Translation, Interpreting, and Language Practice are essential fields in multilingual South Africa, supporting communication across government, business, courts, media, and international platforms. These programmes focus on professional language use, including translation, editing, interpreting, terminology development, and applied linguistics.
If you enjoy languages, communication, and cultural mediation, this career path offers strong relevance and employability.
What Is Translation / Interpreting / Language Practice?
These programmes typically cover:
- Written translation between languages
- Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
- Editing, proofreading, and text production
- Terminology and lexicography
- Multilingual communication in professional contexts
- Applied linguistics and language technology
Graduates are trained to work in government departments, courts, media houses, publishing, NGOs, and international organisations.
Universities Offering Translation, Interpreting & Language Practice
Below is a grouped list of South African universities offering Translation, Interpreting, or Language Practice programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Nelson Mandela University
- Language Practice
- Offered within Bachelor of Arts (BA) programmes
- Strong focus on editing, translation, and professional writing
- Pathways to Honours and postgraduate study
2. North-West University (NWU)
- North-West University
- Language Practice / Translation Studies
- Offered within BA degrees
- Covers multilingual communication, editing, and applied linguistics
- Well-established postgraduate research options
3. University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Limpopo
- Translation and Interpreting
- Offered within BA in Language Practice / Linguistics
- Strong focus on African languages and community-based communication
- Ideal for public-sector and development-focused careers
4. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Sol Plaatje University
- Language Practice
- Offered through BA and Honours programmes
- Emphasis on professional communication, heritage, and multilingualism
- Growing postgraduate opportunities
5. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of South Africa
- Language Practice, Translation & Linguistics
- Offered via BA degree combinations
- Fully distance-learning
- Popular with working professionals and in-service language practitioners
Admission Requirements (General Guide)
Although requirements vary, most universities require:
- National Senior Certificate (Bachelor’s pass)
- Strong performance in English and at least one additional language
- APS typically between 20–28, depending on the institution
- Language proficiency assessments may apply
Career Opportunities in Translation & Language Practice
Graduates can work as:
- Translators and Interpreters
- Language Practitioners (government & private sector)
- Editors and Proofreaders
- Court and Community Interpreters
- Terminologists and Language Advisors
- Media, publishing, and communications professionals
Common employers include:
- Government departments
- Courts and legal institutions
- Media houses and publishers
- NGOs and international organisations
- Freelance and consulting agencies
Is Language Practice a Good Career in South Africa?
Yes. With 11 official languages, South Africa has a constant demand for skilled language professionals, especially in:
- Government and public service
- Education and training
- Legal and court interpreting
- Media, translation, and localisation
The field also allows for freelancing and remote work, making it highly flexible.
Final Thoughts
Translation, Interpreting, and Language Practice play a vital role in bridging communication gaps in a multilingual society. Whether you prefer campus-based study or distance learning, universities like Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, and University of South Africa offer strong pathways into this profession.