Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Internationalisation of USJ Macao Visits Leading Indian Universities in Bangalore
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Internationalisation of USJ Macao Visits Leading Indian Universities in Bangalore
15
Jan
15/01/2026
Professor Álvaro Barbosa, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Internationalisation at USJ Macao, was invited to an Institutional visit to CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University), in India.
Professor Álvaro Barbosa, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Internationalisation at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao, was invited to an Institutional visit to two leading universities in India from 5 – 6 January 2026.
Invited by Dr. Fr. Joseph Chacko Chennattuserry Vice-Chancellor of CHRIST (Deemed to be University*) and co-opted board member of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI) – the sole association comprising all Catholic Institutions of Higher Education in India – Professor Barbosa visited the university as a representative of the University of Saint Joseph and and the Association of South and East Assia Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) where USJ serves as General Secretary for a second term of office.
Professor Barbosa also visited Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University*), where he was warmly received by Vice-Chancellor Fr. Augustine George.
These visits fostered discussions on potential collaborations between USJ Macao and both Indian universities led by members of the Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) – the first indigenous religious congregation in the Catholic Church of India: including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for student exchange programmes and joint research initiatives.
During his official visit, Professor Barbosa was also invited as a guest delegate of the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Darmaharan Colleage, held at CHRIST University, together with both Vice-Chancellors of the visited universities. The event featured a visit from Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture, and brought together church leaders, educators, and representatives of Catholic institutions for a forum entitled “Listening with the Heart: A Shared Journey in Education and Culture.”
Professor Barbosa has extended an invitation to both universities for an official visit to USJ Macao as well as to a participation in the upcoming 32nd ASEACCU Conference from August 19-21, 2026 co-hosted by Sanata Dharma University and Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University in Indonesia.
* In India, the term “Deemed to be University” (Dtu) is a title for high-standard Indian higher education institution granted as a special degree awarding status by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of India.
About the Universities:
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) was established as ‘Christ College’ in 1969. It undertook path-breaking initiatives in Indian higher education with the introduction of innovative and modern curricula, insistence on academic discipline, imparting of Holistic Education and adoption of global higher education practices with the support of creative and dedicated staff. The University focuses on teaching, research and offers Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes in humanities, social sciences, sciences, commerce, management, engineering, architecture, education, and law to about 30000+ students. The University has our campus locations in Bangalore in Karnataka, at Lavasa in Pune in Maharashtra, and Ghaziabad in Delhi NCR.
Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) has been a prominent institution since its establishment in 1999 under Bangalore University, managed by the CMI congregation. It achieved autonomous status in 2013 and was designated as a Deemed to be University in 2025. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, reaccredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC in 2021. In the 2025 National Institutional Ranking Framework, it was ranked 34th among colleges in India. Its management programs are internationally accredited by ACBSP, and it was awarded ‘DBT Star College’ status in 2020. Committed to excellence, Kristu Jayanti emphasizes academic achievement, values, civic responsibility, and global competencies.
