Rector’s Welcome Message
Welcome to the University of Saint Joseph
Dear Future Members of Our Community:
I am proud and honored to welcome you to the University of Saint Joseph, Macau (USJ), as you explore our University through our website. On behalf of the entire university community, I invite you to discover an institution that is deeply rooted in a distinguished historical legacy and actively shaping a future founded on the belief that higher education is more than the acquisition of knowledge; it is a transformative journey that fosters critical thinking, creativity, ethical values, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
At USJ, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our origins trace back to the founding of St. Paul’s College in 1594, the first institution of higher education in East Asia, located on the very site of Macao’s iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s. Today, as a private, nonprofit university grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, we continue this mission by fostering a legacy that emphasizes dialogue, faith, and intellectual pursuit.
Re-established in 1996 under the patronage of the Diocese of Macao and the Catholic University of Portugal, USJ is a vibrant community of students and scholars committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. True to our heritage, we offer more than just an education; we provide a transformative journey. Our diverse range of programs, spanning business, data science, social work, and the humanities, is designed to be both academically rigorous and socially relevant. Through an interactive learning model characterized by small class sizes, personalized tutorial support, collaborative teamwork, and internships embedded across all degree programs, we ensure that theoretical knowledge is consistently brought to life through practical application. It is this powerful blend of historical depth, academic excellence, and values-driven formation that positions USJ to foster a learning environment where your ambitions, ideas, and aspirations will find the space and support they need to grow, take shape, and flourish.
USJ’s international outlook further distinguishes us. Embracing a centuries-old tradition of fostering dialogue between East and West, USJ positions itself as a bridge between civilizations, dedicated to mutual respect and shared learning. In alignment with President Xi’s vision articulated during the Fifteenth Five-Year Assembly, emphasizing that cooperation should “promote industrial complementarity, personnel exchanges, mutual learning in technology, sharing of ideas, and mutual learning in work styles between the eastern and western regions, thereby achieving mutual benefit, win‑win outcomes and common development”, USJ embodies this guiding principle as an agent of intercultural dialogue, fostering innovation, cooperation, and mutual enrichment.
With students from over 50 countries and regions, half of our teaching staff sourced globally, and more than 180 international partnerships, USJ is a microcosm of the universal community. This experience not only prepares you to become a global citizen in an interconnected world but also roots you in a living laboratory of shared humanity. Here, your narrative contributes to the cultural and educational vitality of Macao, supports the dynamic integration of the Greater Bay Area, fosters sustainable development for our nation, and advances shared knowledge and mutual understanding worldwide.
Equally distinctive is the University of Saint Joseph’s intentional principle of being “small by design.” This is not a limitation but a conscious choice that shapes every aspect of life at USJ, rooted in the belief that authentic learning flourishes in supportive, intimate academic communities. Our close-knit environment fosters meaningful relationships, collaborative learning, and a strong sense of belonging, where you are recognized by name and valued for the uniqueness of your personal story. In this community, indifference has no place; respect, compassion, and mutual support are woven into daily life, ensuring that every voice is heard and every contribution matters. Far from being a constraint, our size is one of our greatest strengths, as it cultivates graduates distinguished not only by their knowledge and skills but also by their integrity, empathy, and deep sense of social responsibility and commitment to service.
Looking ahead, our vision remains clear: to continue building a university community where faith, culture, and knowledge intersect to promote societal flourishing. We warmly invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you are a prospective student, a visiting scholar, or an educational partner, we welcome you to the University of Saint Joseph, a place where tradition meets innovation, where values are practiced, where the world comes together, and where you will find the support to reach your personal goals.
Dr. Alejandro Salcedo, Rector (Interim)
September 2026
