The history of higher education in Laos could be traced back to over half of a century ago. However, the National University of Laos (NUOL) was officially established on 5 November 1996 by integrating ten higher educational institutions namely Vientiane Pedagogical University, Polytechnic University, University of Medical Science, Nabong College of Agriculture, Dongdok College of Forestry, Tadthong College of Irrigation, Institute of Architecture, Institute of Telecommunication, Institute of Transportation, College of Electricity and Electronics and Centre for the Establishment of Veunkham Agro-Forestry University.

By the time of its establishment, NUOL comprised only eight faculties with few hundred administrative and teaching staff members. By 2016, however, the university includes 12 faculties, two institutes, one Central Library, five centres, one hospital, 10 offices and one Gifted School.

The National University of Laos is the leading higher educational institution, which specializes in teaching, conducting research in diverse disciplines. The NUOL functions as a think-tank for the Government of Laos and serves general society with expertise and qualified human resource.  

When the National University of Laos was established in 1996, there were only eight faculties, which offered less than 50 undergraduate programmes. NUOL gradually grew in terms of quantity and quality. By 2016, The University includes 12 Faculties, which offer 100 undergraduate programmes, 44 Master’s Programmes, and three Doctoral Programmes.