Arakan National University opens applications for third-year students

By Admin 11 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 August 2026, Rathedaung

Arakan National University, operating under the Arakan National Education Department, has opened applications for third-year and first-year honours programmes for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Members of the education community view the emergence of a higher education system in Arakan State as a positive development for local youth.

"Some young people in Arakan State cannot travel to mainland Myanmar for education, while others face parental objections or financial constraints that prevent them from doing so. As a result, many young people have lost educational opportunities. The United League of Arakan’s incremental efforts to support education are positive," said a woman close to the education community.

Specialised majors available to third-year students include Myanmar, English, Geography, History, Philosophy, Economics, Psychology, Oriental Studies, Law, International Relations and Archaeology, among others.

Science majors include Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Botany, Geology, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Marine Science and Biochemistry, among others.

Standard university degree programmes span two academic years, while honours programmes require three years of study.

Upon completion, standard degree programmes confer qualifications including B.A., B.Sc., B.B.A., B.Com. and LL.B., while honours programmes confer B.A. (Hons) and B.Sc. (Hons) degrees.

Young people have expressed hope that the programmes launched by the Arakan National Education Department will provide a modern and practical education system.

"Rather than relying on rote memorisation of theory, I want them to focus on developing skills that are genuinely useful in practice. I hope the curriculum is regularly updated to remain modern and that students are encouraged to conduct independent research. I also want the university to establish connections with external organisations and companies to create opportunities for students," said a local youth from Rathedaung.

Applicants must submit a university application form along with proof of passing their second-year university examinations or a second-year transcript, a third-year student ID or tuition fee receipt, and two passport photographs.

Applications can be submitted at respective township education offices by October 15, 2026.

Information on enrollment dates and campus locations can be obtained from township education offices by October 30, 2026.

However, relentless daily airstrikes by the military junta in Arakan State have left parents and students concerned about their safety.

"Will the campus locations be safe? How high will living costs and other expenses be? Since this is for third-year students, will we study for two years in total, combining third and final years? Or will classes be divided into 45-day sessions like distance learning? There are many questions. With ongoing airstrikes, security remains a major concern," said a young woman from Myebon.

Since battles to capture towns across Arakan State began in 2023, schools across the state have remained closed and university studies have been suspended, leaving many young people with disrupted education.

As the Arakan National Education Department rolls out higher education programmes, young people affected by the ongoing conflict are gaining new opportunities to continue their education.