ABSTRACT The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the present system and condition of the bilingual education in the secondary schools in Macau. The study examined the appropriateness of language(s) of instruction, discussed the effectiveness of teaching methods and various pedagogically related issues, and addressed the availability and sufficiency of resources for bilingual programs within a theoretical framework on language acquisition, language learning and types of language proficiency. Research data were primarily provided by about 470 students and teachers from three secondary schools of different sections. Findings of the study reveal that a majority of students preferred to take either English or Chinese courses rather than Portuguese courses, and many teachers preferred the communicative approach to the traditional method. Both students and teachers reported that in general they had an easy access to various resources for bilingual programs. It was also found that students' motivation, learning style, family support, school environment and desire for skill improvement were important factors contributing to effective language learning; and that class size and language policy had a great impact on whether teachers were effective in teaching. In conclusion, the study provides rich information on the present practice in bilingual programs. It is expected that the information can be useful for the development of bilingual education in Macau. Given the multicultural and multi-linguistic reality of Macau, one language is not enough for the cognitive and academic development of an individual's character, nor for the prosperity of Macau society.