LAO PDR

Secondary education in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic is divided into two levels, known as middle school and high school, each lasting for three years, which together are said to constitute 'the focal point of educational development' in Laos. Middle schools, mathanyom, are usually located at the sub-district (tasseng) level; while high schools, udom, are located in the larger centres.

All examinations are written tests of single subject knowledge and have strict pass or fail provisions related to promotion between grades and between the levels themselves. These strict provisions may have a significant influence on the repetition and drop out rates particularly at the primary level and in the rural areas, where the threat of examinations could be a real barrier to performance.

Students seeking admission to the National University of Laos (NUOL) are graduates of upper secondary schools that is those who have completed grade 11.

The admission to the various disciplines offered in the NUOL are based on the quota fixed for each province by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The nomination of the students for admission is made by the Provinces, local Ministry of Education, also called the "entrance by quota". The students are selected by scrutinizing their transcript of records at secondary school and the results of their leaving examination. However, these students have to pass an aptitude test in order to identify those who can enter the first year. Students who are not covered by the "Quota System" can take the National Entrance Examination which is organized at NUOL and provincial centres.

Figure 4 : The Chart of the Educational System in Lao PDR
(To view figure, please download Acrobat.)

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