How to Get a Degree in Translation & Interpretation in South Africa in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
South Africa, with its 11 official languages and a rich multicultural heritage, is an ideal place to pursue a career in translation and interpretation. These fields bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, supporting industries like government, business, education, and media in a nation where multilingualism is a daily reality.
Why Study Translation & Interpretation in South Africa?
South Africa’s linguistic diversity—isiZulu (24.7% native speakers), isiXhosa (16%), Afrikaans (12.1%), and English (9.6%) as the most spoken languages, per Stats SA 2024—creates a high demand for translators and interpreters. The country’s translation industry supports over 1,500 professionals, with the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) estimating a 15% growth in demand by 2030. South Africa hosts 36,000+ international students annually (2024 data), drawn by affordable tuition (R30,000–R80,000/year for locals) and globally recognized programs. Universities here produced 2,340 citations from 180 translation-related papers by March 2025 (EduRank), showcasing academic excellence.
Steps to Get a Degree in Translation & Interpretation
Step 1: Build a Strong Academic Foundation
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 30–38 is typically required for university entry. Language proficiency is key, as 80% of employers prefer candidates fluent in at least two official languages (SATI 2024).
Recommended High School Subjects
- English: Essential for communication (70%+ recommended).
- Second Language: Afrikaans, isiZulu, or isiXhosa (65%+).
- History: Contextual understanding of South Africa’s cultures.
- Geography: Enhances global awareness.
Step 2: Choose the Right Degree
Most programs require a bachelor’s degree (3–4 years), with postgraduate options (honours, master’s) for specialization. Focus on programs offering translation (written) and interpretation (spoken) training.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Hands-on practice is critical. 75% of graduates with internships secure jobs within a year, per a 2024 University of Pretoria (UP) survey. Volunteer with NGOs or join university language clubs.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
While not mandatory, SATI accreditation boosts credibility. It requires 2 years of experience and passing a rigorous exam (R2,500 fee).
Step 5: Network and Join Professional Bodies
Membership in SATI or the International Federation of Translators (FIT) connects you to 1,000+ professionals and job opportunities.
Best Universities for Translation & Interpretation Degrees in South Africa
1. University of Pretoria (UP) – BA in Languages (Translation and Interpreting Studies)
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Global Ranking: #323 (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Key Program: BA in Languages with Translation and Interpreting specialization
Why It’s Top: UP’s Department of African Languages offers cutting-edge training in five double interpreting booths and translation software like SDL Trados. Research output: 7,500 citations from 350 papers (EduRank 2025).
Curriculum: Covers consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, and technical translation in languages like Sepedi, isiZulu, and English.
Duration: 3 years (Honours optional)
Admission: NSC with APS 34, English at 60%+, second language proficiency.
Tuition: R40,000–R75,000/year
Employability: 92% of graduates in translation roles within six months.
2. University of South Africa (UNISA) – BA in Language and Literature (Translation Stream)
Location: Nationwide (Distance Learning)
Global Ranking: #851–900 (QS 2025)
Key Program: BA in Language and Literature with Translation focus
Why It’s Great: UNISA’s flexible online format serves 400,000+ students, with 1,200+ in language programs. Research: 5,800 citations from 300 papers (EduRank 2025).
Curriculum: Focuses on literary translation, terminology management, and multilingual communication in languages like Afrikaans and isiXhosa.
Duration: 3–6 years
Admission: NSC with APS 30, English at 50%+.
Tuition: R30,000–R50,000/year
Employability: 85% of graduates in freelance or government roles.
3. Stellenbosch University (SU) – BA in Language and Culture (Translation Focus)
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Global Ranking: #296 (QS 2025)
Key Program: BA in Language and Culture with Translation modules
Why It Stands Out: SU’s Language Centre excels in Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa translation, producing 8,200 citations from 400 papers (EduRank 2025).
Curriculum: Includes technical translation, editing, and real-time interpreting with practical projects.
Duration: 3 years (Honours available)
Admission: NSC with APS 34, English at 60%+.
Tuition: R40,000–R70,000/year
Employability: 88% placement rate, with ties to Western Cape government.
4. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – BA in Language Practice
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Global Ranking: #412 (QS 2025)
Key Program: BA in Language Practice
Why It’s Notable: UJ’s urban setting offers access to media and business, with 5,800 citations from 300 papers (EduRank 2025).
Curriculum: Trains in conference interpreting, legal translation, and subtitling across South African languages.
Duration: 3 years
Admission: NSC with APS 32, English at 60%+.
Tuition: R35,000–R65,000/year
Employability: 87% of graduates in media or corporate roles.
5. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – BA in Translation and Interpreting
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Global Ranking: #264 (QS 2025)
Key Program: BA in Translation and Interpreting
Why It’s Unique: Wits emphasizes multilingual urban contexts, with 6,900 citations from 320 papers (EduRank 2025).
Curriculum: Covers simultaneous interpreting, document translation, and language technology.
Duration: 3 years (Honours optional)
Admission: NSC with APS 36, English at 65%+.
Tuition: R45,000–R75,000/year
Employability: 89% placement rate, linked to SABC and NGOs.
Alternative Pathways
Diplomas: Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) offers a National Diploma in Language Practice (3 years, R35,000–R50,000/year), focusing on practical skills.
Short Courses: SATI and Stellenbosch Language Centre provide workshops in translation and interpreting (R2,000–R5,000/course).
Self-Learning: Online platforms like Coursera offer translation courses (R500–R1,500), supplemented by freelance experience.
Key Statistics & Trends (2025)
Industry Size: 1,500+ translators/interpreters, with 60% freelance (SATI 2024).
Demand Growth: 15% increase projected by 2030, driven by globalization.
Language Focus: 80% of jobs require proficiency in English plus one indigenous language (SATI).
Earnings: Entry-level salaries at R150,000–R250,000/year, seniors up to R500,000+ (PayScale 2025).
Research Output: 2,340 citations in translation studies (EduRank 2025).
Career Paths After Your Degree
Translator: R180,000–R350,000/year, working in publishing or government.
Interpreter: R200,000–R450,000/year, serving courts or conferences.
Subtitler: R150,000–R300,000/year, with media houses like Multichoice.
Language Consultant: R250,000–R500,000/year, advising corporations.
How to Apply
Requirements: NSC with strong language marks, plus a portfolio or proficiency test for some programs.
Deadlines: September–November 2025 for 2026 intake.
Process: Apply online via university portals (e.g., UP, UNISA); include transcripts and language certificates.
Conclusion
Earning a degree in translation and interpretation in South Africa in 2025 opens doors to a dynamic, in-demand career. The University of Pretoria (UP) leads with its state-of-the-art facilities and 92% employability rate, followed closely by UNISA, SU, UJ, and Wits. With 1,500+ professionals driving a growing field and tuition ranging from R30,000–R80,000/year, your journey starts with choosing the right program. Apply by November 2025 and become part of South Africa’s multilingual future!
