The Russian Ministry of Education has confirmed work is underway to establish the first Russian school in Laos, a project designed to deepen educational and cultural ties between the two countries. Sergey Malyshev, Director of the Centre for International Cooperation, told TV BRICS that land has already been allocated and planning for the institution is in progress.
The school will issue dual certificates — both Russian and Laotian — allowing graduates to seamlessly pursue higher education in Russia. According to Malyshev, the initiative goes beyond traditional schooling, aiming to align education with professional development. “The concept will have to take into account a continuous professional track,” he explained, “so that young people gain the knowledge and skills to integrate quickly into the economic life of their country while supporting cooperation with Russia.”
The dual-certification system is expected to improve language proficiency, reduce adaptation barriers, and provide Laotian students with a direct path to Russian universities. At present, 420 Laotian students are already studying Russian across seven educational institutions — a number likely to grow with the new school.
The initiative follows a pledge made by President Vladimir Putin during talks with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith in Moscow. For Laos, the project signals a strengthening of educational infrastructure and international cooperation. For Russia, it represents a strategic investment in cultural diplomacy, building long-term partnerships through language and education.
Once completed, the school will serve as a bridge between the Russian and Laotian academic systems, fostering both professional readiness and cross-cultural understanding.
