Plans are underway to ensure that 14 universities in Yangon and Mandalay gain autonomy, said Union Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi. 

The minister revealed the plan during an international paper reading session held in commemoration of the centenary of Yangon University on January 6. 

He said the government is planning to grant autonomy to seven universities in Yangon Region and seven universities in Mandalay Region. Plans are being made to pass a university charter after a new university organizational set-up comes, he added. 

This year, those 14 universities directly invited university entrance applications. 

They are Yangon University, Mandalay University, Technological University (Mandalay), Yangon University of Computer Studies, Information and Technology University, Mandalay University of Computer Studies, Yangon University of Technology, Mandalay University of Technology, Yangon University of Economics (Ywathagyi Hline), Yangon University of Education, Yangon University of Foreign Languages, Mandalay University of Foreign Languages, Technological University (Yadanabon Cyber City) and Aerospace Engineering University. 

To be compatible with the new curriculums of kindergarten plus 12th grade, university curriculums will also be upgraded after review. 

Yangon University will collaborate with international universities in reviewing and upgrading the existing curriculums and drawing new ones for research improvement. 

In the basic education sector, grade-wise new school curriculums are being drawn as of 2016 until 2021.