Education in Burma
Population: 48.8 million people
Literacy Rate: 89.7%
GNP: USD800 per capita
Human Development Index: 0.58
The educational system of Myanmar is operated by the government Ministry of Education. Universities and professional institutes from upper Myanmar and lower Myanmar are run by two separate entities, the Departments of Higher Education (Lower Myanmar and Upper Myanmar), whose office headquarters are based in Yangon and Mandalay respectively. The education system is based on the United Kingdom´s system, due to nearly a century of British and Christian presences in Myanmar. Nearly all schools are government-operated, but recently, there has been an increase in privately funded schools (which specialise in English). Schooling is compulsory until the end of elementary school, probably about 9 years old, while the compulsory schooling age is 15 or 16 at international level.
The literacy rate of Myanmar, according the UNESCO Institute of Statistics (2005) stands at 89.7% (males: 93.7%, females: 86.2%), although there is dispute over the accuracy of the provided literacy rates. The annual budget allocated to education by the government is low; only about 1.2% is spent per year on education. English is taught as a second language from Kindergarten.
Most of the early foreign high schools since 1860 (such as La Salle schools) in Myanmar were nationalised on April 1, 1965 after the order restoration of general Ne Win. However, its monopoly still remains popular.
Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschools are opened for children over 2 years of age and they are in extensive care or public systems. Kindergarten starts from Year 5 (not younger than 4 Years and 8 months at the time of schools commencement date). Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Schools in Myanmar are under the Department of Basic Education. The official commencement date for those schools is 1st of June.
Primary education
Primary education is officially compulsory, although many children do not attend. It lasts five years, and to continue onto secondary school, students must pass a comprehensive examination of basic subjects.
Secondary education
Secondary education is divided into Middle Schools (standards 6 - 8), and upon passing the Basic Education Standard VIII Examination, students continue onto High Schools, which cover standards 9 -10. At the end of standard 10, students must pass the Basic Education Standard X Examination (matriculation exam.) in order to receive their diplomas. Those, who pass six subjects with substantially higher scores, continue their tertiary education at the Institutes of Medicine in Yangon or Mandalay or Magway. Students who do pass the matriculation examination receive either Diploma A or Diploma B. Those with Diploma A are allowed to continue their educations at university.
Secondary schools are usually combined, containing both middle and high schools. Children of military personnel and those with military connections are often given easier access to the more prestigious secondary schools. There is much corruption in educational equality.
Updated On: 15.02.09