Higher Education in Myanmar

Between 2011 and 2021, Myanmar’s higher education (HE) landscape underwent cautious yet significant change. This change, a result of Myanmar’s foray into a “disciplined” democracy, was effectively halted by a military coup early in 2021. During the 2011–2021 period, the HE system in Myanmar was lackluster in terms of pedagogy, resources, and management, yet teachers in the sector remained characteristically dedicated to their work of producing positive student and social outcomes. Likewise, students were and remain diligent in voicing their vision of a better education system for the future. During this period, the civilian government also made progress with its National Education Strategic Plan (NESP). HE in Myanmar, normally a vibrant sector of society, is at best currently in a state of stasis, though in reality is at risk of regressing to its pre-2011 state of disrepute. This chapter charts the contours of the HE sector during the 2011–2021 period, while also standing back to consider the broader socioeconomic context with regard to matters of equitable access and the ramifications of Myanmar’s HE sector engaging in a globalized HE ecosystem.