Chapter 4: Higher Education in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Higher education institutions in Lao PDR are not generally performing well. Some sector goals achieved include an outcomes-based curriculum focus and gender equity. However, problems with quality are wide-ranging and complicated, with most institutions struggling to improve their quality in teaching and learning, research, community service, and quality assurance. Efforts to improve tend to be frustrated by inefficiency and unmanageability. At the heart of the problem is a lack of sufficient leadership capacity. The challenges are profound, and the need for solutions is pressing.