The Higher Education Program (HEP) was established in 2022 to provide higher education opportunities and capacity-building support for vulnerable young people from Myanmar. The program was initiated in response to the military coup of February 1, 2021, which left many youth feeling hopeless and without a clear future, as access to quality education in Myanmar became severely restricted under military control.

HEP aims to equip young people with the education and skills necessary to become productive, capable leaders who can contribute to the long-term stability and development of their communities and country. Many of these young people have crossed the Thai–Myanmar border seeking both safety and opportunities for employment and education.

The program offers tailored training based on each student’s educational background and learning needs. Its core focus is the General Education Development (GED) curriculum—an internationally recognized high school equivalency diploma that enables students to qualify for admission to accredited universities in Thailand. In addition, the SAW Foundation collaborates with various local and international organizations to expand educational opportunities for participants. Through a partnership with the Mobile Education Partnership (MEP), students receive coursework and preparation for Cambridge English qualifications at the A2 and B1 levels.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, 101 students (45 male and 56 female) are enrolled in the Higher Education Program, with approximately 80 residing in SAW Foundation dormitories. Since the program’s establishment in 2022, a total of 150 young people have participated. Of these, 63 students have successfully passed the GED examinations and are prepared to pursue further education. Currently, 30 graduates are enrolled in universities and colleges across Thailand, as well as at the Parami Online University in the United States.