Myanmar bars private schools from flats and houses and sets 1,000-yard gap between schools

Myanmar's education authorities have sent private schools 44 directives that ban schools from operating in apartment buildings and detached houses and require at least 1,000 yards (about 914 metres) between any two schools, Eleven Media reported on 24 October 2026.

The distance rule applies between a private school and a government school, and between two private schools. The directives also set minimum building dimensions, require playgrounds and fix the space that science laboratories must have.

The notices went out about two weeks before the report, passed from the ministry's head office to regions, districts and townships. District education meetings across Yangon Region discussed them in the days that followed.

Who is affected

In Yangon many private schools run from houses and flats. An official at one private school said that under the new rules "many schools could fail to qualify for licences and may have to close".

The Ministry of Education had already given private schools licensed for 2026-27 one year to bring their premises, buildings and class sizes up to standard. In 2027-28, township, district and regional officers and private school supervisory committees will inspect them, and only schools that pass will be allowed to register.

Licences are issued for fixed terms, such as two or five years, and each renewal brings a fresh inspection. Schools already licensed keep their status until their registration expires, and new applicants are likely to face stricter checks.

The numbers

Since 2024-25 the ministry has been licensing schools that teach foreign curricula as private schools offering international curricula.

Licensed schools, 2026-27	Number
International-curriculum schools, nationwide	252
of which in Yangon	161
of which in Mandalay Region	49
of which in Nay Pyi Taw	6
Private schools teaching the national curriculum	1,749
of which opened in 2026-27	360

Some Yangon international schools run several campuses under one name, so the region has just over 130 separate operators or campuses. Others are licensed in Kachin, Shan, Sagaing and Magway.