Instituto Superior de Filosofia e de Teologia Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart (ISFIT)

Instituto Superior de Filosofia e de Teologia Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart

Email: info@isfit.edu.tl 

Overview

Instituto Superior de Filosofia e de Teologia Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart (ISFIT) is a higher education institution in Dili, Timor-Leste, named after Bishop Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart, an influential figure in the country’s Catholic education history. It was established as an extension of the St. Peter and St. Paul Major Seminary tradition and officially recognized in 2019 with institutional accreditation, enabling it to offer formal degree programs in philosophy and theology to both seminarians and lay students.

ISFIT operates under the auspices of the Diocese of Dili and other local dioceses and aims to provide academic and spiritual formation rooted in Catholic intellectual and ethical traditions. Its mission includes preparing future priests, religious educators, and leaders who can contribute thoughtfully to Church and society.

Key Strengths of ISFIT:

1. Accredited academic programs in philosophy and theology: ISFIT is accredited by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture, which authorizes it to confer academic degrees in its core disciplines.

2. Contribution to priestly and ethical formation: ISFIT participates in broader cooperation projects with international Catholic institutions, helping enhance formation in areas like philosophy, bioethics, and anthropology. 

3. Community and cultural relevance: By promoting reflective theological and philosophical education within a predominantly Catholic society, ISFIT equips graduates to engage meaningfully with local ethical, social, and cultural issues.

Academic Calendars

The academic year at ISFIT is divided into two semesters:

Spring Semester:

1. Nomination and Application Deadline: October - December

2. Semester Start: Early March

3. Semester End: Late June - Early July

Fall Semester:

1. Nomination and Application Deadline: April - June

2. Semester Start: Early September

3. Semester End: Late December - Early January

Orientation for international students is conducted a week before each semester, covering essential topics such as course registration, cultural adaptation, and campus facilities.