Chinese and German Language and Translation University of Bonn

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Courses are taught mainly in German and Chinese, and some optional lectures are held in English.

By participating in this Master's programme, students acquire experience in the fields of modern and classical Chinese, linguistics and translation studies. To understand cultural, social and historical backgrounds, sinological knowledge is fostered as well.

Participants of this programme gain a theoretical grasp and practical experience in Chinese-German translation, learning concrete strategies for interpreting and written translation.

In addition to the exercises in class, students are also given subject-specific practical training in interpreting and translation, aiding with their future career development.

The application phase ends around the 15 September every year. For current deadlines, please check the announcements on the website of the university: https://www.philfak.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/studienangebot/application-admission?set_language=en.

Students who participate in the student exchange programme with BFSU during their second and third semesters will continue their studies of interpretation and translation at the partner university in Beijing. In Beijing, they have the chance to further enhance their language skills through Chinese language classes and immersive every-day practice in a Chinese academic environment and will receive training in literary and non-literary translation and Chinese-German cultural and linguistic studies.

After the exchange year in Beijing, any credit points obtained at the partner university will be converted into ECTS credits and taken into account at the University of Bonn as well, allowing students to complete their double Master's degree within a regular study period of four semesters.

Multiple times a semester, foreign guest lecturers will be invited to introduce programme-relevant subjects to the students and enrich their learning experience.

During the second and third semesters of the Master's programme, students have the opportunity to participate in a one-year student exchange with the Beijing Foreign Studies University. The five students selected to participate in the exchange will receive financial support in the form of a monthly DAAD scholarship.

By successfully participating in the exchange programme, students have the opportunity to obtain a double Master's degree.

Both partner universities provide students with internship opportunities that are beneficial to the students' learning progress and equip them with hands-on experience that will later improve their career opportunities.

The Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in particular possesses close connections with renowned institutions such as the Chinese-German Chamber of Commerce, the Goethe Institute Beijing, the National Center for Performing Arts and the Chinese Science and Technology Press. At the University of Bonn, students are offered subject-specific internships such as German-Chinese translation or interpretation at trade fairs in Cologne, Düsseldorf or Frankfurt. In addition, students have the opportunity to complete internships at organisations such as the United Nations, Deutsche Welle or the International Office of the university itself.

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes, among other things, a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share.

For native German speakers and other non-native Chinese speakers:

• Practical language training in Modern Chinese amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits
• Practical language training in Classical Chinese amounting to at least 12 ECTS credits
• Subject-specific modules amounting to at least 24 ECTS credits
• Chinese language proficiency at a minimum of HSK level 5

For native Chinese speakers:

• Bachelor's degree in subjects such as German Studies, Sinology, Translation, etc. 
• Subject-specific modules amounting to at least 24 ECTS credits
• German language proficiency at a minimum at DSH level 3

For native German speakers and other non-native Chinese speakers:
Chinese language proficiency at a minimum of HSK level 5

For native Chinese speakers:
German language proficiency at a minimum at DSH level 3

The application phase ends around the 15 September every year. For current deadlines, please check the announcements on the website of the university: https://www.philfak.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/studienangebot/application-admission?set_language=en.

No

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (further information: www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation). 

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/housing.

International applicants who are admitted to the Master's programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice) which provides a range of advice and support when it comes to choosing a career and applying for jobs.

Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward guiding students on a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students.

The Welcome Days (www.uni-bonn.de/welcomedays) before the start of each semester are an opportunity for new international students to connect with fellow (international and German) students and gather information on important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities or opening a bank account. 

The Study Buddy programme (www.uni-bonn.de/study-buddy) matches newly-arrived international students (mentees) with a University of Bonn student (buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The buddies provide advice and assistance to support their mentees in becoming familiar with the university and getting settled in Bonn.