Study in Timor-Leste

Who this applies to

Students at Timorese institutions. Portuguese + Tetum medium (+ Indonesian legacy, growing English). 1 public national university + private colleges.

Governing authority

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESCC).

Degree system

Pre-bachelor/diploma · Bachelor · (limited) Master. Young post-independence system; UNTL dominant; small private sector.

Admission

How

Secondary-school completion + institutional entrance; international students apply directly.

Language

Portuguese + Tetum (Indonesian/English in some programs).

Tuition

Public

Low/subsidized at UNTL.

Private

Fee-paying colleges.

Note

Independence 2002; rebuilding HE after Indonesian occupation; Portuguese-medium reintroduced; reliance on Portuguese/Brazilian/Australian academic support & overseas scholarships.

Student visa & residence permit

Student visa for non-nationals.

Scholarships

Government & donor (Portugal/Brazil/Australia).

Sources & references

• MESCC/UNTL — https://mescc.gov.tl/en/national-university-of-timor-leste-untl/ (2026-06-12)
• list — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_in_East_Timor (2026-06-12)