Course overview
Gain a competitive business foundation with global application at a university ranked in the top 200 worldwide for business studies. By studying Deakin's Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce double degree, you will develop an understanding of the international forces shaping government, business and communities, along with the skills to analyse and interpret them.
Understand how data, markets and money drive real decisions and apply this knowledge in global contexts. Choose commerce majors from accounting to marketing, and international studies majors including Middle East studies and Anthropology.
International experience is built into your degree, with opportunities to take part in an exciting international internship, study overseas or join an in-country language program. You will gain first-hand insight into foreign governments, businesses and communities, and immerse yourself in new cultures, building the global perspective and experience employers value.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514473 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D377
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 075376C Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of International Studies
- 6 credit points of core units
- 1 international studies major (8 credit points)
- an approved international experience (2 credit points minimum)^
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 commerce major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of commerce coded units
- a maximum of 12 credit points at level 1 across both courses
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above across both courses.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of International Studies (A326) and Bachelor of Commerce (M380) must be satisfied.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
It is envisaged that students will complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course.
^(i) AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit point) placements can be for up to 12-weeks if desired. Please contact the Unit Chair for further information.
^(ii) It is envisaged that students would complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course.
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
This course structure applies to students who commenced in 2027.
Students who commenced prior to 2027 should refer to the Handbook Archive for their course structure and consult with their enrolment officer.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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. More information available at Disability support services.
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^) *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 in-country language program can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement
^Note:
(i) AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit point) placements can be for up to 12-weeks if desired. Please contact the Unit Chair for further information.
Further details can be found at Work Integrated Learning.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study.
A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, any History, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Maths: Further Mathematics, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
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 (RPL) 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 estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Commerce (M380)
- Bachelor of International Studies (A326)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction and step confidently into your future. As a Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce graduate, your skills will be in demand in a range of careers, including:
- diplomat
- foreign affairs officer
- foreign exchange analyst
- import/export manager
- international management consultant
- NGO policy officer
- politician
- trade delegate.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
- Deakin's accounting major enables students to apply for the:
- Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
- The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:
- the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of International Studies A326 | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce M380 |
|---|---|
| Review, analyse and apply key concepts in International Studies relating to international politics and society, globalisation and development, intercultural competency, global citizenship and professional development with reference to one or more Social Science disciplinary perspectives and appropriate theories and technical knowledge. | Integrate specialist disciplinary knowledge in commerce to analyse financial, economic and market systems and generate data driven insights that inform organisational and investment decisions in interconnected local, regional and global markets. |
| Apply learnings from personal and professional development in diverse organizational contexts to effectively communicate cross-cultural ideas, arguments and analyses to diverse audiences using a range of different mediums. | Apply analytical frameworks, quantitative methods and tools for commerce to interpret financial, economic and organisational data, exercising ethical professional judgement to develop evidence based analyses and advice in commercial contexts. |
| Employ a range of digital technologies and platforms to conduct research, engage in discussion and debate, document personal and professional skills and attributes, communicate effectively with and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field of International Studies. | Communicate commercial ideas, analyses and recommendations clearly and professionally to diverse stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with others,using feedback and reflection to improve professional practice. |
| Analyse and critically evaluate conceptual and theoretical approaches to issues of international politics and society, intercultural competency, global citizenship, and professional development in the context of an increasingly complex globalised world that requires appreciation of local, national, regional and international dynamics and their interactions. | Critically evaluate economic and business models, strategies and practices to assess how commercial activity can balance financial performance with environmental and social sustainability. |
| Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to systematically investigate and generate context-sensitive and pragmatic solutions to complex real-world problems. | Select and apply technologies to analyse complex commercial problems, evaluate alternative courses of action and generate evidence based insights that inform decision making in commerce contexts. |
| Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a sustained and ongoing commitment to learning and skill development in International Studies contexts including but not limited to communities of practice and scholarship. | Apply commercial knowledge and cultural intelligence to identify and address opportunities for shared prosperity across Indigenous, regional, and international contexts. |
| Work and learn collaboratively and productively with others in the field of International Studies and with stakeholders from other disciplines and backgrounds to achieve shared goals. | |
| Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cultural, social and political inequity; the transferability of knowledge and skills in different geographic, knowledge and organisational contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
Approved by Faculty Board
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
