The University of Yangon was established on 1 December 1920. It was well known for national independence movement and its famous alumni are General Aung San and UN Secretary-General U Thant. It is privileged to be one of the oldest national universities in Myanmar. It was one of the most renowned universities in Southeast Asia during 1940s and 1950s. It had been transformed to Rangoon University of Arts and Science (RASU) on 1 November 1964. It was renamed as the University of Yangon on 30 November 1980 to conduct more advanced research. It is now composed of eight science departments and 12 arts departments. Each department is headed by Professor/Head. Currently, the University of Yangon is headed by Rector Dr. Pho Kaung, together with Pro Rector Dr. Omar Kyaw and Pro Rector Dr. Aung Kyaw. The University is now offering bachelor, master, Ph.D and post-graduate diploma degrees. A total of 8056 undergraduate and post-graduate students are attending the classes during the 2016-2017 AY.
