Study abroad
Study in Laos
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Laos
Thinking about studying in Laos? The country is in South-East Asia, with higher education centred on cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in agriculture, tourism and energy may find the local context especially relevant. The main language is Lao; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Laos?
What makes Laos worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in South-East Asia, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Industry context: Agriculture, tourism and energy matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Energy, Oil & Gas, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Laos means everyday contact with Lao and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Laos
If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Laos’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Links to agriculture, tourism and energy mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Laos on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Laos
The choice of institutions in Laos is relatively small, which makes it important to confirm exactly which courses and levels are available. Institutions include:
- National University of Laos
This is not a ranking or a complete list. When comparing universities, look at the content of the specific programme, entry requirements, the language of teaching, location, support for international students and whether the qualification is recognised where you plan to work.
Some institutions offer preparatory or foundation courses, placements or joint programmes with partners abroad; these can change the length and cost of your studies.
Scholarships to Study in Laos
If you need financial support to study in Laos, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Laos
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Laos
There is no national intake date for Laos: each university or college sets its own calendar.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Laos
Fees for international students in Laos are set by each institution and can differ considerably between programmes.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Laos
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Laos requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Laos in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Laos
Your everyday budget in Laos will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Vientiane can differ noticeably from those in Luang Prabang or Pakse and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Laos
Is Laos a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Laos offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-East Asia and study in Lao (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, tourism and energy may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Laos?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Energy, Oil & Gas and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for Laos lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Laos?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Laos?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Laos?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Laos.
Are scholarships available for international students in Laos?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Laos?
Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Laos?
Many courses are taught in Lao. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.