Graduate Studies in Macau: University of Macau Opens 2027/28 Graduate Applications, First Doctoral Round Closes October 23
Graduate programs at the University of Macau for the 2027/28 academic year are now open for applications: the first round for doctoral programs closes on October 23, 2026, and master's and postgraduate certificate programs close on December 3. On September 8, 2026, Phase I of the Hengqin-Macao International Education City (University Town) was launched, with the first cohort of over 1,450 graduate students enrolled. This article summarizes key deadlines, newly introduced programs, and application preparation.
Let's start with the two most important dates: the University of Macau has opened applications for its postgraduate programs for the 2027/2028 academic year. The first round of doctoral applications closes on October 23, 2026, and master's and postgraduate certificate programs close on December 3, 2026. It is now early October, leaving less than three weeks for students planning to apply for the first round of UM doctoral programs.
Another noteworthy event: on September 8, 2026, the first phase of the Hengqin-Macao International Education (University) Town, located in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, was officially launched. The University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic University, and Macao University of Tourism held their first joint opening ceremony here. In the future, postgraduate studies in Macao may involve classes not only at the main campus on Macao Peninsula but also at this new campus.
UM 2027/28 Postgraduate Application Timeline
| Program Category | Deadline | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree (First Round) | October 23, 2026 | UM official news specifies this is the "first round" |
| Master's Degree | December 3, 2026 | |
| Postgraduate Certificate | December 3, 2026 |
Applicants should apply directly through the UM official website. The Graduate School's application guidelines also highlight a few key points:
- After submitting the online application, pay the application fee within the application period. The application is only valid upon receiving a confirmation email with the application number.
- For master's or doctoral programs (except the Introduction to Macao Law program), you must submit two recommendation forms, one of which must be completed by a university faculty member.
- Upon admission, you can apply to defer your enrollment for up to one year, subject to meeting admission requirements, paying the first semester's tuition or deposit, and obtaining the Dean's approval.
Application fees, language proficiency requirements, and academic requirements vary by program. Please refer to the UM Graduate School and respective faculty pages for details.
New Programs and Disciplinary Layout
According to UM's admissions news released in August 2026:
- UM has established five new science and technology faculties: the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, and Faculty of Design, to promote interdisciplinary development in medicine, engineering, information, and intelligence.
- Postgraduate program tracks planned for the 2027/2028 academic year include Medicinal Food and Nutritional Sciences, Law and Technology, and Applied Law.
- Postgraduate programs will be taught and research will be conducted at both the UM main campus and the UM site in Phase I of the Hengqin-Macao International Education (University) Town.
- UM offers various postgraduate scholarships and financial aid, including the UM Doctoral Scholarship, Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistantships, International Student Scholarships, and STEM Program Scholarships.
Regarding the university's profile, UM's official news mentions: it currently has over 16,900 students, offers more than 90 postgraduate programs, uses English as the primary medium of instruction, and 80% of its teaching and research staff come from around the world. In terms of rankings, according to the university's website, UM is ranked 145th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 267th in the QS World University Rankings.
Phase I of Hengqin University Town Launched: Three Universities, Over 1,450 Postgraduates in the First Cohort
On September 8, 2026, the joint opening ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year for the three universities in the Hengqin-Macao International Education (University) Town was held at the Phase I campus in Hengqin. Key details include:
- Three Universities: University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic University, and Macao University of Tourism, all public higher education institutions in Macao.
- First Cohort: The Phase I campus welcomes over 1,450 postgraduate students this academic year.
- Program Tracks: Covering fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics, Big Data and Internet of Things, and Cultural and Creative Industry Management.
- Positioning: UM's news mentions that the national 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly proposes advancing the construction of the Hengqin-Macao International Education (University) Town and supporting Macao universities in expanding their operations in Hengqin. The three universities are expanding under a "one university, two campuses" model.
For applicants, this means that for certain postgraduate programs, classes may be held in Hengqin rather than on Macao Peninsula. Before applying, it is best to confirm the teaching location on the program page and plan your housing, commuting, and living arrangements accordingly.
Application Preparation Tips
- Tight timeline for the first doctoral round. The deadline is October 23. Finalize your research proposal, recommenders, and transcripts as soon as possible. If you miss the first round, check the official website to see if subsequent rounds are open.
- Complete master's applications by December 3. Starting your language test preparation and personal statements now gives you ample time, but don't wait until the last week.
- Take language tests early. UM teaches in English, and most programs require proof of English proficiency. Check the specific score requirements on the program page, and allow time for a retake if needed.
- Communicate with recommenders early. One of the two recommendation forms must be from a university faculty member, so give your professors a heads-up in advance.
- Check the teaching location. Pay attention to whether the program is taught at the main campus or the Hengqin University Town, and plan your commuting and housing arrangements between the two locations in advance.
- Keep an eye on new tracks. Programs like Law and Technology, Applied Law, and Medicinal Food and Nutritional Sciences are planned for the 2027/28 academic year. Refer to the official website for the exact program names and requirements once officially announced.
This article is compiled based on information from the University of Macau's official website as of October 4, 2026. For specific requirements, please refer to the UM Graduate School and respective program pages.
Need Help?
If you are comparing postgraduate programs in Macao, Hong Kong, and other regions, or want to confirm which programs suit your background, check out our University Application Planning Service and Hong Kong Application Service. If you need to improve your language scores, learn more about our IELTS Training, or you can directly Book a one-on-one consultation.