Many young people in Arakan (Rakhine) State are reportedly being denied the chance to pursue higher education at local and international universities due to sweeping transportation blockades, locals reported.
Arakan State remains under a blockade imposed by the coup junta. In addition, the Arakan Army’s (AA) National Defence Emergency Provisions (NDEP) have introduced strict travel restrictions, preventing residents, especially the youth, from leaving the region.
Locals said that these prohibitions on traveling outside Arakan for education or employment are taking a heavy toll on the future of the younger generation.
“It would be better if there were no restrictions on traveling abroad. Lately, there’ve been lots of scholarships for Myanmar students, especially for those from conflict-affected areas. But with the internet blackouts here in Arakan, so many young people don’t even hear about them. And even if they apply and get accepted, the travel bans make it almost impossible to go. I just hope the routes get opened so students can continue their studies,” said a 24-year-old from Mrauk-U Township.
Students who have passed their matriculation exams must currently rely on scholarship programs offered by local and international NGOs operating within Arakan State. However, these opportunities are limited. Many students who meet academic requirements are unable to pursue further studies and are instead forced to work in family businesses.
The situation is compounded by ongoing clashes in Arakan State, driven by the AA’s attempts to capture more towns and cities. These conflicts have displaced residents and created significant hurdles for the education sector.
“Young people here are really talented, but there just aren’t enough educational programs in Arakan State. Most end up joining the workforce after finishing school. Many dreamed of studying abroad, but family responsibilities, the growing conflict, and travel restrictions have forced them to give up on those dreams,” said a teacher involved in a local education program.
For young people in Arakan, two major obstacles block higher education: first, the threat of junta airstrikes targeting local schools; second, transportation blockades prevent access to universities abroad.
The AA’s NDEP policy also prohibits youth from traveling to Yangon and other parts of Myanmar, locals said. Even travel for medical treatment requires a signed guarantee to return within a strictly specified timeframe. Leaving Arakan for medical reasons requires at least three recommendation letters from relevant authorities and a family member’s signed guarantee.
A report released in October 2025 by the Myanmar branch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that many young people in the country urgently need vocational and practical skills training. The report also highlighted that an entire generation risks losing access to life-changing opportunities and self-reliance.
