In recent years, Mongolian universities have witnessed a steady decline in the number of students pursuing studies in meteorology and hydrology—fields critical to understanding and responding to the country’s increasingly volatile climate. For example, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology at the School of Science of the National University of Mongolia (NUM), was on the verge of closing its programs due to the lack of student enrollment.

However, the 2025 academic year has brought a glimmer of hope. According to NUM, five students have enrolled in the hydrology program and 25 in the meteorology program—marking the highest number of new admissions in recent years. Experts attribute this positive development to a renewed national focus on supporting professionals in the field.

In 2023, the Government of Mongolia declared the year designated to support meteorologists, launching a campaign to improve the social recognition, salaries, and incentives for professionals working in fields like meteorology and hydrology. This initiative appears to have had a tangible impact, revitalizing interest in careers that are essential to environmental monitoring and disaster risk reduction.

Officials from the National Agency Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring emphasized that more needs to be done to sustain this momentum. They called for stronger support systems for students, including guaranteed job placements upon graduation, opportunities for hands-on internships at meteorological and hydrological stations, and better access to modern research equipment and field instruments.

As Mongolia continues to face environmental challenges—from desertification to extreme weather events—investing in the education and training of future meteorologists and hydrologists is more important than ever.