Vietnam is preparing to introduce Lao-language classes in schools in Son La Province, Hue City, and Quang Tri Province, with each locality at a different stage of implementation, local media reported.
The programs aim to expand foreign-language options for students in border communities, strengthen educational and cultural ties with Laos, and train people to support cooperation between the two countries.
Son La, which borders Laos’ Houaphanh, selected five schools in August to pilot Lao-language classes in the 2026-2027 school year. First graders will study Lao as their first foreign language, while students in Grades 6 and 10 will take it as a second foreign language.
Hue City, in central Vietnam near Laos’ Salavanh Province, approved a pilot program in September covering nine schools in five border communes, also for the 2026-2027 school year. First graders will be able to choose Lao as their first foreign language, while sixth graders will study it as a second foreign language.
Quang Tri Province, which borders Laos’ Savannakhet, is taking a more gradual approach. On 17 October, the province announced plans to introduce Lao as a second foreign language under a program running from 2026 to 2031, with longer-term goals extending to 2035.
Four boarding schools in Dan Hoa, Thuong Trach, Huong Phung, and Dakrong communes will first establish Lao-language learning environments during the 2026-2027 school year.
Formal classes are scheduled to begin in 2027-2028 at the Dan Hoa and Dakrong schools, starting with four Grade 6 classes. The program will then expand to higher grades through 2030-2031. The province plans to assess the results in 2031-2032 before deciding whether to expand the program further.
Hanoi Makes Lao a Priority in Foreign-Language Education
The provincial initiatives follow a broader national policy.
In June 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training announced plans to introduce Lao as one of eight foreign languages offered in general education. The rollout will begin in border provinces and expand as more qualified teachers become available.
The ministry also asked Laos to support the initiative through textbook provision, teacher training, and curriculum development.
In December 2025, Vietnam approved a national foreign-language project covering 2025-2035, with Lao and Cambodian prioritized in its first phase.
In June 2026, Laos and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on teaching Lao in Vietnam and Vietnamese in Laos during Lao Deputy Minister Santipab Phomvihane’s visit to Vietnam, Vietnamese state media reported.
Friendship University Planned for Vientiane
The two countries are also expanding cooperation in higher education.
On 8 October, their education ministers signed an agreement in Vientiane to establish the Lao-Vietnam Friendship University during Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s visit.
The university is planned for a 50-hectare site in Xaythany District and is expected to accommodate about 4,000 students. It will focus on training skilled workers in fields where Laos has needs and Vietnam has expertise.
