Surge in college costs poses challenges to distance learners

By Admin 23 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
23 August 2023, Sittwe

A surge in the all-in cost of college has posed a challenge to distance learners in Arakan State this year. Not only tuition fees but also off-campus living expenses have significantly increased, students say.

“Dormitory expenses and school fees have almost doubled from last year. The cost of meals has also increased. My parents are also struggling to provide financial support for me to attend university,” said Ma Khin Myoe Soe from Pauktaw Township’s Taungpokekay village, a second-year student majoring in history at Sittwe University.

Distance learners who spoke to DMG painted the financial picture thusly: Last year, it cost about 50,000 kyats for accommodation, 70,000 kyats for meals, and 120,000 kyats for tuition per month. The costs have increased this year to around 80,000 kyats for accommodation, 120,000 kyats for meals, and 200,000 kyats for tuition.

Transportation costs have also increased, and the prices of household goods like toiletries have sometimes doubled.

“Last year, it cost around 600,000 kyats. But this year, I think it will cost more than one million kyats because of the general price increase,” said a third-year university majoring in history from Wapyan village in Kyauktaw Township.

Facing the rising costs of an advanced education, some university students have abandoned their studies, and have instead chosen to work overseas.

Distance learner Ko Naing Lin from Mrauk-U Township said: “We only need to attend one month of class in a year. But the cost is high, and it is difficult to earn the money needed to attend the class. So, I gave up my studies, and am planning to work in Thailand.”

Myanmar has been in economic turmoil since the military coup in February 2021.