Australia supports human resources development in Laos
The Australian Government is continuing its support for education and human resources development in Laos with the award of another 52 scholarships for students from remote and disadvantaged districts
Students at the National University of Laos (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) - The Australian Government is continuing its support foreducation and human resources development in Laos with the award of another 52scholarships for students from remote and disadvantaged districts to completeundergraduate degrees at the National University of Laos.
The52 awardees will join over 280 other students currently pursuing undergraduatedegrees through the Laos Australia National Scholarships (LANS) programme,according to the Lao News Agency (KPL).
Another20 scholarships were presented to students from northern Laos last month, whowill complete their LANS degrees at Luang Prabang’s SouphanouvongUniversity. This year’s LANS recipientscome from 15 of Laos’ 17 provinces.
AustralianAmbassador to Laos John Williams said the LANS programme seeks to giveopportunities to high-performing high school graduates from regional Laos tocomplete quality university degrees.
Hesaid the LANS programme, currently in its sixth year, covered not only tuitioncosts and living expenses, but a separate Academic Support Programme to buildstudy and life skills, including intensive English language training.
“ThroughLANS, Australia is delighted to be able to help young, talented Lao men andwomen from a number of provinces to gain the knowledge, skills andqualifications they need to build rewarding and productive careers,” Williamssaid.
“The52 new scholarship recipients, including 26 women, were selected from hundredsof school graduates entering the National University this year. They are keen to pursue careers in science,education, law, business, agriculture and the environment – all areas vital forthe economic development of Laos.”
Every year, Australia offers scholarships foraround 75 students from remote districts for tertiary study at NationalUniversity and Souphanouvong University. LANS covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, home travel expenses, extratuition, and other university costs.-VNA
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Students at the National University of Laos (Photo: VNA) 
