Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
National University of Timor-Leste
About UNTL

National University of Timor-Leste

Founded on 17 November 2000 — twenty months after independence — UNTL was created to teach, build and unite. Today it is the largest public university in Timor-Leste.

Our history

Established by Decree-Law of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, UNTL brings together the higher-education institutions that operated during the Indonesian period and reorients them around the new nation’s sovereignty, official languages and developmental needs.

Rectorate

UNTL’s institutional leadership is held by the Rector, supported by Vice-Rectors and the Rectorate Council. The current Rector is Professor Francisco Miguel Martins, PhD.

Vision, Mission & Values

  • Vision · To be the national centre of excellence for higher education, research and culture in service of a prosperous, just and inclusive Timor-Leste.
  • Mission · To create, diffuse and promote culture, science and technology, articulating teaching and research for the social, economic and cultural development of the Timorese people.
  • Values · Academic excellence, integrity, multilingualism, public service and respect for the cultures of Timor-Leste.

Governance

UNTL is governed by the General Council, the Rectorate Council, the Academic Senate and the Faculty Councils. The statutes were updated in 2024 to reflect the evolving demands of Timorese society.

Strategic Plan 2025–2030

The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 organises UNTL’s activity around five axes: teaching, research, internationalisation, digital transformation and community engagement — aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan (PED) and the Sustainable Development Goals.