Founded on 8 December 2021, UCT was created under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Dili as Timor-Leste’s first Catholic university. The institution was launched to address the growing need for competent, ethical, and community-focused medical professionals within the region and beyond.

From the very beginning, UCT aimed to align its medical education with international benchmarks. Within a short span, UCT received recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture of Timor-Leste, and earned national accreditation from ANAAA, the country’s academic authority.


A major milestone came with UCT’s listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and subsequent recognitions from NMC (India), FAIMER, and eligibility for USMLE. These accreditations positioned UCT as a global-ready university, allowing students to pursue careers and licensing in India, the USA, the UK, and other countries.


In 2024, UCT hosted the Timor-Leste Medical Education Summit across India, strengthening its academic partnership with Indian institutions and welcoming the participation of the Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and other top officials. This event marked a new chapter in UCT’s global engagement and academic outreach.


Today, UCT serves over 2,000 students, providing internationally aligned MBBS education in a modern, supportive campus environment in Dili. With every new intake, UCT continues to build on its legacy of faith, knowledge, and service, empowering students to become globally competent and ethically grounded medical professionals.