Scholarship recipients pose for a group photo

By Phetsamone Phommouny

         (KPL) Twenty students from remote and disadvantaged districts in the northern provinces of Laos have been awarded scholarships by Australia to study at Souphanouvong University in Luang Prabang Province.

The ceremony for the awarding of the scholarships was held on November 16 at Souphanouvong University. The scholarships are part of the Laos Australia National Scholarships (LANS) program. Over 410 students have been able to study under this program at the National University of Laos and Souphanouvong University over the past five years.

The scholarship recipients include students from disadvantaged districts in the northern provinces of Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang.

The students will be studying four-year degree programs in science, education, economics, IT, tourism, engineering and architecture.

The LANS scholarship covers all fees and provides a living allowance for the duration of the course as well as an academic support program to expand their skills and help them to make the most of their potential opportunities.

Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy Mr Andreas Zurbrugg noted that the LANS programme has been an important part of Australia’s aid program to strengthen the human resources of the Lao PDR to ensure economic growth and competitiveness in the ASEAN Economic Community.

“LANS is a central part of Australia’s support for the government’s human resource development priorities,” he added. “By focussing on talented students from remote communities and disadvantaged backgrounds, Australia is helping to ensure that Laos is able to tap into the full potential of its vibrant, young population.” Mr Zurbrugg was joined at the awards ceremony by Associate Professor Vixay Chansavang, the Vice President of Souphanouvong University.

The next selection round for LANS scholarships in Vientiane and Luang Prabang starts in September 2017.

KPL