Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting

What is the purpose of the Aptitude Test?

The test is designed to challenge you in order to give the School an indication of the current level of your linguistic skills in both languages and, more importantly, an indication of your potential and aptitude for training as a translator and interpreter.

Who needs to take the Aptitude Test?

The aptitude test is not required for:

• Native speakers of the language of study (Chinese - Mandarin or Japanese) who reside in a country where the language is spoken (i.e. Mainland China, Taiwan or Japan).

The aptitude test may be required for:

• All other applicants including domestic students.

Applicants who are required to sit an aptitude test will be contacted by email after lodgement of the application. 

What will the Aptitude Test include

You will be required to translate a written task and may also be asked to complete an oral interpreting task.

Please contact the School at languages-cultures@uq.edu.au for more information.

When and where will the Aptitude Test be held?

The test will be conducted online via Zoom.

10 am Tuesday 28 May

10 am Tuesday 11 June

Please nominate the date that suits you.

If neither date works for you, please contact the School Office (languages-cultures@uq.edu.au) to arrange an alternative time.

Is there a test fee?

Yes. The fee to sit the MATI or the Graduate Diploma Aptitude Test is $55.00 (including GST), while the Graduate Certificate Aptitude Test is $35.00 (including GST).

How do I prepare for the test?

To prepare for the Aptitude Test you should familiarise yourself with the format of the test and keep up-to-date with current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines in both Chinese/Japanese and English, as well as listening to news programs in both languages.

How will I access the Aptitude Test?

The Aptitude Test will be conducted online via Zoom. After submitting your application for the program, you will be sent a Zoom invitation and instructions on how to take the test.

When will I receive the result of the Aptitude Test?

You will receive an email notifying you of your results within a few weeks of sitting the test. If successful, a formal offer will be sent to you within a few weeks of notification of your results.

Please check the UQ Study website for information and follow the prompts on ‘How to apply'. 

Ask a question regarding your application.

Is there a quota for this program?

No there is no quota for this program.

Is there financial assistance or scholarships available?

There are ways to get help if you need it. The Future Students site has information on financial assistance available for both domestic and international students. There are also a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students which are listed on the UQ Scholarships site. 

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs)

From 2024 Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who are commencing in this program. If you are a commencing student and you have been awarded a CSP, UQ Admissions will contact you within a week of you accepting your offer with instructions for how you can then accept your CSP. Additionally, a task will appear in mySI-net that will prompt you to accept your CSP and complete the HECS-HELP eCAF. Please note that, if CSPs are limited, places will be allocated on the basis of academic merit. https://my.uq.edu.au/programs-courses/program.html?acad_prog=5752 

Graduate Certificate in Arts in Translation (GCAT) & Graduate Certificate in Arts in Interpreting (GCAI)

This one-year, part-time program is an option for domestic students* looking for an introduction into the world of translation or interpreting. It is also an option for those who are not necessarily looking for a full Master’s degree but wish to upskill their current level of competency. The Graduate Certificate offers industry-focused training in community translation (GCAT) and community interpreting (GCAI). Students who want to progress to the Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting can use their Graduate Certificate to apply for course credits.

The GCAT is endorsed by NAATI at the following level:

• Certified Translator

The GCAI is endorsed by NAATI at the following levels:

• Certified Provisional Interpreter
• Certified Interpreter

*Both Graduate Certificates are not available to study for international students.

Refer to the Future Students website for further details.  

• Graduate Certificate in Arts in Interpreting
• Graduate Certificate in Arts in Translation

Graduate Diploma in Arts in Translation and Interpreting (GDATI)

This one-year, full-time program is an option for those looking for an introduction to the world of translation and interpreting. It is also an option for those who are not necessarily looking for a full Master’s degree, but wish to upskill their current level of competency. The Graduate Diploma offers industry-focused training in community translation and interpreting. Students who want to progress to the Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting can use their Graduate Diploma to apply for course credits. You can choose to specialise in Chinese-English or Japanese-English translating and interpreting during this comprehensive one-year (or part-time equivalent) program.

The GDATI is endorsed by NAATI at the following levels:

• Certified Translator
• Certified Provisional Interpreter

Certified Interpreter

• Refer to the Future Students website for further details.  Graduate Diploma in Arts in Translation and Interpreting 

Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting (MATI)

This two-year (or part-time equivalent) program is ideal for those seeking a Master’s level qualification and advanced training in specialised translation/interpreting and conference interpreting, as well as community-level training in translation and interpreting. You can choose to specialise in Chinese-English or Japanese-English translating and interpreting during this comprehensive program.

The Master’s program is endorsed by NAATI at the following levels*:

• Certified Translator
• Certified Advanced Translator
• Certified Provisional Interpreter
• Certified Interpreter
• Certified Specialist Health Interpreter
• Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter
• Certified Conference Interpreter

* Students who choose to write a thesis in their final semester may not be eligible to apply for the Certified Advanced Translator or Certified Conference Interpreter tests, depending on their course enrolment in the semester.

Refer to the Future Students website for further details.  

• Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting - Future Students - The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

What is the NAATI Certification system and what are the certification types?

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is the national standards and certification authority for translators and interpreters in Australia. NAATI Certification is an acknowledgement that an individual has demonstrated the skills needed to practice as a translator or interpreter in Australia.

View information about the NAATI Certification system and the certification types on the NAATI website.

Will I get NAATI Certification automatically after I complete the GCAT, GCAI, GDATI or MATI?

NAATI Certification is not automatic. Students who have successfully completed NAATI endorsed qualifications are eligible to apply to sit the Certification tests at the endorsed levels without satisfying any other prerequisites. 

NAATI certification is only awarded to a student once they graduate (or are a graduand) from their endorsed program, and once they have passed the NAATI certification test. Refer to the NAATI website for further information.

Please check the UQ Study website for information and follow the prompts on ‘How to apply'. 

Ask a question regarding your application.

Is there a quota for this program?

No, there is no quota for this program.

Can I choose to study translation or interpreting only?

Students are required to study both translation and interpreting in the Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting (MATI) and the Graduate Diploma in Arts in Translation and Interpreting (GDATI).

Domestic students can choose to study translation only with the Graduate Certificate in Arts in Translation (GCAT) or interpreting only with the Graduate Certificate in Arts in Interpreting (GCAI).

Can I study part time?

The GCAT and GCAI are offered part time only. Domestic students can choose to study part time in MATI and the GDATI.

Is there a mid-year intake?

There is only one intake per year for all programs (MATI, GDATI, GCAT and GCAI), commencing in Semester 2 of the year.

Can I study by distance mode?

No, all courses are offered in-person, with some classes offered online

Is there financial assistance or scholarships available?

There are ways to get financial support. The Future Students site has information on financial assistance available for both domestic and international students. There are also a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students which are listed on the UQ Scholarships site. 

Graduates can work around the world as freelance or in-house translators and interpreters as well as build careers in business, government and education by utilising their communication skills.

Australia has large Chinese- and Japanese-speaking communities. It is also geographically close to Japan, China and other Chinese-speaking countries and regions, and has strong ties with them in business, education, tourism and cultural exchange. In this internationally dynamic environment, there is a strong and growing demand for translation and interpreting services.

Our programs are endorsed by NAATI at respective levels and offer intensive training accordingly. NAATI Certification is recognised in many countries and regions and can provide certified graduates a competitive edge in the translation and interpreting industry.