Beijing Foreign Studies University

Beijing Foreign Studies University is a key university directly affiliated with the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the People’s Republic of China. Founded in Yan’an in 1941, BFSU is the first institution specializing in foreign language studies. It has the longest history among universities of its kind in China, offering a complete range of degrees, diplomas and programs at various levels, with the largest number of foreign language programs in the country. Excellence in the teaching and research of foreign language and literature has allowed BFSU to enjoy a good reputation for its quality programs, both at home and internationally. It is now an important base in the country for educating talents in various fields such as foreign languages, culture, diplomacy, journalism, and international business.

BFSU consists of 13 schools, colleges and institute, 7 academic departments, and a number of research centers. The 13 schools, colleges and institute include the School of English and International Studies, School of English for Special Purposes, School of Russian language, Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, School of International Business, School of Chinese Language and Literature, School of International Relations and Diplomacy, Law School, School of Asian and African Languages, School of European Languages and Cultures, School of Philosophy and Social Sciences, the Continuing Education College（Training college） and the Institute of Online Education. The 7 academic departments offer an opportunity for education and research in German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, Computer Science, and Physical Education.

In addition, BFSU is also home to over a dozen of research centers, including the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies, the European and American Literature Research Center, the Foreign Languages Research Center, the International Issues Research Center, and an American Studies Center. In particular, BFSU is a host to the only National Research Center for Foreign Language Teaching in China, along with two National Bases for Training Undergraduates for Less-commonly Used Language: one for European Languages and one for Asian and African Languages.

BFSU is one of the first institutions authorized by the MOE to offer programs for Master and Doctoral degrees. It offers first-class PhD programs in Foreign languages and literature which covers 10 secondary disciplines; 10 secondary discipline PhD programs in English, Russian, German, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, European Languages and Culture, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Comparative Literature & Culture, and Translation; 6 first-class MA programs, 16 secondary discipline MA programs; 2 professional MA programs (Chinese International Education and Translation); and 61 BA degree programs, including 54 in foreign languages.

BFSU has a highly-qualified, experienced and conscientious faculty of 675 members, among whom 362 are either professors or associate professors and 279 of whom are lecturers. In addition, each year the university invites approximately 120 international teachers and experts from more than 20 countries to teach in various academic programs. Among its 8,086 registered students, there are 4,621 full-time undergraduates; 2,106 graduates and 1359 international students. The university’s enrollment of international students started in the 1950s. It was among the first group of universities in China to teach Chinese as a foreign language and to accept international scholarship students sponsored by the Chinese government. In recent years, the university has enhanced the education of international students and the number of international students on campus has been continuously expanding, which has greatly contributed to BFSU’s multi-cultural environment and vibrant campus life.

BFSU is also actively engaged in comprehensive and in-depth international exchange and cooperation. To date, BFSU has established extensive academic partnerships with over 350 universities and educational institutions in 72 countries and regions around the world.

Situated in the Haidian District of Beijing, where the key institutions of higher education are concentrated, BFSU covers a total area of 310,000 square meters and enjoys access to convenient transportation, with the Third Ring Road running through the middle of the university campus. With its beautiful campus and diverse language programs, BFSU provides a unique and ideal environment for both Chinese and overseas students to master their target languages.