Bachelor of International Studies
Overview
A global career with endless opportunities. Study the only program in Australia that includes language training, an international studies major and a semester abroad.
The Bachelor of International Studies is focused on developing language skills and knowledge of global issues from the perspective of relevant social science disciplines.
The program consists of three components: core studies, a language major and an international studies major. You'll complement these studies with a compulsory overseas exchange semester to enhance the development of your cross-cultural understanding and communication skills.
You can choose from a comprehensive range of courses, all of which provide grounding in the political, social and communicative aspects of international and global issues.
Your semester abroad gives you the opportunity to experience living, studying and maybe even travelling in another country. A great experience, but also something that demonstrates to future employers that you’re able to function well outside your comfort zone. Combining this semester abroad with your language also allows you to ‘bed down’ that language and move a step closer to fluency. Whether ordering fresh croissants from a boulangerie in Paris, a plate of empanadas from a café in Buenos Aires or a bowl of kimchi in Seoul, your exchange semester abroad will be an unforgettable experience.
Program highlights
- Finish your degree fluent in a second language, with a sophisticated knowledge of things international and with the experience of living abroad.
- Benefit from a truly international experience, with an overseas exchange semester at one of UQ’s many prestigious international partner institutions.
- Choose from Queensland’s largest selection of language majors.
- Select study options that provide context to transnational issues and global understanding.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Chinese
- Chinese Translation and Interpreting
- Economics
- French
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Fieldwork
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Communicating Across Cultures
- Culture and World Politics
- Learning from the International Experience
- Globalisation & Development in Post-Colonial Societies
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Diplomatic corps official
- International aid worker
- Foreign policy adviser
- Development program coordinator
- Intelligence analyst
- Business analyst
Next steps after graduation
Our graduates find themselves in a genuine range of jobs. Plenty have had success cracking highly competitive jobs in the Commonwealth and state public service, from Foreign Affairs and Trade to Defence, Home Affairs and Prime Minister and Cabinet. Others find themselves working for international companies- in Australia and overseas- while still others take up jobs in translation, policy analysis or research for a wide range of public and private employers. You can also complete an Honours year or study a postgraduate program in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Practice, Governance and Public Policy, or Translation and Interpreting.
I aim to use the academic knowledge and professional skills gained through this course along with being named Queensland’s 2022 Rhodes Scholar to address complex public policy challenges in Australia, particularly those caused by the global health crisis and regional political tensions.
The compulsory exchange semester was the most unique aspect of my program. The life-changing opportunities which came from my exchange include a global network of friends, new professional contacts and mentors, and the opportunity to enhance my Japanese language skills.
Participating in an exchange for a semester gave my resume an international focus that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. What makes the program unique is the emphasis that it places on gaining global perspectives, intercultural communication and immersive international experiences.
I aim to use the academic knowledge and professional skills gained through this course along with being named Queensland’s 2022 Rhodes Scholar to address complex public policy challenges in Australia, particularly those caused by the global health crisis and regional political tensions.
The compulsory exchange semester was the most unique aspect of my program. The life-changing opportunities which came from my exchange include a global network of friends, new professional contacts and mentors, and the opportunity to enhance my Japanese language skills.
Participating in an exchange for a semester gave my resume an international focus that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. What makes the program unique is the emphasis that it places on gaining global perspectives, intercultural communication and immersive international experiences.
Events
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13 January - 13 January
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Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Meet the expert: studying economics with Dr Terence Yeo
5-minute read
Careers
My business information systems graduate career
6-minute read
Careers
The UQ graduate forging a successful career in finance
4-minute read
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C).
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C).
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 84 | 30.5 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of International Studies are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B International Studies for Semester 1, 2024
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.45 | 99.95 |
| Median | 90.25 | 91.35 |
| Lowest | 80.9 | 84.1 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | N/P | N/P |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
(C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 61 | 78.2% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | <5 | <5 |
Total | 78 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Majors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Many of students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education or academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
When you graduate, you could start a career as an analyst, adviser or economist in the public and private sectors, whether in business, finance, international development, management or research.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This major is beneficial for careers in business, education, tourism, law, mining and extractives, public policy, security, defence and foreign policy.
Introductory courses deal with the medieval and earlier modern periods, while later courses focus on the modern era from the 19th to the 20th century. You'll be able to choose from study options covering Europe, Britain, China, Japan and South-East Asia.
You'll develop skills in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and gain a grasp of the main theoretical and methodological debates in modern historiography. In upper-level courses students are trained as professional historians with the ability to deliver historical products to a broad audience.
You'll study key issues, concepts and approaches to global development and poverty in historical and contemporary contexts.
You'll be introduced to a variety of important issues, including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups.
Through this major you'll gain a comprehensive account of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of global development and inequality. You'll be equipped with the skills to assess and evaluate the various challenges and opportunities in development in an age of globalisation.
International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs; the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics; and a diverse range of state and non-state actors.
Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.
You'll study language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as courses (delivered mostly in Italian) that explore Italian literature, society, history, politics, cinema, popular culture and food culture.
You may choose to undertake a work-integrated learning experience in Italy – further enhancing your employability in many careers.
Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.
Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, the Japanese major is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.
This major will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of equity, diversity and inclusivity in peace and conflict dynamics as well as the knowledge of strategies and processes for responding to, managing and resolving conflict locally and internationally.
You'll graduate equipped with the skills to translate learning into policy, engagement and impact.
You'll find many career pathways before you in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development, and humanitarian and community services.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Many of students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.
You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.
Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education or academia.
This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.
When you graduate, you could start a career as an analyst, adviser or economist in the public and private sectors, whether in business, finance, international development, management or research.
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.
By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.
You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.
The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
This major is beneficial for careers in business, education, tourism, law, mining and extractives, public policy, security, defence and foreign policy.
Introductory courses deal with the medieval and earlier modern periods, while later courses focus on the modern era from the 19th to the 20th century. You'll be able to choose from study options covering Europe, Britain, China, Japan and South-East Asia.
You'll develop skills in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and gain a grasp of the main theoretical and methodological debates in modern historiography. In upper-level courses students are trained as professional historians with the ability to deliver historical products to a broad audience.
You'll study key issues, concepts and approaches to global development and poverty in historical and contemporary contexts.
You'll be introduced to a variety of important issues, including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups.
Through this major you'll gain a comprehensive account of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of global development and inequality. You'll be equipped with the skills to assess and evaluate the various challenges and opportunities in development in an age of globalisation.
International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs; the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics; and a diverse range of state and non-state actors.
Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.
You'll study language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as courses (delivered mostly in Italian) that explore Italian literature, society, history, politics, cinema, popular culture and food culture.
You may choose to undertake a work-integrated learning experience in Italy – further enhancing your employability in many careers.
Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.
Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.
Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.
The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.
Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.
The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, the Japanese major is for you.
You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.
Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.
This major will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of equity, diversity and inclusivity in peace and conflict dynamics as well as the knowledge of strategies and processes for responding to, managing and resolving conflict locally and internationally.
You'll graduate equipped with the skills to translate learning into policy, engagement and impact.
You'll find many career pathways before you in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development, and humanitarian and community services.
Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.
Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$13,738
2025
$13,738
2025
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $43,200
2025
AUD $43,200
2025
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of International Studies are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of International Studies is 2316.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of International Studies is 707111.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of International Studies is 707111.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
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