How is the cost of translating a master’s thesis calculated?

— A Professional Insight from Elite Translation

With the rise of international academic exchange, translating a master’s thesis into English (or another target language) has become increasingly common—for journal submission, doctoral applications, study abroad, or academic evaluation.

But one of the most frequent questions we hear is:
“How is the translation of a master’s thesis priced?”

At Elite Translation, we understand that this is not just a linguistic task—it’s the accurate, professional presentation of your academic achievement. Pricing reflects more than word count; it reflects depth, complexity, and purpose.

1. Academic Translation Is a Specialized Service

A master’s thesis is not an ordinary document. It typically includes:

• Specialized terminology related to a specific field of study

• Structured academic logic, including abstract, methodology, results, and conclusion

• Formal, objective tone aligned with scholarly conventions

• High-stakes usage, such as submission to universities, journals, or research institutions

As a result, thesis translation falls under professional academic translation, where accuracy and clarity directly impact outcomes.

2. Key Factors That Influence the Cost

▪ Subject Area and Technical Complexity

Each discipline has its own language:

• Humanities may emphasize linguistic precision and argumentative flow

• Engineering and natural sciences often involve formulas, technical diagrams, and domain-specific terminology

• Medicine, law, and finance require high accuracy and regulatory awareness

Translators must be familiar with the terminology and logic of the field—not just fluent in the language.

▪ Total Word Count and Content Scope

Most theses range between 10,000 and 30,000 words.
Pricing is influenced by the total word count, but also by whether additional content like references, appendices, or tables requires translation.

▪ Language Pair and Translation Direction

Translating from Chinese to English is common, but other combinations (e.g., Chinese to German, Japanese, or French) involve additional expertise and may affect pricing due to the availability of qualified translators.

▪ Editing, Proofreading, or Native-Level Polishing

If the thesis is intended for publication or competitive academic use, clients often request editing or native-language review in addition to basic translation. This ensures tone, style, and terminology meet international academic standards.

▪ Turnaround Time

Standard projects typically require several business days to two weeks.
Urgent requests involving shorter deadlines require more resources and can influence service costs.

3. What Makes Elite Translation a Reliable Partner?

We recognize that your thesis is the culmination of your academic journey. That’s why we offer:

◀️：How Is the Cost of Translating a Master’s Thesis Determined?

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