University of Macau (UM) Rector Song Yonghua said yesterday he expected the UM’s new campus in the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin to come into operation in 2028, with a capacity for about 10,000 students, adding that together with its current campus, there would be a total of 25,000 students in UM.
The construction of the UM’s second campus in Hengqin got off the ground last month. Geographically, both campuses are located in Hengqin, but the first one is under Macau’s jurisdiction on a plot of land leased from the mainland.
Song made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the UM Open Day yesterday. UM’s Macau campus and its Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute in Hengqin both held their Open Day activities yesterday, with the aim of allowing members of the public to learn about their educational approach, learning environment, academic offerings, and other developments in recent years.
More than 200 activities took place throughout the day, and the live streaming of the event reached a total of over 250,000 views across UM’s various social media platforms, according to a statement by the public university yesterday.
Song noted that the university plans to offer postgraduate programmes in Visual Communication Design, Fire Safety and Disaster Rescue, and Cognitive Neuroscience in the upcoming academic year of 2025/2026, in order to further support the appropriate diversification of Macau’s economy.
Song underlined that the university is committed to producing creative and socially responsible graduates with a global mindset and international competitiveness, adding that it will continue to enhance its strategic research layout, set up high-level scientific research and innovation platforms, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and support Macau’s economic diversification.
Foreign students’ views
Meury Ferreira, a master’s degree student, studying Public Health, from Angola at the UM, spoke with the Post about her experience at the university, saying that she decided to continue her studies after completing her undergraduate programme, praising the university’s extensive online learning resources. “It really helps me study and saves money on buying textbooks,” she said, highlighting how these resources support her academic journey. She also noted that UM has strong connections with various foreign countries and cities in mainland China, which will be beneficial for her job search.
Lina, an exchange student from Russia, studying International Relations, expressed her appreciation for the university’s teaching methods. “The lectures are so professionally conducted, making it easy for me to grasp the main points,” she said. She also values the detailed lecture materials and feels well-supported by her classmates, and she also enjoys the university’s excellent facilities, especially the clean environment.
Another Russian exchange student, Sofia, also studying International Relations, said that the English instruction at UM had played a significant role in her decision to study there. Sofia said she finds her professors skilled at engaging students and making the courses interesting. “Having dorms and faculties on campus really shortens my commute, plus I get to practise my Mandarin with local students,” she added, appreciating the opportunities to immerse herself in the language.
Josh, an exchange student from the US studying Chinese History at UM, looks forward to experiencing a different teaching style than what he’s used to back home. Having lived in mainland China as a child, he decided to return for his studies. “I love Chinese culture, and attending classes at the Confucius Institute helps me learn the language and connect more deeply with Chinese history,” he said.
Open Days at UTM & KWNC
The Macao University of Tourism (UTM) and the Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) held their Open Days on Saturday respectively.
UTM Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan said on Saturday that her university plans to enrol 20 percent more students than last year, reaching a total of 1,200 in the upcoming academic year of 2025/2026, and intends to introduce master’s degrees in High-end Hospitality and Health Service Management, Cultural and Creative Industry Management, as well as Cultural Heritage Management.
Vong noted that according to the findings of a survey of its undergraduates conducted by UTM last year, 50 percent of the undergraduates had found jobs within a few months, 30 percent of the respondents continued their studies, while the others started their own businesses or explored different paths, representing a significant increase compared to the situation five years ago when fewer than 10 percent chose to pursue further studies.
KWNC President Florence Van Iat Kio said on Saturday that between 150 and 180 new students will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 academic year, stressing that they will be selected on merit.
University of Macau (UM) Rector Song Yonghua (centre) and other representatives applaud at the opening ceremony of the UM Open Day yesterday on the campus.
Meury Ferreira, a master’s degree student, studying Public Health, from Angola at the UM.
Lina, an exchange student from Russia, studying International Relations.
Sofia, an exchange student from Russia, majoring in International Relations.
Josh, an exchange student from the US studying Chinese History at UM. – Photos: Ginnie Liang
