Shanghai International Studies University

About Shanghai International Studies University

Shanghai International Studies University, known as SISU, has built its reputation as one of China's premier institutions for foreign language education and international studies. Founded in 1949, just months after the establishment of the People's Republic, the university has trained generations of diplomats, interpreters, translators, and international affairs specialists who have represented China on the global stage. With over 31,000 students, SISU has grown well beyond its origins as a language institute while maintaining languages as its core strength. The university teaches dozens of foreign languages, from global languages like English, Spanish, and Arabic to less commonly studied languages that support China's diplomatic and commercial relationships worldwide. This linguistic breadth, combined with programs in journalism, law, international relations, and business, creates an institution focused on preparing students for work that crosses national boundaries. What distinguishes SISU is its concentration of expertise in intercultural communication and international affairs. Students study alongside classmates who will become diplomats, translators, and international business professionals. The campus atmosphere reflects this global orientation, with more international students and foreign faculty than typical Chinese universities. For students committed to internationally-oriented careers, SISU offers specialized preparation that broader universities cannot match.

Admission for Chinese students follows the Gaokao examination system, with scores determining eligibility for SISU's various programs. Given the university's specialization and reputation, competitive programs require strong Gaokao performance. Language programs in English and other major languages attract significant demand. Some programs involve interviews or additional testing to assess language aptitude. Students applying for interpretation programs may need to demonstrate speaking ability and quick thinking that go beyond written exam scores. The admissions process aims to identify students with genuine aptitude for language acquisition and cross-cultural communication. International students apply through a separate process and can access various programs taught in Chinese or, in some cases, in English or other languages. Chinese language proficiency requirements vary by program. The university actively recruits international students and offers scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants. Prospective international students should contact the international office for current requirements and processes.

SISU organizes its extensive language offerings through specialized schools and departments. The English school alone enrolls thousands of students in various English-related programs. Schools devoted to German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, and other languages provide focused study in those linguistic traditions. Less commonly taught languages, including many from Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, receive attention that few other Chinese universities can provide. Beyond pure language study, the university offers programs in international relations, journalism and communication, law, and business, all with an international orientation. Students in these programs develop foreign language proficiency alongside subject matter expertise, preparing for careers that require both. Translation and interpretation programs train professionals for the specialized work of rendering meaning across languages. The teaching approach combines intensive language training with cultural and regional studies. Students don't just learn grammar and vocabulary but study the societies where their target languages are spoken. Study abroad opportunities and exchange programs with partner universities reinforce this international perspective. Research focuses on linguistics, area studies, and international affairs, with faculty contributing to understanding of the regions and languages they teach.

Student Life & Environment

SISU operates across multiple campuses, with main facilities in the Hongkou district of central Shanghai and newer facilities in the Songjiang University Town in the southwestern suburbs. The Hongkou campus offers urban convenience and historic character, while Songjiang provides modern facilities in a setting shared with other universities. The student body includes significant numbers of international students, creating a more multicultural environment than at most Chinese universities. Language practice happens naturally as Chinese students interact with native speakers of the languages they study. Student organizations include language clubs, cultural associations, and groups focused on international exchange. The focus on languages and international affairs shapes campus culture. Students serious about language mastery spend long hours in study and practice. Those preparing for interpretation careers develop exceptional discipline. The atmosphere tends more academic than social compared to some universities. Shanghai's attractions provide entertainment options when students take breaks from their studies.

Location & Surroundings

Shanghai, China's largest city and financial center, provides an appropriate setting for a university focused on international affairs. The city has served as China's primary point of contact with the outside world for over a century, and today hosts thousands of multinational companies, foreign consulates, and international organizations. Students at SISU find internship and career opportunities that would be unavailable in smaller cities. The Hongkou campus sits in a district with significant historical connections to international presence in Shanghai, not far from the Bund and the landmarks of the former International Settlement. The neighborhood offers the services and atmosphere of central Shanghai. The Songjiang campus, about 30 kilometers from the center, occupies a planned university district that concentrates several institutions but feels more suburban and isolated. Shanghai's climate brings hot, humid summers and chilly, damp winters. The city offers extraordinary cultural resources, dining, entertainment, and shopping, though costs run high by Chinese standards. The international presence in the city creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere unusual in China. Public transportation is excellent, and the city's airports provide convenient connections throughout Asia and beyond.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at SISU follows government-set rates for Chinese students at public universities, keeping costs modest. International students pay higher fees that vary by program and level but remain competitive with other Chinese universities. Shanghai's high cost of living adds substantially to the overall expense of attending the university. Career outcomes for SISU graduates draw on the specialized preparation the university provides. Graduates work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies worldwide. Translation and interpretation graduates find positions with international organizations, media companies, and businesses requiring language services. Journalists with SISU backgrounds work for international media or cover foreign affairs for Chinese outlets. Business graduates often work for multinational companies where language skills complement commercial expertise. The alumni network includes influential figures in diplomacy, media, and international business. These connections help current students access internships and job opportunities. Career services supports students in navigating the job market for internationally-oriented positions. Graduates who have developed genuine proficiency in their target languages find that this specialized skill opens doors that remain closed to those with only general education.