The number of students from Mon National High Schools under the Mon National Education Committee (MNEC) who will take the university entrance exams has increased compared to last year. Nearly 200 students are expected to participate this academic year.
According to reports, 46 students from Winkabar Mon National High School, 116 from Nyi Sar High School, and 33 from Andin High School will take the university entrance exams.
An individual close to the Mon National Education Department said, “Although overall school enrollment has decreased this year, the number of Grade 12 students has increased. In 2024, only 33 students from Nyi Sar, 31 from Andin, and 27 from Winkabar took the exams. This year, the numbers have grown slightly.”
Students from Nyi Sar, Andin, and Pa Nga Mon National Schools will sit for the exams in Ye town, while Winka students will take the exams in Kyaikmaraw town. Concerns over travel safety remain an issue, a representative from Andin High School noted.
The 2025 university entrance exams conducted by the military regime will take place from March 17 to March 22, without any breaks, with students required to take one subject per day.
Mon National High School students are currently preparing for the exams.
Last year, only 10 out of 91 students from Mon National Schools passed the university entrance exams, showing a decline in pass rates.
However, students who fail the exams have the opportunity to enroll in a one-year Pre-College program and continue their education at the Mon National College.
Meanwhile, there are growing calls for the Mon National Education Department to conduct its own higher secondary exams independently of the government’s system. This move is seen as a step toward strengthening the quality and sustainability of Mon education.
“Currently, the teaching methods and educational systems at the Mon National College are modeled after international systems such as those in the U.S. and Thailand. Indigenous education needs to advance further, and international institutions are likely to recognize this system. Relying on independent education rather than government systems makes Mon education more effective,” said a student pursuing higher education in Thailand.
The Mon National College (MNEC), which operates under the Mon National Education Department, has already signed MOUs with two international universities to enable Mon students to pursue higher education abroad. The department continues to work toward further collaboration with international institutions to enhance educational opportunities for Mon students.
