Participating universities are committed to encouraging applications from candidates with less widely-used and less-taught languages.

In order to be eligible for admission to the programme candidates must

• hold a recognized University degree or equivalent (in any subject)
• have an excellent command of their mother tongue (A language) over a wide range of topics and registers
• have an in-depth knowledge of their working languages (B and C)
• offer at least one of the following language combinations*:
• A-CC or A-BC or A-A (where the language combination is offered by the University concerned)
• A-B(sim) may be offered for less widely used languages and in the light of market requirements
*cf definition of A, B and C languages given in Appendix 1

• have a good overall knowledge of international affairs and be well-informed of the economic, social and cultural background of the countries in which their working languages are used

In addition, candidates will be expected to have

• good powers of concentration, analysis and synthesis
• good communication skills
• a high degree of motivation
• the ability to work under pressure
• a readiness to accept advice

Aptitude Tests

Admission to the course is subject to success in an aptitude test which is designed to assess their suitability for the programme.

• includes a majority of professional interpreters and interpreter trainers
• represents all the languages for which a candidate is to be tested and include at least one assessor with the candidate's A-language
• arrives at a decision by consensus

One member of the panel shall normally be present throughout to ensure consistency in decision-making.

The complete aptitude test shall include

• the oral reproduction of short and structured speeches (2-3 minutes) from the candidate's C and B languages into A and, where appropriate, A into B
• a general knowledge test
• an interview with the candidates

Additionally the test may include

• sight translation
• a brief oral presentation by the candidate on a subject chosen by the panel
• written tests

For more detailed information on Admissions, please see the individual Universities.

Core Curriculum (full text)