Campus of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) - Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)

🌐 Languages and diplomacy🏙 Shanghai🎓 Founded in 1949
ShanghaiLocation
1949Founded
~10 000Students
see tuition sectionTuition from
QS Eastern Asia: 237World ranking
Chinese, EnglishLanguage of instruction
Residence hallAccommodation
International Relations · Translation Studies · LinguisticsPopular fields

About the university

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is one of China's leading language and humanities universities, founded in 1949. SISU specializes in foreign languages, translation studies, international relations and diplomacy.

A location in Shanghai - China's business and international capital - gives students access to international companies and organizations. Programs for international students are available.

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in rankings

SISU - languages and international relations:

  • #237 - QS Eastern Asia 2024
  • The leading language university in China
  • Shanghai - an international hub

Campus and infrastructure

SISU's Shanghai campuses have modern language and humanities facilities, with residences for international students.

1949year founded
~10 000students
Shanghailocation

Faculties and programs

SISU is strong in the humanities:

  • International Relations
  • Translation Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Foreign Languages
  • Journalism

Not sure which field to choose?

We'll match a program to your goals and help you apply - in a free consultation.

How to apply

Admission is based on your diploma and language proficiency. A preparatory year of Chinese is available.

How admission to Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) works, step by step:

  1. Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — international Relations, translation Studies and linguistics — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
  2. Language certificate. Not necessarily: many programs can be studied in English, with Chinese (HSK) learned alongside or during a preparatory year.
  3. Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
  4. Student visa and relocation. After the offer, a student visa or residence permit for China is arranged. We handle this stage end to end.

After 11 years of school. Yes, the school certificate is accepted directly. Documents are notarized; then it comes down to language — HSK for Chinese-taught programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught ones.

Documents for admission

  • Passport
  • School certificate and transcript
  • Language certificate
  • Motivation letter

Exact requirements depend on the program - we'll help you prepare.

Tuition and living costs

Tuition is affordable; we calculate the final tuition, available scholarship or discount, and living budget during the free consultation.

Country benchmark for China. No - tuition and living in China are more affordable than in the West, and scholarships reduce costs further.

Scholarships and grants. CSC government scholarships and university grants that can cover tuition and accommodation. We help with the application.

When planning the budget, add housing, insurance, visa fees and flights on top of tuition; we map the full route before the application.

Accommodation and student life

Shanghai is China's largest business city; the university provides residences.

Once there, you will sort out registration, a bank account and a travel pass — we guide you through these steps after enrollment.

Career after graduation

The strong fields of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) are international Relations, translation Studies and linguistics. As at most universities in China, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.

Many graduates continue studying: a bachelor’s from China is a strong base for a master’s in the same country or anywhere else.

Student reviews

★★★★★

Admission went smoothly: StudyU helped me gather the documents and not miss the deadlines. I arrived at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) already knowing what to expect.

👩‍🎓
Aliya NurlanovaLinguistics · Kazakhstan
★★★★★

We applied to several universities at once - I got offers and calmly made my choice. Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) has a strong program and a convenient campus.

👨‍🎓
Bogdan KovalchukForeign Languages · Ukraine
★★★★★

My parents worried more than I did, but the StudyU team explained everything to them. Now I study at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) and am getting to know the city of Shanghai.

🧑
Argam PetrosyanJournalism · Armenia

FAQ

Foreign languages, translation studies and international relations.

In Shanghai.

Yes, the school certificate is accepted directly. Documents are notarized; then it comes down to language — HSK for Chinese-taught programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught ones.

Country benchmark for China: No - tuition and living in China are more affordable than in the West, and scholarships reduce costs further. StudyU calculates the intake-year university fee, available discount and living budget during the free consultation.

CSC government scholarships and university grants that can cover tuition and accommodation. We help with the application.

Want to study at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)?

We'll help with admission: from choosing a program to submitting documents and the student visa.

Other universities - studying in China: Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) · University of Science and Technology Liaoning (USTL). All options are on the page studying in China.

Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in China and match a program to you.

  • Program selection and admission preparation
  • Help with scholarships and university discounts
  • Documents, translations and student visa
  • A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

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Leave a request - and we'll get in touch.

See also

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