Parami University, Washington DC-registered university, is opening new doors and providing hope for Burmese students, who are facing significant educational challenges.
Myanmar’s (Burma) educational system has faced significant challenges in recent years, further exacerbated with the 2021 military coup. A large number of students from public universities in Myanmar have decided to postpone their studies as academic freedom is highly restricted and compromised by the governing military junta. This has left many young people in Myanmar with limited access to quality education. Amidst this education crisis, Parami University has become a valuable and affordable alternative for Burmese youth to attain a quality education with academic freedom and financial support.
Parami University is a private, non-profit, online synchronous university providing liberal arts education in Myanmar and Southeast Asia. In 2017, it was founded as a liberal arts institution, providing quality education to young leaders and adult learners across Myanmar. In June 2022, Parami University received its license from the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC) to offer associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in two interdisciplinary majors: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), and Statistics and Data Science (SDS). Parami also targets not only Myanmar youth but also students across the global south, especially from underserved backgrounds. Students from Thailand, Kenya, and Bangladesh also attend Parami University.
Parami’s registration under the HELC of Washington DC allows the institution to operate with greater autonomy and flexibility. Additionally, being a US-registered institution grants Parami University valuable international credibility for its students hoping to pursue further education or employment abroad. Moreover, Parami University has an institutional partnership with Bard College in Annandale, New York. Hence, students from Parami University are awarded dual degrees from both Bard College and Parami for associate and bachelor's degrees.
Parami University shares many connections with the United States. Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun, the President of Parami, went to Bard College at Simon's Rock for his bachelor's degree and Yale University for his master's and PhD. The Board of Trustees of the university is mostly composed of Americans, and most of the faculty are Americans as well. Parami University has also received funding from the State Department as well as USAID.
Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun told the East-West Center that, "Parami University's mission is to create young Burmese leaders who think critically, embrace diversity, respect freedom, and question authority. These aspects are the hallmarks of a democratic society - one that the United States values deeply. Parami University aspires to create leaders.”
Financial aid at Parami University is needs-based, meaning a student's financial status does not hinder their access to higher education. Supported by philanthropic foundations and individual donors, the university tries to meet the financial needs of all incoming students. From the 2023-2024 admissions cohort of 89 students, 14 students were awarded full financial aid (100%) and 60 students received nearly full scholarships (90% - 99%), 15 students received partial financial aid (50% - 59%). In addition, Parami University provides learning hubs and stipends for students who cannot attend classes from their homes due to unstable internet connections, electricity shortages, and/or lack of family support.
Although Parami University is an online university, it organizes many in-person events and trips to strengthen engagement among the students. There are also numerous foreign exchange programs. Students travel to the United States, Colombia, Hungary, Germany, Kenya, Thailand, and Taiwan for exchange programs with the support of Parami. For instance, this summer, Parami University launched its first cohort of the “Rising Generation Summer Internship Program” in collaboration with prestigious institutions in the United States. With this program, nine students came to the United States this summer to intern at different prestigious institutions in Washington, DC, including East-West Center in Washington DC, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), United States Institute of Peace (USIP) , US-ASEAN Business Council, Asia Foundation, C4ADS, International Center for Nonviolent Conflict, Accion International, and Cassidy Levy Kent. In addition, as a member institution of the Open Society University Network (OSUN), Parami students get the opportunity to attend OSUN events both online and abroad, and courses offered by different OSUN institutions.
Parami University relies on the generous support of private foundations and individual donors to fulfill its mission. The university is actively seeking additional funding to expand its educational programs and enhance student experiences.
By providing accessible, quality education and robust financial support, Parami empowers students from Myanmar and other underserved regions to pursue their academic and professional goals. The university’s innovative online model, coupled with in-person events and international exchange programs, fosters an engaging learning environment. As it continues to grow and adapt, Parami University remains committed to deliver transformative education and support the next generation of leaders.
Nyan is a Young Professional Intern at the East-West Center in Washington, DC. He is also a rising junior majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Parami University.