The educational system of Burma is operated by the government Ministry of Education. Universities and professional institutes from upper Burma and lower Burma are run by two separate entities, the Department of Higher Education of Upper Burma and the Department of Higher Education of Lower Burma. Headquarters are based in Yangon and Mandalay respectively. The education system is based on the United Kingdom's system, due to nearly a century of British and Christian presences in Burma. Nearly all schools are government-operated, but there has been a recent increase in privately funded English language schools. Schooling is compulsory until the end of elementary school, probably about 9 years old, while the compulsory schooling age is 15 or 16 at international level.

The administration and management of Basic Education is undertaken by the three Departments of Basic Education and the Departments of  Education planning and Training. The departments are responsible for matters concerning primary education, secondary education ( middle school and high school), the inspection and supervision of schools, educational planning and project Management and student affairs. The 19 educational colleges are under the administration of the Department of Education planning and Training but academically 5 are afflicted to the two Ministry of Education which are under the administration of the Departments of Higher Education.

Basic Education (1999-2000)

Structure of Basic Education
Structure

THE AIMS OF BASIC EDUCATION

• To enable every citizen of the Union of Myanmar to become a physical and mental worker well equipped with basic education, good health and moral character;
• To lay foundation for vocational education for Benefit of the Union of Myanmar;
• To give precedence to the teaching of science capable of strengenthering and developing productive forces;
• To give precedence to the teaching of arts capable of preservation and development of  culture, fine arts and literature of the state; and
• To lay a firm and sound educational foundation for the further pursuance of University Education.