CITI University’s Initiatives in 2023–2024
CITI University has been proactively implementing comprehensive policies and programs aimed at alleviating poverty and ensuring equitable access to higher education for students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups. The key initiatives include scholarships (merit, financial need, or income-based scholarships), paid internships, and job placement services, which provide real support for economically disadvantaged students to pursue and complete their studies. Furthermore, the university has offered extended targeted financial and educational assistance to the rural communities, thereby contributing to broader aims in improving livelihoods and social inclusion in terms of education. has actively participated in the implementation of sustainable development goals. These actions align closely with the university’s commitment to higher education quality development, particularly those related to reduced inequalities as well as sustainable community development.
To contribute to poverty eradication efforts, the university actively engages in policy development spanning local, regional, national, and international levels. Notably, Mr. M.Munkhjargal, Director of the Faculty Development Office, and Professor L.Galbadrakh serves in multiple administrative roles within JCI Mongolia, where they contribute to the formulation and implementation of poverty reduction initiatives as policy and program. The School of Business contributed and played a significant role in drafting the “National Export Strategy” of Mongolia to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness. Concurrently, the School of Humanities collaborated with the Governor’s Office of Saikhan Sum, Selenge Province, to develop a localized poverty reduction policy. Under the initiatives, a targeted micro-project supported vulnerable households to engage in vegetable cultivation and tree nursery activities to foster both economic empowerment and sustainable development of livelihoods.
CITI University conducts range of programs designed to support students from vulnerable households in successfully completing their education. These initiatives include:
1. Paid Internship Program for Senior Students: Students in business, social sciences, and humanities major complete one-year paid internships in Japan, with 70% of the participants originating from target group/vulnerable households.
2. “400 million MNT-Government funded Internship program” Competition: Organized by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, students particularly those from the School of Business with opportunity to access paid internships through a national competition. The university ensures and facilitates the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. Annual Job Fair: Offers for students in their final year for networking them with career development opportunities.
4. Moodle Online Learning Platform: Allows senior students to catch up on or retake courses to meet graduation requirements.
In the “CITI University 2024 Admissions Policy,” clause 7.1 explicitly outlines provisions for supporting applicants from disadvantaged or vulnerable groups:
7.1. Support for Target Group Applicants:
7.1.1. Scholarships offering up to 30% of tuition fees.
7.1.2. Additional educational services: career counseling, tutoring for students who are falling behind, and special programs for students with disabilities.
7.1.3. Psychological counseling to help students in adapting to both the social and educational environment while enhancing overall academic performance.
7.1.4. Opportunities for internships and work experience to equip students with necessary skills and knowledge for the labor market and enhancing their career prospects.
7.1.5. Provision of essential equipment along with free or discounted access to the internet and computers for students who face challenges in participating in online learning by ensuring equal opportunities for academic engagement.
In 2023, a total of 62 students (1.9% of all new enrollees) from low-income households received tuition assistance amounting to 96.8 million MNT. Additionally, the university also facilitated access to number of government support programs for several of these students to further enhancing their educational opportunities, following:
· 6 students from households with three or more siblings who enrolled in university or school;
· 25 orphans without parents or guardians;
· 6 students with disabilities;
· 21 students from households where the breadwinner is incapacitated;
· 4 students enrolled in the Nursing program.
Clause 7.2 of “Bachelor's degree Regulations” specifies Post-Enrollment Support for students from target groups:
7.2. Support for Graduating Students from Target Groups:
7.2.1. Tuition fee discounts, financial aid for living expenses, job search support and psychological counseling to help students adjust to post-graduate life.
7.2.2. Organization of charity and aid initiatives in collaboration with local government, NGOs, and the private sector for target students.
In 2024, CITI University launched the “Support Program for Students from Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries.” Under this program, a student from Nepal was admitted under this program.
CITI University also provides support to help launching socially and economically sustainable businesses with educational resources and training. Key activities include:
1. CitiZone Innovation and Business Development Center: Offers professional and methodological advice to local SMEs and organizes public events without any charges.
2. Language and Skills Training: The School of Humanities offers 45-day courses in Korean and Japanese to prepare citizens to work abroad, additionally Mongolian and English to foreign nationals to be able to start/run business in Mongolia.
3. Clothing Technology Laboratory: Donated 12 ShangGong BSL5550 industrial sewing machines to support women in starting home-based businesses.
Employment and Career support for of students from disadvantaged households, the following:
1. Employment Assistance: The integration with www.zangia.mn into the university’s website for listings and graduate support.
2. Partnerships with Employers: Formal agreements and memorandums with major public and private sector employers, including the General Police Department, Judicial institutions, educational institutions, and financial organizations to provide job opportunities for graduates.
3. Scholarships for Final-Year Students: Tuition support is provided to final-year students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Free Legal Counseling: The School of Law offers legal advice to graduating students in need.
CITI University has also supported the launch of small businesses in rural area:
· 2 million MNT to a resident of Bayanzurkh District for opening a beauty salon.
· 3 million MNT to another resident for opening a translation office to Chinese.
· 5.5 million MNT from the Library Department to a resident of Sukhbaatar District to launch an online toy store.
· 5 million MNT to a Bayan-Ulgii Province resident for a flower seedling business.
To improve access to basic services, the School of Beauty at CITI University organized public education sessions at secondary schools (Nos. 62, 159, 48, 29, and 116) covering topics such as healthy eating, menstrual hygiene, and proper hair washing. Over 500 high school students participated in these sessions.
