Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)

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.

SISU - languages and international relations:

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

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

SISU is strong in the humanities:

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

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, StudyU helps prepare visa or residence-permit documents for China; the consular or migration authority makes the decision.

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.

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

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

Tuition is affordable; During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.

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.

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.

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.