Upholding the motto of “Integrity, Vision and Academic Excellence”, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is an internationally recognized, prestigious academic institution distinctive for its multidisciplinary and multicultural nature, committed to preparing innovative professionals and future global leaders for a wide range of international expertise to address the critical challenges of our times.

Our history began in December 1949 with the establishment of the Shanghai Russian School affiliated to East China People’s Revolution University, as one of the earliest institutions where China’s higher education in foreign languages took shape.

A globalized and top-notch university in China, SISU has successfully developed a diverse and distinctive mix of disciplines with language and literature as its pillar. Having established and maintained a high academic stature among universities of its kind, SISU has been funded to offer 10 national featured specialties and 6 Shanghai leading disciplines, adding to our existing 3 national key disciplines and a national undergraduate education platform for western European languages.

In recent years, SISU’s distinctive strength has been further enhanced with the number of language-related degree programs increasing (covering 27 languages) and the number of doctoral and master’s degree programs significantly growing, resulting in a more balanced educational structure. The Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation (GIIT) of SISU is awarded the highest ranking by AIIC, the International Association of Conference Interpreters, as the only Asian university among the 15 top professional conference interpreting schools in the world.

With a mission to “introduce the rest of the world to China” and “present China globally”, SISU has won an unparalleled reputation in China’s linguistic research and diplomatic studies. Drawing on our strengths in multi-language programs and multi-disciplinary resources, while responding to national and regional strategies, we operate more than 70 research institutes and centers serving as academic think tanks to provide advisory services on language policies, diplomatic strategies and global public opinion of China. These academic entities have contributed landmark research and are also dedicated to promoting the development of social sciences in China.

We have made it a strategic priority in our development planning to go global and actively work on expanding students’ international horizons, in particular focusing on their immersion in a multicultural environment. We have now established partnerships with more than 330 universities and institutions from 56 countries and regions, and have maintained close connection with international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union.

Campus

SISU has two campuses, Hongkou Campus and Songjiang Campus, covering a total area of 74.7 hectares. The two campuses are closely interrelated but distinct with their own features. The university libraries have a total collection of around 1 million cataloged volumes (over half in foreign languages) and over 1.1 million electronic documents. A powerful digital audio-visual database containing multimedia resources in foreign studies has been set up to serve the needs of teaching and research. The University also houses a range of state-of-the-art teaching facilities including world-class simultaneous interpretation systems, satellite signal-receiving devices and linguistic laboratories.

Living in University

Taking advantage of their intercultural expertise and professional knowledge, SISU faculty and students actively volunteer their services at international conferences, sports games and other multilingual events.

Events and Traditions

SISU is more than an intellectual destination. Our students have lots of opportuniteis to explore their interests, showcase their talents and hone their skills. A wide range of cultural festivals and campus events organized by various student groups invigorates the university. Getting invovled in campus life is an essential step to become a part of the SISU community.

Arts at SISU

Recognizing that an inclusive campus culture is essential for an active campus atmosphere and fostering good moral character, SISU focuses on creating a diverse campus culture and orientates students towards “Integrity, Vision and Academic Excellence”. From concerts and theater performances to exhibitions and professional courses, SISU offers a rich array of opportuities for aesthetic engagement, forstering a creative arts community.

Athletics and Fitness

SISU enjoys an extraordinary athletic tradition with a baseball team and a Go team. These two excellent teams have made great achievements in top-level national and international competitions.

The sports scene at SISU is fantastic, with a wide choice of sport for fun, health or serious competition. Campus sports events like the annual Sports Day and the President Cup Series are all ideal occasions to improve teamwork and help to create an energetic and healthy campus.

There are great sport opportunities for you. The University now houses two stadiums, a gymnasium, a 50-meter swimming pool and an extensive array of outdoor and indoor courts, fields and rooms. Our Hongkou Campus is within walking distance of the prestigious Hongkou Football Stadium, the home stadium of our local football team Shanghai Shenhua.