Cultural performances by Pu'er University students - Dec 7, 2024

By Sengthong Phasavath

(KPL) In every era, education is considered essential for everyone. It helps us become good citizens, develop our abilities, and serve as vital resources for the progress and development of all countries around the world.

In today’s globalized world, China has become a popular destination for Lao students seeking higher education, driven in part by the increasing presence of Chinese tourists, investors, and businesspeople in Laos.

Many schools in Laos, especially at the primary and secondary levels, have introduced Chinese language courses to meet growing demand. At the National University of Laos, Chinese has become one of the most popular subjects among students in recent years.

Pu’er University: A Gateway to Education in China

Pu’er University offers an excellent opportunity for Lao students wishing to pursue their studies in China. Located in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, which borders Laos, the university is geographically close to Laos. Pu’er is a multicultural city, home to various ethnic groups, including the Akha and Tai Lue peoples, who share linguistic and cultural ties with Laos.

The Laos-China Railway has significantly improved accessibility to Pu’er, reducing travel time from Vientiane to just seven hours by train. This convenience makes it easier for parents and relatives to visit students studying in China.

Pu’er University offers a wide range of academic programs with affordable tuition fees, making it an attractive option for Lao students. The university also provides scholarships for international students. 

A Lao student (right) participates in a practical cooking class with his friends at Pu’er University – Dec 7, 2024 

A Renowned Educational Institution

Pu’er University is a prestigious institution in China, recognized for its academic and extracurricular achievements. Due to a research project conducted by Pu’er University students, Pu’er’s last artistic prints have secured UNESCO World Heritage recognition. In 2024, the university won first place at the World Cheerleading Championships, and in 2022, it received the Outstanding Skills Development Institution award in Yunnan Province. The university is also known for its clean, green, peaceful, and civilized environment, which attracts numerous tourists and academic visitors each year.

Founded in 1978, Pu’er University offers undergraduate programmes in over 30 disciplines across 13 faculties, including international education, preschool education, special education, business English, hotel management, cooking and nutrition studies, accounting, information science, big data technology, digital media, Internet of Things engineering, physical education, and agriculture.

The university operates more than 300 training and experimental bases, including the Biodiversity Science Museum, a training centre for entrepreneurs under the Belt and Road Initiative, and a Chinese language testing centre.

A Hub for Cultural Exchange

Pu’er University plays a significant role in fostering cultural exchange. It organizes activities that allow students from diverse ethnic backgrounds to share their traditions, strengthening bonds among students. The university currently has over 10,000 students, with more than 300 Lao students, making Laos the largest recipient of Pu’er University’s scholarships in ASEAN.

Scholarships and Admission Process

Lao students can apply to Pu’er University through two main scholarship programs: the Yunnan Province scholarship or the Pu’er University scholarship. Students from Phongsaly can apply for the Simao County scholarship to study at Pu’er University through the Phongsaly District Education and Sports Office.

Scholarship recipients will receive free tuition, accommodation, and book fees, although other personal expenses will be the students’ responsibility. The university also welcomes self-financed students from South Asia and Southeast Asia. Self-financed students are required to pay 20,000 yuan per year for Chinese preparatory courses and 24,000 yuan per year after completing the language preparatory courses.

For students from low-income families in Southeast Asia, the fees are reduced to 5,000 yuan per year for preparatory courses and 6,500 yuan per year for undergraduate studies.

KPL