Study in Macao

Higher Education Structure in Macao

Study In Macao

Macao is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is a small city in Southeastern China, with a land area less than 5% of the other major Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing. However, it is densely populated, with over half a million people calling Macao home. It is a major entertainment hub in the region, with gambling and tourism forming important sources of revenue for the SAR. Macao is one of the most prosperous urban areas in the world, with an extremely high average GDP per capita, an impressive Human Development Index, and a high percentage of HNIs.

Macao has four public Higher Education Institutions, and six private Universities and Polytechnics. In keeping with the prevailing industries in the country, many programs focus on the hospitality and services industries, but there are also several conventional academic and research courses. Despite the relatively high cost of education, Macao’s Universities are recognized across the world.

The Perks of Studying in Macao

Macao is highly ranked on several important indices for students and residents. Some highlights include:

  • The SAR is ranked #26 in the world by GDP per capita (PPP).
  • The SAR has a Human Development Index above 0.9, which places it in the Very High category.
  • The Life Expectancy is above 84 years; one of the highest in the world.

Higher Education Framework in Macao

There are two main kinds of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Macao:

1. Public HEIs: There are four Government funded Institutions of Higher Education in Macao. These include both Universities (e.g. the University of Macao, the highest ranked and best known HEI in the country) and professional schools (e.g. Macao Polytechnic University, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a high level of integration with the labor market, and impressive placement statistics). The other two public HEIs in Macao focus on the Tourism Industry and Security Forces, respectively.

2. Private HEIs: There are six private Institutions of Higher Education in the country. They include both Comprehensive HEIs (e.g. the City University of Macao), and HEIs with a clear subject focus (e.g. Macao University of Science and Technology, and the Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macao). The tuition fee at Private HEIs is usually slightly higher than that in Public HEIs in Macao.

Certificate Programs

There are three types of courses in Macau that are not part of the full time higher education system. These include certificate courses for professionals, short term language learning and virtual courses, and professional training qualifications. This is an important part of the continuing education initiative of the Government, which seeks to allow adults to return to complete qualifications missed earlier.

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Bachelor's degree programs in Macao are taught in both Chinese and English. They normally take four years to complete, with an optional foundation year, if the student needs to learn the language or study bridge courses in the subject. Each Faculty in a Macao University normally offers multiple Bachelor's programs.

Postgraduate Programs

Each Department or Faculty normally offers multiple postgraduate Master's degree programs. For example, the Faculty of Science and Technology may have several Master's programs within Computer Science alone e.g. Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology. Students are given 2-3 years to complete the course of study, and must prove their ability by completing intensive assignments and regular practical and theoretical examination assessments.

Doctoral Programs

The PhD degree is the apex qualification awarded by Universities in Macao. It is a bridge between academics and research. Designed to be completed in approximately four years, it has an initial phase of coursework and training. After a qualifying examination, they start guided research work under a faculty mentor. At the end of the course, they must defend their thesis successfully to be awarded the PhD degree.

Disciplines Available in Macao

The SAR has various universities that offer approximately all the disciplines of study. Some of the popular disciplines available in Macao are-

Chinese Medical SciencesCollaborative InnovationMaterials Science
Applied PhysicsBusiness AdministrationArts and Humanities
MicroelectronicsLawSocial Studies
Hospitality ManagementInternational FinanceAccounting
Artificial IntelligenceLuxury Brand ManagementInternational Relations

Popular Cities with Most number of Universities in Macao

Here are some popular cities that have the most universities in Macao.

The name of the city No. of Universities 
Macao10

Average Monthly Expenses in Macao for International Students

The Tuition Fee in Macao Universities is much higher than in other Asian countries. For example, the total fee payable for undergraduate courses ranges from 95,200 to 557,000 USD (up to 5 million MOP), with the upper end of the scale corresponding to Medical Studies. Postgraduate degrees, being shorter, are associated with tuition fees up to 200,000 USD (1.6 million MOP).

Accommodation for students in Macao is easily available through University housing. The rent ranges from 12,000 to 30,000 MOP for a nine month (academic year) period, which is higher than in many other countries in Asia. Students must also budget a similar amount towards food, travel, recreation, and shopping for personal items.

Students Visa Requirements

Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Macao.

Applicants for a long term Macao Student Visa must complete the steps listed below, and submit the following documents:

  • An international passport valid for at least 90 days more than the expected duration of study in Macao.
  • Proof of a clear criminal record in the home country, through a police report.
  • A bank statement showing access to at least 20,000 MOP to fund living expenses in the country for the first semester of study.
  • A filled Macau student visa application form.
  • Two recent passport size photographs.
  • A Letter of Admission issued by a University located in Macao.
  • Details of a local sponsor who resides in China, Hong Kong, or Macao.
img


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The application fee payable for a Macao multiple entry student visa for one year is 300 MOP, and is 200 MOP for single entry. This document must be renewed annually.

Applicants must submit two photographs with their Macao student visa application. These must be recent (taken within the previous six months), and show the face of the student looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression.

Any inaccurate information or even unclear writing on the Macao student visa application form can lead to processing delays or rejections. In the latter case, students can contact the nearest Embassy or the Public Security Police Force of Macao to understand the reasons for rejection. If they are minor, a new application is recommended, after the student pays the application fee again.

Universities in Macao assist current students and recent alumni with part time jobs and internship opportunities. Through these, students can work part time, up to 20 hours per week, to support their studies in Macao. During summer and winter vacations, subject to issuance of a work permit via the employer, students can also work full time.

The University of Macao is ranked in the top 260 in the world according to the latest QS rankings, while Macao University of Science and Technology is ranked just outside the top 500.

Macao is one of the most highly developed cities in the world. It is completely safe for international students, with helplines available within and outside each University. It is also one of the WHO’s Healthy Cities, and offers its temporary residents a very high standard of living.

Most Universities in Macao use both Chinese and English as languages of instruction. The University of Macao, the highest ranked HEI in the country, has courses that are mainly taught in English. Therefore, it is very convenient for international students to study abroad in Macao.

Macao University of Science and Technology has a Faculty of Medicine, which offers integrated degrees in various fields related to Surgery and Dentistry. This includes advanced training in fields like Medical Simulation. The cost of medical studies in Macao is high, on par with the most expensive degree programs in Asian Universities.

Universities in Macao charge high tuition fees, and the cost of living is also much higher than in most other regions of Asia. However, the University of Macao is highly ranked in the QS World Rankings. International students who are able to secure admission to the highest ranked Institutions in Macao will find that the global recognition of their degrees and robust job opportunities compensate for the high investment in education.