Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
3 years full time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Develop intercultural competencies and an established global perspective by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of International Studies (Global Scholar). You’ll gain foundation knowledge of the global political climate and participate in international experiences to begin building a global career from the very start of your studies.
Designed for high-achieving students, you’ll proactively build a professional portfolio of international experiences while learning about the forces that shape government, business and society throughout Australia and the world.
Understand how events of the past have contributed to today’s environment and apply transversal and analytical skills to reflect on the past and tackle the future. You’ll learn what it takes to establish and maintain a professional presence as an international relations professional, as well as build a graduate portfolio that highlights the key learning outcomes you’ve acquired throughout your degree.
The relationships between countries and political powers is ever-changing. Are you ready to learn how to navigate these international environments?
Choose to major in disciplines that will offer a unique perspective to your degree such as:
- anthropology
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Indonesian
- international relations
- language and culture studies
- Middle East studies
- politics and policy studies
- Spanish.
Whether you choose to study at one of our partner universities, or gain practical experience by completing an internship overseas or in Australia, you’ll gain a competitive edge that will make you highly valued by employers. We know travelling abroad can be an expensive experience, so we also offer scholarships to help you complete your studies overseas.
Graduate as a global scholar from Deakin and you’ll be ready to step into the real-word as an effective intercultural communicator with the skills to advise on policy and critically analyse the international issues of past and present.
Read MoreCourse structure
Student must successfully complete 24 credit points of study including:
- 6 core units
- An approved major sequence of at least 8 credit points selected from Anthropology, Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, International Relations, Language and Culture Studies, Middle East Studies, Politics and Policy Studies or Spanish
- An approved Arts minor sequence of at least 4 credit points
- No more than 10 credit points at level 1
- No more than 8 credit points taken outside the Faculty of Arts and Education
- A minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- At least 4 credit points of international experience, which must include either AIS331 International Internship B (4 credit points) or AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit points), with additional credit points selected from the list of approved international experiences below:
- trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
- in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish)
- approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203), (AIR292) 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 (AIB151 & AIB152; AIB251 & AIB252; AIC181 & AIC182; AIC281 & AIC282; AIC283 & AIC284; AIF146 & AIF142; AIF241 & AIF242; AIF341 & AIF342; AIF145; ALS100 & ALS150; ALS200 & ALS250) can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement
- Completion of the Global Citizenship Program
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Core units
International Experience
All students must complete at least 4 credit points of international experience, which must include either AIS331 International Internship B (4 credit points) or AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit points) with additional credit points selected from the list of approved international experiences below:
- trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
- in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish)
- approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203, AIR292, AIE365 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
Further information on international experience options and previous students' experiences is available at: Work Integrated Learning
Further information about AIS330 International Internship A and AIS331 International Internship B, including application and approval process and funding is available at: Work Integrated Learning
For further information regarding the in-country language programs, refer to the major sequences in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, and Spanish.
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Key information
2021 course information
1400510371 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610371 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
New course version from 2021
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
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
Elective units may be selected that include work-based training or community-based learning. Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Entry information
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Cloud 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 via Cloud (online). International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as Cloud (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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are calculated depending on the course you choose.
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
How to apply
Applications for study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC
Applications can be made 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. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
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.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
- Bachelor of International Studies (A326)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
Graduating from this course prepares you with the analytical skills and international experience to apply your knowledge to a range of roles. Build your career in Australia or overseas working in roles including:
- foreign correspondent
- foreign exchange analyst
- human rights advocate
- immigration agent
- international aid officer
- international management consultant
- international trade law consultant
- law reform officer
- political journalist
- trade agreements negotiator
- trade delegate.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. Develop disciplinary perspectives and appropriate theories and technical knowledge with reference to one or more Social Science, including through the study of languages or International Relations. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of digital technologies and platforms appropriately 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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 globalized world that requires appreciation of local, national, regional and international dynamics and their interactions. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cultural, social and political inequity, and to the transferability of knowledge and skills in a range of geographic, knowledge and organisational contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner. Through sustained participation in international experiences, develop practical skills to critically engage with and consider cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
| Approved by Faculty Board November 2020 | |