According to Article 18 of the Charter of the University of Macau, the University Council shall have the following powers and functions:

1)   To approve the general directions and development plans of UM;
2)   To approve the annual and multiple-year working plans and financial plans of UM;
3)   To examine UM’s budget proposal and submit it to the Chief Executive for approval;
4)   To examine the supplementary budget proposal of UM and submit it to the Chief Executive for approval;
5)   To approve alterations of the budget of UM and publish them in the Official Bulletin of MSAR;
6)   To approve the opening of bank accounts;
7)   To examine the management account of UM and submit it for the approval of the Chief Executive;
8)   To examine the working report and financial report of UM and submit them for the approval of the Chief Executive;
9)   To prepare the proposal for the revision of the Charter and the Personnel Statutes of UM upon receiving advice from the Rector and the Senate, and submit it for the approval of the Chief Executive;
10) To prepare the proposal for the revision of the remuneration regime for UM personnel and submit it for the approval of the Chief Executive;
11) To approve and publish all regulations of UM;
12) To submit to the Chancellor proposals on the alteration of the emblem of UM;
13) To recommend to the Chancellor candidates for the award of honorary degrees and other honorary titles;
14) To recommend candidates for membership of the University Council;
15) To recruit and recommend candidates for the post of Rector;
16) To appoint and remove the Vice Rectors on the recommendation of the Rector;
17) To appoint and remove the deans of faculties on the recommendation of the Rector;
18) To approve, in light of the long-term developmental needs of UM and financial viability, the creation of new courses and programmes and publish their academic and pedagogical structures and study plans in the Official Bulletin of MSAR;
19) To approve, in light of the long-term developmental needs of UM and financial viability, the establishment of new fundamental or independent academic units;
20) To review and determine all fees and service charges of UM;
21) To accept subsidies, donations, legacies and bequests to UM;
22) To approve the leasing and other transactions of movable and immovable properties, as well as the sale and disposal of assets found to be dispensable or inadequate;
23) To make decisions on appeals made to UM according to relevant regulations.