By Frederico Silva, CIS Director of Higher Education Services

 

A new scholarship opportunity at The University of Saint Joseph in Macao seeks to empower students from CIS schools to collaborate across cultures, think critically about global issues, and contribute positively to communities around the world.

Our global community brings together 1,580 international schools and universities across 121 countries. At its core, you’ll find a shared commitment to developing healthy, interculturally competent global citizens.

Students educated at CIS Member schools benefit from learning environments grounded in ethical practice, high professional standards, and a focus on global citizenship.

Recognising this, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macao has launched an exclusive new scholarship for students in CIS member schools. 

Their initiative recognises the strengths CIS students bring to global learning communities—intercultural competence, ethical awareness, and a commitment to global citizenship.

USJ knows the value that CIS students bring to their campuses, and actively seek engagement opportunities to continue to identify and attract students from CIS schools to join their vibrant community. 

 

Why seek & support CIS students?

Professor Álvaro Barbosa, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs, shares that “the CIS mission emphasizes fostering healthy, interculturally competent global citizens, which resonates deeply with our own motto, ‘Scientia et Virtus’ (Knowledge and Virtue).”

Students at CIS schools develop intercultural competencies, ethical awareness, and global perspectives, attributes that USJ sees as essential for thriving in its academic environment and making meaningful contributions to society.

What the new scholarship offers

USJ now offers awards that range from 25% to full-tuition scholarships for students graduating from CIS schools. 

They also extend financial assistance to immediate family members of teachers and staff of CIS schools.

Here’s how it works:

• One full-tuition scholarship will be awarded each academic year to an applicant with the highest admission score, based on USJ’s admissions criteria.
• In addition, for every five fee-paying CIS students they enrol, USJ will create an additional merit-based full-tuition scholarship.

Alongside the full scholarships, the university also provides:

• A 25% partial scholarship
• These scholarships are available across all levels of study—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programmes.

A vibrant & diverse community rooted in legacy

USJ is a private Catholic university recognized by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. It was founded in 1996 and rooted in the legacy of the College of Saint Paul (established in 1594).

With nearly 30% of its students coming from outside Macao and over 44 nationalities represented, USJ is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the region.

USJ offers more than 30 programmes across business, law, humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. Small class sizes and personalised support create a close-knit learning environment. 

The main campus in Ilha Verde features modern classrooms, laboratories, and communal spaces designed to support creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Students join a community that:

• values diversity and intercultural dialogue
• encourages creativity and problem-solving
• connects graduates with extensive networks across Macao, Southeast Asia, and Portuguese‑speaking countries
• blends European and Chinese academic traditions.

 

 

Shared commitment to global citizenship

By offering a scholarship dedicated to students in the CIS community, USJ strengthens pathways for learners committed to international engagement and socially responsible leadership.

This opportunity supports the shared vision of both CIS and USJ: to empower students who will collaborate across cultures, think critically about global issues, and contribute positively to communities around the world.

Learn more about this scholarship, please contact the admission team at USJ.

 

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Related content:

• Read more blogs about international student mobility
• Read about CIS services for universities and colleges worldwide
• Read about post-secondary student transitions
• Learn about and register for CIS events that connect professionals from CIS schools with CIS universities and connecting students from CIS schools with CIS universities.