VIENTIANE, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lao authorities plan to create more labor market networks to ensure there are sufficient jobs available for students after they graduate, in a bid to halt the decline in the number of people attending universities.
The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports will take steps to encourage more people to enroll in universities, following a sharp decline in applicants this academic year, Lao National Television reported on Thursday.
Deputy Director General of the ministry's Higher Education Department Lavanh Vongkhamsan said the ministry will build partnerships with business operators to ensure employment for graduates.
The ministry will also encourage more enrolment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and provide support for students from disadvantaged families.
State and private higher education institutions across the country will be encouraged to develop curriculums that are appropriate to changing technological conditions, to ensure that graduates are qualified to enter the job market.
Higher education institutions have also been instructed to provide counseling services for students to provide advice about which courses are most likely to lead to job opportunities after graduation.
The number of students registering for entrance exams at the four universities across the country dropped sharply in 2023. Only 7,441 students sat entrance exams at the National University of Laos in Lao capital Vientiane, of whom 6,688 will be awarded places.
