A Comparative Study on the Development of Vocational Education in Mongolia and China: Pathways, Challenges, and Synergies

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global economic transformation and regional integration, Vocational Education and Training (VET) has emerged as a core force underpinning national development strategies. This study employs systematic qualitative comparative analysis and comparative case - study methods. Based on the latest policy documents of China and Mongolia, statistical data from international institutions, and peer - reviewed literature from 2015 to 2024, it systematically analyzes the characteristic differences, core challenges, and collaborative potential of the VET systems in China and Mongolia from five dimensions: governance models, scale and resource allocation, curriculum design and industry connection, financing mechanisms, and quality assessment systems. The study finds that China has developed a VET model featuring centralized national governance, large - scale operation, and deep integration with key industries, but faces challenges such as uneven regional quality and insufficient participation of small and medium - sized enterprises. Mongolia, on the other hand, has constructed a streamlined and flexible VET system centered around Competency - Based Training (CBT) and emphasizing international cooperation, yet is hampered by fiscal vulnerability and limited capacity for on - the - job internships. The complementary advantages of the two countries in governance mechanisms, resource allocation, curriculum models, etc., provide a solid foundation for cooperation. Based on this, this study proposes three specific cooperation paths: joint development of cross - border industry - oriented courses, establishment of a China - Mongolia Vocational Education Cooperation Center, and implementation of cultural - heritage - oriented vocational education. These suggestions aim to provide empirical support and policy references for regional human resource development under the China - Mongolia - Russia Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative.