This article aims to analyze the factors influencing university governance in Lao PDR. The study surveyed 454 respondents from various institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Sports and several universities. Data was collected using a 49-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analysis identified the key components of university governance, termed "SMART" (Systematic and Equitable Human Resource Development, Management University System with Transparency and Fairness, Access and Participation of Stakeholders, Responsibilities and Assignment in Accordance with Quality Standards, Teaching and Learning Management, Monitoring System, and University Communication Channel). This research contributes to understanding contemporary academic administration in Lao PDR.