By Michael Anderson; BBGL Board Member and Education Adviser
Over recent decades, families in Laos have viewed the United States as a top destination for overseas study.
But the last few years have brought big changes to the international education landscape, especially in the US, where politics has complicated the path for students from Laos.
Unpredictable visa rules, sudden funding cuts at major universities, and new barriers for applicants have all combined to make planning an American education a bigger gamble than it once was.
British universities, meanwhile, keep rolling out the welcome mat. For Lao students and their families, the UK now stands out as a stable, respected, and supportive destination, a clear route to global opportunity.
Turbulence in the US
A series of policy shifts under the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through American higher education. Funding was abruptly pulled from universities seen as “liberal,” including Harvard, raising tough questions about academic freedom and the future of research.
International students found themselves encountering new hurdles: for example applicants from certain countries facing mandatory social media screening, a move that’s drawn criticism for privacy and racial profiling concerns. The most disruptive change though was the sudden cancellation of thousands of student visas, sometimes with just days’ notice. For Lao families, the risk of investing in a US education suddenly feels much higher.
Britain Builds Stronger Ties with Laos
While the American system becomes less predictable, Britain has been quietly deepening its educational ties with Laos. Over the past decade, more Lao students have gained access to a British-style curriculum without leaving home. International schools in Vientiane, such as Heathfield International School following the Oxford International Curriculum and Panyathip British International School who follow the Cambridge Curriculum, offer courses that lead to globally recognized British qualifications like the IGCSE and A-Levels.
Students can start their British educational journey locally, in international schools and colleges that focus not just on English proficiency, but on critical thinking and a global outlook—skills at the heart of British education. After completing their studies in Laos, many students move on to undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the UK.
One example is St Hugh’s College in Vientiane. From September 2025 they are offering university foundation and degree level courses where students can start their studies in Laos and then complete the course in the UK, through partners such as the Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK) and British University Vietnam – all delivered to British educational standards, giving Lao students a direct path to further study or international careers.
Why Britain?
British universities have long been known for their academic rigour, history, and commitment
to research. Names like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and London School of Economics regularly top global rankings. For Lao students, a British degree is a powerful credential, respected by employers and graduate schools worldwide.
The UK system also offers flexibility: students typically specialise earlier and can complete a bachelor’s degree in three years, which often means lower tuition and living costs compared to places like the US.
Scholarships are becoming more accessible, programmes like the Chevening Scholarships and institution-specific awards help talented Lao students’ study in the UK.
The UK’s record of supporting international students is another draw. Established in 2021, the UK’s ‘Graduate Route’ allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to two years (three for doctoral grads), giving them valuable work experience and a possible springboard to a longer stay.
A Welcoming Community
British universities take pride in their diversity, with students from over 200 countries. International student offices, orientation programs, and academic support help new arrivals settle in—both in and out of the classroom. Organisations in Laos like the British Business Group and the British Education Centre are on hand to provide advice, support and connections to those interested in learning more.
British education is about more than just grades. Lao students in the UK find themselves in a multicultural society, with the chance to meet peers from all over the world and learn to think independently. British universities encourage debate, creativity, and leadership, qualities that serve students well in any field.
Graduates return to Laos with more than just a degree; they bring back technical expertise, strong English skills, and a global network. Many go on to leadership roles across business, government, and civil society, helping to drive Laos’ development.
The Bottom Line
With American universities facing new challenges and uncertainties, the UK stands out as a stable, welcoming, and globally respected choice for Lao students. For families in Laos, British education is more than just a backup plan, it’s a gateway to new horizons.