The Macao University of Tourism (UTM) has long been committed to nurturing talents equipped with an international outlook and strong professional competence. To further enrich students’ global learning opportunities, UTM has in recent years actively expanded joint dual-degree programmes with internationally renowned universities, promoting a diversified and internationalised model of talent development.
In December 2025, UTM partnered with the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia to launch a “2.5+2 Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme”. Under this pathway, students complete 2.5 years of foundational study and internship in the Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Brand Management programme at UTM (formerly the Bachelor of Tourism Retail and Marketing Management), before progressing to UQ for a further two years of study in the Bachelor of Business Management programme. Within a minimum of four and a half years, students can obtain bachelor’s degrees from both institutions. In a brand-new academic and living environment, students gain access to an international curriculum and world-class teaching resources. They develop deeper insights into tourism and hospitality industry trends from Asia to the global stage, while engaging with peers from around the world and broadening their horizons within a multicultural setting.
UTM students Crystal Zhou Jiayu and Sunny Wu Yushan are members of the inaugural cohort of this dual bachelor’s degree programme. They departed for the UQ in February this year to begin their studies. At a prestigious institution ranked among the top 50 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings, they are not only immersed in cutting-edge academic learning but also achieving personal breakthroughs through cross-cultural exchange and independent living, gaining both academic advancement and holistic personal growth.
Broadening Horizons Overseas, Building Professional Strength
Crystal’s time at UTM laid a solid academic foundation for her future development. “Studying in Macao allowed me to systematically acquire knowledge in tourism retail management and build a strong professional base”, she shared. As she progressed to UQ, her academic focus expanded into a broader field of business studies. “My studies have extended into a wider area of business management, which has opened up more possibilities for my future career planning”.
In her new academic and living environment, she has gained not only academic advancement but also comprehensive personal growth. “Living abroad feels like a journey filled with growth and breakthroughs. Beyond improving my academic capabilities, it has also made me more independent”. Facing a fully English-medium environment, she actively participates in teamwork, collaborating with classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience has strengthened her leadership skills, deepened her understanding of the importance of teamwork, and given her greater clarity about her future direction.
Embracing Multiculturalism and Beginning a New Chapter of Growth
For Sunny, this experience marks a brand-new stage of growth across borders. Immersed in an unfamiliar academic and social environment, she has had to adapt to different teaching approaches and assessment standards while continuously exploring and growing within a multicultural setting.
When she first arrived in Australia, the fully English-speaking environment made her feel anxious at times. “At the beginning, adjusting to daily life and studies in English was inevitably challenging. However, the warm and inclusive atmosphere at the UQ, along with friendly classmates and supportive professors, gradually helped me build confidence and quickly integrate into campus life.”
Through constant adaptation and exploration, she has genuinely felt the transformation brought about by this journey. “This experience has not only strengthened my language proficiency and independence, but also broadened my horizons in a multicultural environment. It has been immensely rewarding both academically and personally, and has created more possibilities for my future development.”
Looking ahead, UTM will continue to expand its global partnerships by collaborating with more outstanding institutions at home and abroad. Through the development of high-quality joint programmes, the University aims to provide students with diverse international learning and practical opportunities, empowering them to integrate Eastern and Western perspectives, refine their professional expertise, and contribute to the advancement of global culture and tourism industries.