Course Structure and Class Schedule

1. What is the programme structure like?
The programme is divided into three trimesters. Trimesters 1 and 3 will be conducted on a part-time basis, while trimester 2, a 2-month Practicum in China, requires full-time commitment.

2. What is the frequency and duration of classes for Trimesters 1 and 3?
Classes during Trimesters 1 and 3 will be conducted on an average of 2 times a week:

• A weekday evening, for 3 hours from 7pm, and
• A Saturday, for about 6 hours from 9am.

3. Where will classes for Trimesters 1 and 3 be conducted?
Classes during Trimesters 1 and 3 will be conducted at the Civil Service College for weekday classes and the NTU Campus for weekend classes.

4. How big is the class size?
Class size will be kept at 24 students.

5. What is the medium of instruction for the course?
The course will be conducted in both Chinese and English.

6. What is the mode of assessment? Will students be penalised if they are unable to attend some classes?
Assessment will be made based mainly on performance. Students will not be penalised for their absence from class as long as they have a valid reason, and are able to complete all the assignments within the given period. However, some assignments may have to be completed in class, and absence from class will lead to certain disadvantages.

7. What are the expected activities for the Practicum in China?
The Practicum is an integral part of the training where students are able to practise their translation and interpretation skills hands-on. Students will be given group assignments and individual exercises to work on both in and out of class. They are also required to attend seminars that aim to increase the knowledge base required.

8. If I am unable to fulfill the Trimester 2 Practicum in China, would there be other arrangements available?
Students who are not able to participate in the China Practicum in the same year can apply for Leave of Absence, pending approval from the University. However, the Practicum needs to be completed by the following year.

Awarding of Diploma

1. Which institution will be conferring the Diploma?
The Diploma will be conferred by NTU. Students will also be issued a certificate from a reputable university in China if they satisfy all the requirements during their Practicum in China.

2. Is this Graduate Diploma equivalent to a Master's degree?
GDTI is not equivalent to a Master's degree, but rather, it offers postgraduate training in translation and interpretation to interested persons who have obtained a bachelor's degree.

3. Will this programme be upgraded to a Master's degree?
Yes, the programme will be upgraded to a Master's degree.

4. How practical are the skills acquired from the course?
Aims of this programme are to enhance bilingual and bicultural competence in students, and to equip them with adequate skills in translation and interpretation. With a growing demand for people with such competency, students will have an edge over others especially when they compete for jobs in both the private and public sectors (e.g. government, media business etc.). They will also be more eligible to take up skill-specific jobs or positions that require their bilingual creativity.

Admission Requirements and Application

1. Is there an age limit for application to the course?
No, there is no age limit for admission. All applicants are welcome as long as they meet the requirements for application.

2. Can I apply for the course if I do not have my company's sponsorship?
Yes, we accept individual applications as well.

3. Will Chinese at 'AO' Level be considered in place of Higher Chinese or CL1 at 'O' Level?
Yes, Chinese at 'AO' Level can be considered in place.

4. Is TOEFL required?
TOEFL or IELTS is required if you graduate from a university with non-English medium of instruction, unless there is other evidence to prove your command of the English language.

5. How long is my TOEFL score valid for?
The TOEFL score is only valid for a period of two years. If you sat for the TOEFL more than two years ago, the score will not be considered valid.

6. I am neither a Singaporean nor a Permanent Resident. Can I apply for the course?
International students may pursue programmes on a part-time basis at our university only if they possess a valid immigration pass (Employment Pass or Work Permit) issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, which enables them to reside in Singapore throughout the course of their study. Thus, you may apply for the course as long as you meet the admission requirements and hold a valid immigration pass.

7. How can I apply for the course?
Applications are to be submitted electronically via the following link: http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/coursework/Whenyouapply/Pages/
Applyonline.aspx

8. What are the supporting documents required?
The list of supporting documents can be found at the following link:
http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/coursework/Whenyouapply/Pages/
Senddocuments.aspx

9. Under what circumstances will reference letters from my employer or referee be needed?
Reference letters from your employer will be required if you are company-sponsored. Other forms of references which you think might be useful for us in reviewing your application should also be enclosed.

10. Can I apply to stay in the NTU halls if I am accepted for this course?
No, students who enrol in part-time courses under NTU are not eligible for  accommodation on campus.

Fees, Payment and Subsidies

1. The tuition fee seems relatively costly. Why is this so?
The tuition fee includes the fees to be paid to the overseas institution where the Practicum is conducted. The uniqueness of GDTI's programme offering allows for more variety of courses with more hours of training. Tuition fees for serious translation courses such as the GDTI also tend to be higher due to the specialists enlisted to conduct the courses.

2. Is the tuition fee of S$12,000 inclusive of the accommodation cost?
No, the tuition fee excludes accommodation cost.

3. Do I need to pay for visa application fee to China?
Students will need to pay for the visa application fee to China which costs S$25 – S$65. The cost varies with the type of visa which students apply for (based on the number of entries into China). The fee is subjected to changes by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore.

4. Can I arrange for my own accommodation instead of using the recommended one?
Students may make alternative arrangements for their accommodation in China but we highly encourage them to stay in the accommodation recommended by the GDTI Programme Office.

5. How should I pay for the overseas accommodation cost if I am staying at the accommodation recommended by the GDTI Programme Office?
The accommodation cost should be paid directly to the personnel in charge of the accommodation.

6. What about air ticketing arrangement?
Students have to make their own flight arrangement to China. The GDTI programme office will provide contact information of local travel agencies. 

7. Is it possible to pay for the tuition fee by installment?
Students who are not sponsored by their companies are allowed to pay the tuition fee in 2 installments. Students who are sponsored by their companies, however, will be required to make a single payment of S$12,000.

8. Can I apply for tuition loan to pay for the tuition fee?
As GDTI programme is a part-time programme, students are not eligible for tuition grant.

9. Can I use my CPF to pay for the tuition fee?
No, the usage of CPF fund is not applicable to part-time programmes.