Macao-Hengqin International Education City welcomes first 1,400 graduate students

The first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) City is now operational, welcoming more than 1,400 master’s and doctoral students. Students have praised the area’s extensive academic resources and space, as well as the opportunities created by closer Macau-Hengqin cooperation.

Education and Youth Development Bureau director Kong Chi Meng said graduate students from the University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic University and Macao University of Tourism began classes in mid-August, with operations running smoothly. A joint task force established by the Macau and Hengqin governments has staff on-site to address issues involving regulations, accommodation, teaching arrangements and campus management.

Kong said initial feedback indicates that students are generally satisfied with the new environment and that authorities will continue collecting feedback to improve facilities and services.

He noted that the university city is “not simply an extension of Macau’s higher education facilities, but an important part of the city’s higher education system.”

“It is designed to support the goals of the national 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s economic diversification,” he said.

The university city will gradually add programs and facilities, including schools of medicine, engineering and information technology, with a focus on STEM, interdisciplinary and emerging fields.