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Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce

Undergraduate degree

Take your business ideas to the world stage. Develop your understanding of the international forces shaping government, business and communities.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

4-years full-time

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Gain a competitive business foundation with global application. Through Deakin's Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce, you'll develop your understanding of the international forces shaping government, business and communities, and gain skills to analyse and interpret these forces.

Take your business ideas to the world stage. You'll develop knowledge and capabilities and gain insights through valuable international experiences.

You’ll commit to an exciting international learning program, either as a student at one of our university exchange partners or in an approved internship. Develop your understanding of foreign governments, businesses and communities on the ground, and immerse yourself in the culture while you’re there.

Want to take your business ideas global??

This course will equip you with a solid foundation in business, and the international context you need to live and work anywhere in the world.

Choose a major commerce sequence that reflects your specialised passion:

  • accounting
  • economics
  • finance
  • financial planning
  • human resources management
  • management
  • management information systems
  • marketing.

This combined course is led by academics who are experts in their field, so you’ll always be learning the latest concepts, ideas and approaches from inside the industry. Plus, you’ll benefit from networking with and learning from their real-world connections.

Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce is internationally recognised with EQUIS and EPAS accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), and AACSB accredited. We are also the only Australian university with all three accreditations, meaning you are graduating with a degree that is of a global standard.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
Year

2023 course information

VTAC code
1400414473 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514473 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
D338
CRICOS code?
075376C Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce, students must complete 32 credit points as follows: 

16 credit points of International Studies units must be completed as follows -

  • 6 credit points of core units - AIR200, AIS101, AIS102, AIS204, AIS303, AIS304
  • an 8-credit-point approved major sequence
  • an approved international experience (2 credit points minimum)*
  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

*It is envisaged that students will complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course. 

16 credit points of Commerce units must be completed as follows -

  • 8 credit points of core units - MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MIS171, MLC101, MMK101, MMM132 and MWL101.
  • **one prescribed Commerce major sequence of 8 credit points
  • A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Commerce coded units

**Note: The Food and Agribusiness major will no longer be offered. It is only offered to students who commenced prior to 2023

Within the total 32 credit points no more than 12 credit points of units may be taken at level 1. 8 of these will be core Commerce, 2 core International Studies and 2 may be used for the Arts major. 

Course requirements for both the Bachelor of International Studies (A326) and the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) must be satisfied.

16

International Studies

16

Commerce Studies

32

Total units

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

  • Start date: March
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)
    • Online

Trimester 2 - July

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)
    • Online

Trimester 3 - November

  • Start date: November
  • Available at: From 2022:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Online

Note: Students enrolled at Geelong in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Work experience

This course includes completion of least 2 credit points of international experience, selected from one or more of the following:  

  • Trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
  • International internship (AIS330 or AIS331) *in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian or Arabic)
  • Approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203 or other)
  • Approved onshore internship with an international organisation (available for AIS330 only). 
  • 2 credit points of consecutive language units other than an in-country language program can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement

Entry requirements

Senior certificate of education

If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

VCE Prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Higher education study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

STAT Multiple Choice

Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Polytechnic study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

STAT Multiple Choice

Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

International equivalent requirements

To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test - Multiple Choice

All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for). The STAT MC is not required if the applicant has undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).

International equivalent requirements

To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

Online studies

Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about international student fees.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

Apply now

Apply through VTAC and Deakin

International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

Apply through Deakin

All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

Deakin International office or Deakin representative

Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

Need more information on how to apply?

For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

Careers

Career outcomes

This combined course provides the skills and experience necessary to take up a wide range of employment opportunities in virtually every area of business and government, in Australia and overseas. Graduates can enter a wide range of roles in the public sector including diplomacy, defence, immigration, education, finance, communication, trade, development and aid. You can also work in private large corporations and small or medium sized businesses with an international orientation, and non-government organisations with regional and global links. Potential careers include professional accountant, economist, financial planner, human resources manager, social and economic policy developer, international trade officer and marketing assistant/manager.

Professional recognition

Students who complete the accounting major sequence are eligible to apply for:

Students who complete the marketing major sequence are eligible for a one-year credit reduction from the five years needed to become a Certified Practicing Marketer by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).

Students who complete the financial planning major sequence will satisfy the education standards prescribed by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) to be able to provide financial advice in Australia and be eligible for entry into the certification programs of the professional financial planning associations – the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Program offered by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner designation offered by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).

Commerce graduates may also be eligible to apply for membership to these key professional bodies (depending on units taken):

Students should consult with a course adviser to identify any additional requirements for membership for each professional body, and also consult with the professional body.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.