From August 25 to 28, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMCOU) joined a delegation organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training for a study visit and educational cooperation mission to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The visit aimed to strengthen connections between higher education institutions in the two countries while exploring new opportunities for joint academic programs, scientific research, academic exchanges, and human resource development.
Representing HCMCOU were Dr. Le Xuan Truong – Vice President, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh – Deputy Head of the Office of Student Affairs and Communications. The delegation also included representatives from 14 higher education institutions across Vietnam.
Vietnam–Laos Higher Education Cooperation: Discussions on Establishing Vietnamese University Branch Campuses in Laos and the Laos–Vietnam Friendship University Project
During the visit, delegates held discussions on the Laos–Vietnam Friendship University Project, which aims to establish a high-quality, smart, and modern public university to meet Laos’ human resource development needs. The discussions also explored the possibility of establishing branch campuses of Vietnamese universities in Laos, developing joint degree programs under 2+2 and 3+1 models, recognizing academic qualifications, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, and strengthening scientific research collaboration.
In addition, delegates proposed expanding Vietnamese language training opportunities for Lao students to help them prepare for and access higher education programs in Vietnam. They also emphasized the importance of sharing educational expertise and jointly developing academic programs tailored to Laos’ workforce development priorities and local conditions.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, emphasized that education and training remain strategic pillars of Vietnam–Laos relations. He highlighted that cooperation in developing highly qualified human resources would further strengthen the longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
The visit created additional opportunities for HCMCOU to strengthen its connections with Lao education authorities and institutions. Through meetings and discussions with the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, National University of Laos, University of Health Sciences, Champasak University, Souphanouvong University, Dongkhamxang Teacher Training College, and Dongkhamxang Finance College, HCMCOU gained valuable insights into local educational models, institutional priorities, and potential areas of collaboration in education, scientific research, academic exchange, and human resource development.
Lao International Students at Ho Chi Minh City Open University
During the 2025–2026 academic year, HCMCOU has welcomed nearly 100 Lao international students enrolled in undergraduate programs and Vietnamese language preparatory courses. Many of these students have received full scholarships covering undergraduate tuition fees, Vietnamese language training fees, and living expenses throughout their studies in Vietnam.
In addition to scholarship support, HCMCOU places strong emphasis on helping international students adapt to their new academic environment through Vietnamese language instruction, learning resources, academic advising, dedicated student support staff, and language and cultural exchange activities.
Drawing on its practical experience in supporting Lao international students, HCMCOU is well-positioned to explore suitable cooperation models with Lao partners, ranging from Vietnamese language training and international student recruitment to joint academic programs, academic exchanges, and collaborative scientific research.
The working visit to Laos further expanded HCMCOU’s international network and laid the groundwork for translating discussions into concrete collaborative initiatives. Through these efforts, the University continues to contribute to expanding educational opportunities, developing high-quality human resources, and strengthening educational cooperation and the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
Article and photos: OUNews
Translated by: OUNews