The University of Yangon is a public arts and science university in Kamayut Township, Yangon. It calls itself the earliest university in Myanmar and traces its roots to Rangoon College, founded in 1878 as a college affiliated to the University of Calcutta.[1][2] Its history page lists 21 academic departments (12 in Arts, 9 in Science) and, for the 2025–26 academic year, student numbers that add up to about 3,098.[2]
The admission page publishes US$ fees for international students: totals of US$1,500 (undergraduate), US$3,060 (master’s) and US$5,120 (PhD), each including 12 monthly instalments, plus a US$150 entrance-exam fee. The page gives no academic year.[3] We could not confirm a position in the QS World University Rankings 2027.[4]
Key facts
| Official name | University of Yangon (ရန်ကုန်တက္ကသိုလ်), also written Yangon University[5] |
| Former names | University of Rangoon (1920–1964); Rangoon Arts and Sciences University (1964–1989); current name since 1989[5] |
| Location | University Avenue Road, Kamayut Township 11041, Yangon, Myanmar[2] |
| Type | Public university[5] |
| Founded | Rangoon University formed in 1920; roots in Rangoon College, 1878[2] |
| Students, 2025–26 | About 3,098 (listed: PhD 780; master’s 426; honours 408; bachelor’s 1,404; master’s qualifying 80)[2] |
| Staff | 808 in total, including 79 professors and 72 associate professors[2] |
| Departments | 21 academic departments: 12 in Arts, 9 in Science[2] |
| Degree lengths | First degree 4 years (Law 5); honours 5 years in total; master’s 3 years; graduate diploma 2 years; doctorate 5 years[3] |
| Fees for international students (no year stated) | US$1,500 undergraduate · US$3,060 master’s · US$5,120 PhD, each including 12 monthly instalments; entrance exam US$150[3] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | Not confirmed[4] |
| Language of teaching | Not stated on the pages we read[3] |
| Official website | uy.edu.mm |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 8 November 2026.
About the University of Yangon
The university’s own history page says it began in 1878 as Rangoon College, an affiliate of the University of Calcutta, later called Government College and then University College. In 1920 it merged with the Baptist-affiliated Judson College to form Rangoon University. A 1964 act separated several professional universities and the institution became Rangoon Arts and Sciences University; it took the name University of Yangon in 1989.[2] Wikipedia gives 1 December 1920 as the date of the University of Rangoon Act and says the university marked its centenary in 2020.[5]
The main campus lies in Kamayut Township, Yangon.[2] Its Hlaing campus, in Hlaing Township about 38 acres in size, is used for some first-year students; it reopened as part of the University of Yangon in December 2017.[6] Wikipedia says undergraduate teaching was suspended from 1996 for sixteen years and that the university regained autonomy in 2020 together with 15 other universities.[5]
How is the University of Yangon ranked?
We could not confirm a position in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published 18 June 2026). The aggregator xuanxiao.org, which lists 1,504 universities for that edition, offers no Myanmar entry in its country filter.[4] The same aggregator shows the University of Yangon at #851–900 in a “QS Asia University Rankings 2027”; we have not checked that edition against QS itself.[7]
Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at the University of Yangon?
The Rector’s message cites twenty-one departments.[1] Arts: Anthropology, Archaeology, English, Geography, History, International Relations, Law, Library and Information Studies, Myanmar, Oriental Studies, Philosophy and Psychology. Science: Botany, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Geology, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, and Environment and Water Studies.[1]
Degree lengths published on the admission page: first degree 4 years (Law 5 years), honours degree 5 years in total, master’s 3 years, graduate diploma 2 years (the ELT diploma 1 year) and doctorate 5 years.[3] The doctoral programme began in 1994–95.[2] The International Cooperation Office does not say whether any programme is taught in English.[8]
How much does the University of Yangon cost for international students?
The admission page lists the following fees in US dollars under its section for international students. It states no academic year and does not say whether the amounts are per year or one-time; the “total” row includes 12 monthly instalments, so it appears to cover a year of monthly fees.[3]
| Item (US$) | Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolment | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Registration | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| ID card | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Examination | 75 | 75 | 100 |
| Language lab, laboratory and research | 60 | 120 | 180 |
| Library | 50 | – | – |
| Monthly fees (12 months) | 1,200 (100 a month) | 2,700 (225 a month) | 4,200 (350 a month) |
| Total | 1,500 | 3,060 | 5,120 |
| Entrance exam | 150 | 150 | 150 |
Housing is priced separately: US$200 a month for a single room or US$100 a month per person in a double room; meals cost MMK 45,000 a month.[3] Candidates from universities that have an MoU or MoA with the University of Yangon are guaranteed on-campus accommodation; others get a place only if one is vacant.[3]
We did not find a published fee schedule for Myanmar students, and the page we read is undated (its footer shows 2026). Confirm the current amounts with the International Cooperation Office before you plan.[8]
How do international students register at the University of Yangon?
The admission page describes registration for international students in two scholarship routes.[3]
- SHARE scholarship programme: a registration form with an acceptance letter from the host university, an endorsement letter from the home university, the latest academic transcript in English, a passport copy and four recent photos.[3]
- Other scholarship programmes: a form with a recommendation from the candidate’s department, a passport copy and four recent photos.[3]
The International Cooperation Office acts as the contact point for international activities and lists scholarship partners including Kansai University (Japan), Kunming University of Science and Technology (China), Kochi University of Technology (Japan), SNU (Korea) and Chevening (UK). Contact: international@uy.edu.mm.[8]
For domestic first-degree entry the page says applicants need a High School Completion Certificate and a pass in the Matriculation Examination, and are selected by aggregate marks.[3] We give no deadlines because the pages list none and they change every year.
Which language level do you need?
The pages we read do not state the language of instruction or any English or Burmese test requirement. The only language reference in the admission procedure is that scholarship applicants must submit an academic transcript in English.[3] Ask the International Cooperation Office whether your programme can be followed in English.[8]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are fees for international students at the University of Yangon?
The admission page lists totals of US$1,500 (undergraduate), US$3,060 (master’s) and US$5,120 (PhD), each including 12 monthly instalments, plus a US$150 entrance-exam fee. It gives no academic year.[3]
Is the University of Yangon the same as the University of Rangoon?
Yes. It was called the University of Rangoon from 1920 to 1964 and Rangoon Arts and Sciences University from 1964 to 1989, and has been the University of Yangon since 1989.[5]
Is the University of Yangon in the QS World University Rankings?
We could not confirm a place in the 2027 edition. An aggregator lists no Myanmar university among its 1,504 entries for that edition.[4]
Does the University of Yangon offer accommodation to international students?
Yes, with conditions. Candidates from universities with an MoU or MoA must be given on-campus housing; others only if places are vacant. Rooms cost US$200 a month (single) or US$100 per person (double).[3]
More about studying in Myanmar (Burma)
- Myanmar (Burma): best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Myanmar (Burma)
Sources
[1] University of Yangon: official website (home page and Rector’s message) (page shows © 2026; newest news item 16 Jul 2026)
[2] University of Yangon: Yangon University (history, staff and student numbers) (page without a date; lists the 2025–26 academic year)
[3] University of Yangon: Admission (degrees, international students, fees) (page without a date; footer © 2026)
[4] xuanxiao.org: QS World University Rankings 2027 (QS publishes it at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (aggregator list of 1,504 universities; checked 8 Nov 2026)
[5] Wikipedia: University of Yangon (secondary source for names, history, autonomy and 2022–23 numbers)
[6] University of Yangon: Hlaing Campus (page without a date)
[7] xuanxiao.org: University of Yangon (aggregator; page states editions fetched on 3 Nov 2026)
[8] University of Yangon: International Cooperation Office (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.