Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
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 international political climate and travel overseas to begin building a global career from the very start of your studies.
The relationships between countries and political powers is ever-changing. Are you ready to learn how to navigate these international environments?
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.
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.
As a global scholar, you’ll visit countries for a few weeks or even a whole trimester. Whether you choose to study at one of our partner universities, or gain practical experience by completing an internship, 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 4 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
2020 course information
1400410371 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510371 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610371 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
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)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
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
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 80 or equivalent in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on achieving an equivalent standard of achievement of an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 80 in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent including relevant work or life experience
There is a quota for global scholar places each intake and applicants must achieve the minimum entry requirements to be eligible to apply, and must maintain a Distinction average and have Course Director approval for the proposed international experience with scholarship support. Applicants who do not achieve a global scholar place may apply for admission to the Bachelor of International Studies (A326) subject to meeting minimum entry requirements
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
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 8 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 fees and available payment options.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
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, globalization 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. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate ideas, arguments and analyses of cross-cultural communication, knowledge and skill transferability, personal and professional development and diverse organisational contexts in a selection of written, digital and oral formats to a range of audiences including practitioners working in the area of International Studies. |
| 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 including self-reflection to systematically investigate and generate context-sensitive and pragmatic solutions to complex real-world problems pertaining to cross-cultural communication, knowledge transferability, personal and professional development and diverse organisational contexts. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a sustained and ongoing commitment to learning and skill development as a reflective practitioner in the area of International Studies and its communities of practice and scholarship. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Studies and from other disciplines and backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| Global citizenship | Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cross-cultural communication and 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 June 2016 | |
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