Subject guides · · 2 min read
Studying translation and interpreting in China
China has the world's largest translation market and dedicated MTI programmes training conference interpreters.
Quick answer
The leading institutions
Beijing Foreign Studies University is the country's top institution for foreign languages and interpreting, and offers the largest number of language combinations. Shanghai International Studies University is the strongest for conference interpreting in the south. Beijing Language and Culture University specialises in Chinese for foreigners and translation into Chinese. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies leads in the south for trade-related translation.
The China Foreign Affairs University trains interpreters for the diplomatic service.
Programme structure
MTI programmes run two years and combine translation theory with intensive practical work in sight translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, terminology management and machine translation post-editing. Assessment is practical: you either can interpret or you cannot.
Admission for Chinese–foreign language pairs normally requires HSK 6 for non-native speakers, plus a written test and an interview conducted partly in Chinese.
Realistic assessment
This is one of the hardest routes in Chinese higher education for non-native speakers, because it requires near-native Chinese under time pressure. It is most realistic for applicants who already have HSK 6 and substantial immersion. For students who want to work with Chinese professionally without becoming interpreters, a China studies or business degree plus strong Chinese is usually a better investment.