Displaced students face enrollment barriers in Yangon and other mainland cities

By Admin 16 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 June 2026, Yangon

Students displaced by armed conflict across Myanmar are facing difficulties enrolling in schools in Yangon and other major mainland cities for the 2026-2027 academic year, according to families and educators.

As fighting continues in several parts of the country, many families have relocated to cities such as Yangon and Mandalay in search of safety and educational opportunities for their children.

However, many displaced students have been unable to secure school placements.

"We have been trying to enroll our child since registration opened, but we have not been successful," said a displaced parent from Arakan State currently living in Yangon. "Obtaining an official transfer certificate from schools in conflict-affected areas of Arakan State is nearly impossible. Schools here no longer accept recommendation letters, leaving many children unable to continue their education."

According to educators, education authorities in Yangon and Mandalay have instructed schools not to enroll students from Arakan, Chin, Kachin and Shan states and Sagaing region without official transfer certificates from their previous schools.

The policy differs from last academic year, when many displaced students were allowed to enroll using recommendation letters and other supporting documents.

"Primary and middle school students are generally allowed to take placement tests before admission," said a Yangon-based educator. "However, high school students cannot enroll in either public or private schools without an official transfer certificate."

Sources familiar with the education sector said the stricter requirements were introduced following reports of forged transfer certificates and attendance irregularities during the previous academic year.

Civil society groups said the lack of special provisions for conflict-affected students has left many families without options and called on the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs to help address the issue.

"Many families have approached us for assistance," said an advocate monitoring the welfare of Arakanese students. "The special admission arrangements that were available previously are no longer in place. There needs to be a policy solution for students affected by conflict."

Residents said enrollment procedures appear to vary depending on where displaced students come from.

Students from Sittwe and Manaung townships, which remain under the regime control, have reportedly been able to enroll without major difficulties.

However, students from areas such as Kyaukphyu, Ann, Thandwe and Ponnagyun townships have faced greater obstacles in obtaining admission.

School enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year began on May 25, while classes started on June 1.

Rights groups say the continued delays are disrupting the education of many displaced children, while conflict and airstrikes on civilian infrastructure continue to affect access to education in several parts of the country.