Four local universities and colleges yesterday voiced their support for the launch of the joint entrance examination in 2017. Rectors and school heads stressed that exam results are not the only criteria that universities will adopt when considering the admission of students. They also claimed that the new measure could ensure the diversity of Macau’s education sector.

The joint entrance exam, which will be held once a year, will cover Chinese, English, Mathematics and Portuguese. Students can choose which exam/s they want to participate in, without necessarily taking the exams in all four subjects. Each higher education institution will arrange exams on other subjects according to its needs.
Moreover, universities and colleges can establish their own sets of admission criteria. For example, they may also consider the high school results of prospective students, the results they have received from international examinations, the prizes they have been awarded, and whether or not they have participated in social activities.

The Rector of the University of Macau (UM) stressed that alternative university admission measures, including admission by recommendation, will remain unchanged.

Writes João Pedro Lau for Macau Daily Times.

Read the full article here.


Commentary by Steve Corry, British Council Hong Kong

While at least one local secondary school offers A-Levels, currently universities are largely reliant on school reports to ascertain the caliber of a Macau student, due to the lack of a common university entry exam. Currently local HEI in Macau set their own entrance examination. While secondary schools in Macau will keep their autonomy, the introduction of a joint entrance exam from 2017 may make determining entrance requirements for Macau students easier. On the other hand, this examination will only cover mathematics and languages.


The British Council is currently scoping market demand for study abroad in Macau. For more information please contact Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager at steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk.