education and the National University of Mongolia, trains local English teachers. For foreign teachers, the result is steady demand at private schools, language centres and international schools, almost all of it in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia is a niche market compared with its neighbours, so fewer jobs are advertised internationally. For an overview of how it fits into the wider industry, read our complete guide to teaching English abroad.
Requirements to Teach English in Mongolia
- Degree: a bachelor’s degree in any subject is required by most employers and supports your work visa application. Universities and some private schools prefer education or English degrees.
- TEFL certificate: most paid jobs ask for at least 120 hours of accredited training. A few language schools still hire untrained native speakers, but for lower pay. See our 120-hour TEFL course guide for what employers expect.
- International schools: a teaching licence or PGCE, subject experience and, increasingly, Cambridge or IB curriculum experience.
- Nationality: native speakers are preferred, but fluent non-native speakers with strong qualifications are considered.
- Background check: a clean criminal record check is needed by schools and for the work visa.
- Experience: preferred for higher-paying roles but not essential at many language schools.
Mongolia Work Visa for English Teachers
Foreign teachers need an HG (employment) visa. Visa-free or tourist entry does not allow you to work. The process is employer-led:
- Your employer applies to Mongolia’s labour authorities for approval to hire a foreign worker. Companies are subject to annual foreign-worker quotas.
- Once approved, the employer sends you an invitation and supporting documents.
- You apply for the HG visa at a Mongolian embassy or consulate with your passport, photos, degree, police clearance, contract and invitation.
- The HG visa allows an initial 30-day stay. After arrival you register with the immigration authority and convert it into a residence permit, usually valid for one year and renewable.
Allow one to three months from job offer to residence permit. Visa fees depend on nationality, so confirm with the embassy and ask whether your school reimburses them. Our guide to finding work in Mongolia as a foreigner covers the work permit system for other sectors as well.
How Much Do English Teachers Earn in Mongolia?
The previous version of this guide gave two conflicting ranges ($500–$1,000 and $800–$1,500). Current market data puts most jobs between the two, as shown below (USD converted at about ₮3,600 per dollar, late 2026).
| Employer type | Monthly salary (MNT) | Approx. USD | Typical benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public schools | ₮1.5–2.5 million | $420–$700 | School-year contract; housing sometimes provided |
| Private language schools | ₮1.5–2.5 million | $420–$700 | Evening and weekend hours common |
| Universities | ₮1.8–3 million | $500–$830 | Lighter teaching load |
| Private schools | ₮2–3.5 million | $560–$970 | Housing help at some schools |
| International schools | ₮3.5–5.5 million | $970–$1,530 | Housing or allowance, flights, health insurance |
| Private lessons | ₮25,000–50,000 per hour | $7–$14 per hour | Flexible extra income |
When a school provides free housing, even a mid-range salary covers living costs comfortably, though savings are modest outside international schools. To see how this compares globally, check our list of the highest-paying countries for TEFL teachers.
Types of Teaching Jobs and Where to Find Them
Private language schools
The most accessible entry point for new TEFL teachers. Students range from children to professionals preparing for IELTS or jobs abroad. Expect afternoon, evening and weekend classes.
Public and private schools
With English now the first foreign language in schools, public and private secondary schools in Ulaanbaatar hire foreign teachers to support local staff. Public school pay is lower, but some schools offer housing. Private schools pay more and often run bilingual or Cambridge programmes.
International schools and universities
Ulaanbaatar’s international schools, such as the American School of Ulaanbaatar, the International School of Ulaanbaatar and the English School of Mongolia, offer the best packages but expect licensed, experienced teachers. Universities hire English lecturers, usually asking for a degree plus teaching experience and sometimes a master’s.
Where to search
- Dave’s ESL Cafe, Teach Away, Serious Teachers and TEFL.com for language school and university listings.
- Tes and international school recruitment fairs for licensed teaching roles.
- Schools’ own careers pages and Ulaanbaatar expat Facebook groups.
- Volunteer and TEFL internship programmes if you lack experience, often with homestays.
The Mongolian school year starts on 1 September, so the main hiring window runs from spring to early summer. Language schools recruit year-round.
Cost of Living in Mongolia for Teachers
Ulaanbaatar is not as cheap as many travellers expect, because much food and many consumer goods are imported. A single person typically spends around ₮2 million (about $550) a month before rent.
| Expense (monthly) | MNT | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment, central Ulaanbaatar | ₮1–1.8 million | $280–$500 |
| One-bedroom apartment, outside the centre | About ₮675,000 | About $190 |
| Utilities (higher in winter) | ₮190,000–230,000 | $55–$65 |
| Home internet | ₮42,000–47,000 | $12–$13 |
| Groceries | About ₮700,000 | About $195 |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | About ₮15,000 | About $4 |
Arrive with at least ₮1.8 million (about $500) or one month of expenses to cover the gap before your first pay cheque, plus proper winter clothing.
Pros and Cons of Teaching in Mongolia
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Growing demand since English became the first foreign language | Winters can reach −40°C |
| Unique culture: Naadam, Tsagaan Sar, nomadic life and vast steppe | Serious winter air pollution in Ulaanbaatar |
| Many schools hire first-time teachers | Few jobs outside the capital |
| Housing often included at public and international schools | Modest savings outside international schools |
| Small, close-knit expat community | Fewer international job listings than China or Korea |
If you want more jobs and higher salaries in the same region, compare teaching English in China and teaching English in South Korea.
How to Get Hired: Step by Step
- Get qualified: finish a 120-hour TEFL; consider a Level 5 course if you are targeting private schools.
- Order your criminal record check early, as it can take weeks and may need an apostille.
- Apply in spring for September starts, using the job boards and school sites above.
- Interview online: expect a video interview and possibly a demo lesson.
- Check the contract: confirm salary in tugrik or dollars, housing, flights, teaching hours and who pays for the visa.
- Apply for the HG visa once your employer has labour approval, then register on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do English teachers earn in Mongolia?
Most English teachers in Mongolia earn ₮1.5–3.5 million a month (about $420–$970), depending on whether they work at a public school, language centre, private school or university. International schools pay the most, around ₮3.5–5.5 million ($970–$1,530), and often add housing, flights and health insurance.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Mongolia?
Most paid employers ask for a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and it strengthens your work visa file. A few private language schools still hire native speakers without one, but those jobs tend to pay less. International schools usually want a teaching licence plus classroom experience instead.
What visa do I need to teach in Mongolia?
You need an HG work visa. Your employer first obtains labour approval for a foreign worker, then you apply at a Mongolian embassy or consulate with the invitation. The visa allows an initial 30-day stay, after which you register with immigration and obtain a residence permit tied to your job.
Where are most English teaching jobs in Mongolia?
Almost all paid English teaching jobs are in Ulaanbaatar, home to nearly half of Mongolia’s population and most of its private, international and language schools. Smaller cities have a handful of openings, while rural placements usually come through volunteer programmes. Hiring peaks in spring and early summer for the September start.
Is Mongolia a good place to teach English for beginners?
Yes, if you can cope with the climate. Many language schools hire first-time teachers with a degree and TEFL certificate, and demand has grown since English became the first foreign language in schools. Expect long, extremely cold winters, heavy smog in Ulaanbaatar and modest savings outside international schools.
What is the cost of living in Ulaanbaatar for teachers?
A single teacher spends roughly ₮2 million (about $550) a month on food, transport and essentials, plus rent. A one-bedroom apartment in central Ulaanbaatar typically costs ₮1–1.8 million ($280–$500), less outside the centre. Utility bills rise in winter, so ask whether your employer provides or subsidises housing.
Conclusion
Teaching English in Mongolia offers growing demand, a fascinating culture and manageable entry requirements: a degree, a 120-hour TEFL and an employer willing to sponsor your HG visa. Apply in spring for a September start, and compare your options in our guide to teaching English abroad.
