Course overview
This specialist degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to combine complementary study areas in international studies and commerce. The focus is equipping students with the knowledge and skills to live and work successfully in international environments. Students are required to undertake at least 2 credit points of approved international experience, with options including an international internship, a period of study at an overseas university, or participation in an in-country language program or Faculty-led study tour.
This course is designed to enable students to:
- develop their understanding of the international forces shaping government, business and community life in contemporary societies
- develop a range of skills in analysis and interpretation of these forces
- gain a grounding in business disciplines
- develop cross-cultural competencies through an internationally-oriented curriculum and through participation in international experiences.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
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
- 2018 course information
- Deakin code
- D338
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 075376C Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- 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.
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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
- an 8-credit-point major sequence
- an approved international experience (2 credit points minimum)*
- 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
Within the total 32 credit points no more than 12 credit points of units may be taken at level 1.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of International Studies (A326) and the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) must be satisfied.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.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.
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).
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Other 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
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce with our pathways finder.
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Commerce (M300)
- Bachelor of International Studies (A326)
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.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Students who complete the accounting major sequence are eligible to apply for admission to the:
CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
Associate membership for the CPA Program, CPA Australia
IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - A limited number of exemptions may apply. Please refer to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for further information.
The Bachelor of Commerce (with a major in Financial Planning) is a course approved by the new financial planning standards body - the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA). Graduates who complete the Financial Planning major sequence in the Bachelor of Commerce will satisfy the education standards prescribed by FASEA 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).
Students who complete the marketing major are eligible for a one year credit reduction, off the five years, needed to become a Certified Practicing Marketer by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).
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.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
