Myanmar's University Student Population: Current Numbers And Insights

Myanmar's higher education system is entirely state-run, with over 150 universities and colleges administered by various government ministries. In 2014, student enrollment in university was 550,000. The country has experienced a large expansion in higher education since 1988, but it still ranks as one of the lowest globally for universities. The system follows a 4-1-3 year program, with 4 years for a bachelor's degree, one year of qualifying classes, and 3 years for a master's degree.

University enrolment in Myanmar

Myanmar has 163 higher education universities, all state-funded, with 97 controlled by 12 ministries other than the Ministry of Education, which runs 66 universities. The higher education system follows a 4-1-3 year programme: four years for a bachelor's degree, one year of qualifying classes, and three years for a master's degree.

In 2014, student enrolment in university was 550,000. However, the country's universities rank among the lowest globally. Universities in Myanmar are highly centralised and state-run, with teaching revolving around textbook instruction with little to no research focus.

Myanmar's education system has long been regarded as important and significant in Burmese society. However, the country has been struggling to catch up since an elected government came to power in 2011, after being shut off from the world for 50 years by the military junta. Myanmar spends five times more on the military than on education and healthcare combined, and teacher salaries are extremely low, leading to a lack of motivation and difficulties in recruiting quality staff.

Myanmar's higher education system

Myanmar has approximately 163 higher education universities, all of which are state-funded. These universities are administered by various government ministries, depending on their field of study. For instance, liberal arts and science universities, such as Yangon University, are overseen by the Ministry of Education, while medical schools fall under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Sports. The Ministry of Education controls 66 universities, while the remaining 97 are managed by 12 other ministries, including Health, Science and Technology, Defence, Culture, and Agriculture.

The higher education system in Myanmar offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree programs. The structure follows a 4-1-3 year program, with four years for a bachelor's degree, one year of qualifying classes, and three years for a master's degree. However, the focus is primarily on textbook instruction, with little to no research emphasis.

Myanmar's higher education sector has witnessed a large expansion since 1988, yet it ranks among the lowest globally for universities. Student protests, such as the 8888 uprising in 1988 and subsequent protests in 1996 and 1998, have led to prolonged closures of universities, hindering the progress of the education system.

The government has implemented short and long-term education development plans to enhance the quality, accessibility, and diversity of higher education. These plans aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions, seize economic opportunities, and contribute to the country's development. The Thirty-Year Long-Term Education Development Plan, for instance, seeks to foster creativity, analytical thinking, and a passion for learning among students. It also strives to introduce multidisciplinary courses and shift from a department-based to a faculty-based undergraduate education system.

Despite the challenges, Myanmar's higher education sector holds promise for significant transformations. The National Education Strategic Plan 2016-2021 (NESP) outlines a comprehensive vision and sets goals for the education sector, aiming to bring about transformational shifts. While there is a well-articulated policy framework, the slow pace of implementation, particularly regarding university autonomy and higher investments, has created a gap between aspirations and reality. Nevertheless, with a demonstrated commitment to the NESP, the sector may witness substantial improvements in the short and medium terms.

University closures in Myanmar

Myanmar has a long history of university closures due to student protests and civil disobedience. The most recent closures came in 2021, when the military seized power from the elected government, leading to widespread protests and unrest. This was the third military coup in Myanmar's history, following those in 1962 and 1988, and once again, universities closed in response.

The first closures of universities in Myanmar occurred in 1962 after the military coup led by General Ne Win. Universities were closed for two years following student protests. During this time, the Rangoon University Student Union building was demolished.

In 1988, nationwide protests initiated by students at Yangon Technological University led to another military coup, and universities were closed for a further two years. In the 1990s, universities were closed for three more years due to ongoing student strikes.

After the reopening of universities in 1999, the government attempted to prevent further student activism by scattering universities across different regions. However, this did not prevent further protests, and in 2021, universities once again became a site of civil disobedience and unrest in response to the military coup.

The impact of these closures has been significant, disrupting the education of thousands of students and setting back efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education in Myanmar. The closures have also had economic consequences, as students have had to deal with increased costs for transportation and accommodation during exam periods.

The higher education system in Myanmar is highly centralised and state-run, with 163 universities offering bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree programs. The system follows a 4-1-3 year program, with four years for a bachelor's degree, one year of qualifying classes, and three years for a master's degree. The universities are administered by various government ministries, with the Ministry of Education controlling 66 universities, and the remaining 97 falling under the jurisdiction of 12 other ministries, including Health, Science and Technology, Defense, and Agriculture.

Myanmar's universities have a long history of student activism and have played a crucial role in the country's social and political movements. Despite the challenges and disruptions caused by university closures, students and academics in Myanmar continue to resist dictatorship and strive for democratic change.

University entrance requirements

The University Entrance Examination, also known as the Matriculation Examination, is an academic exam administered to 10th-grade students at all schools in Myanmar, including government schools, comprehensive schools, and private boarding schools. The exam is a requirement for students seeking university admission. The test is administered at least three weeks after the Basic Education High School Examination. Test results are used to determine the eligibility of high school students to pursue higher education and their entrance into specific universities and majors.

Each year, there are eleven question papers of an equal format for Burmese states and regions. The subjects offered are Burmese, English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, History, Geography, Economics, and Optional Burmese. Each subject examination is three hours long, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. High marks in a subject are distinguished as gondu (ဂုဏ်ထူး). Students who achieve gondu in four or more subjects are generally guaranteed placement in one of Myanmar's medical universities and senior engineering universities, the most selective universities in Myanmar.

Students from Myanmar who wish to study at international universities will need to meet the specific academic and English language entrance requirements of the university they are applying to. For example, the University of Lincoln requires students from Myanmar to have one of the following qualifications for entry into the first year of a Bachelor's degree:

• Successful completion of the Associate Diploma with a score of 75%
• Successful completion of a recognised International Foundation programme
• Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) with between 27 and 34 points
• Successful completion of three A Levels

University funding in Myanmar

State Funding and Centralization

Myanmar's higher education sector is highly centralized and predominantly state-funded. The government's Ministry of Education controls and administers the majority of universities, with additional institutions falling under the purview of other ministries, such as Health, Science and Technology, and Agriculture. This centralized structure ensures uniformity but has faced criticism for limiting institutional autonomy.

Budget Allocation and Investment

Myanmar's annual budget allocation for education is relatively low, with only about 1.2% spent per year in this sector. However, the government recognizes the importance of investing in education and has demonstrated a commitment to improving higher education through short and long-term development plans. The Thirty-Year Long-Term Education Development Plan, for instance, aims to enhance the quality of education by fostering creativity, analytical thinking, and a desire to learn among students.

Student Enrollment and Scholarship Opportunities

Myanmar has made efforts to increase access to higher education, with student enrollment reaching 550,000 in 2014. The country offers a range of scholarship opportunities, both domestically and internationally, to support students' financial needs. The Supplementary Grant Program Asia (SGPA), for example, provides supplementary grants to Myanmar students enrolled in accredited university programs outside of the country. Similarly, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program, offering opportunities for over 1,000 students from marginalized communities in Myanmar to pursue higher education in Thailand and the region.

Quality and International Recognition

Myanmar's universities rank among the lowest globally, facing challenges such as a lack of research focus, outdated resources, and a rote learning approach. However, the government has implemented initiatives to improve the quality of higher education, including the introduction of more multidisciplinary courses and the integration of technology in academic settings. Additionally, Myanmar has sought to bring its higher education system in line with international standards, particularly those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In summary, university funding in Myanmar is primarily managed by the state through the Ministry of Education and various other ministries. While budget allocations for education are relatively low, the government has recognized the importance of investing in this sector to empower its citizens and drive economic development. Myanmar has also taken steps to increase access to higher education and improve its quality, addressing issues such as centralized control and outdated teaching methods. However, challenges remain in terms of international recognition and the overall quality of the higher education system.

Frequently asked questions