The Founding of ISDB
The Instituto Filosófico de São Francisco de Sales (IFFS) was founded on January 24, 2012, with the primary aim of preparing young candidates for the Salesian vocation. Initially, Philosophy studies for Salesian candidates were conducted alongside those of other seminarians at the Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary in Dili. However, as the number of Salesian vocations grew, the leaders of the congregation in Rome decided to establish an independent study program. This decision allowed the Salesian congregation to provide its own academic formation while also opening opportunities for both men and women to pursue philosophical studies at the Institute.
First Accreditation
In 2019, the IFFS achieved a major milestone when it received institutional accreditation from the National Agency for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NAAAA). This accreditation marked official recognition of the Institute’s quality in education and its institutional standards.
Pedagogy - Second Department
Building on its foundation, in 2020 the superiors decided to expand the academic offerings by introducing a Pedagogy department. This decision was in line with the Salesian mission of educating young people and was further supported by recommendations from NAAAA. The inclusion of Pedagogy broadened the scope of the Institute, aligning it more closely with the educational and vocational needs of modern society.
From IFFS to ISDB
In 2024, the IFFS received institutional reaccreditation from NAAAA, reaffirming its continued commitment to academic excellence. During the same year, the Institute was granted operational licensure to admit students to the newly established Pedagogy faculty. To reflect its expanded academic profile, the Institute officially changed its name to Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) after receiving approval from the Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência e Cultura.
Since its inception in 2012, the Institute has steadily evolved—from the establishment of its Philosophy program, to achieving accreditation in 2019, the addition of Pedagogy in 2020, and its transformation into ISDB in 2024. Throughout its history, the Institute has remained deeply committed to its mission of forming and educating young people. The vision for incorporating Pedagogy, which was present from the very beginning, highlights the Institute’s dedication to holistic and forward-thinking education for future generations.