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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.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
3 Years (or part time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025)
QTAC Code
707111
Program Code
2316
AQF
Level 7
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$43200
Duration
3 Years
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025)
Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
QTAC Code
707111
Program Code
2316
CRICOS Code
070284C
AQF
Level 7

Program highlights

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.

1 in Queensland for politics

QS World University Rankings 2024

1 in Queensland for economics and business

U.S. News Best Global Universities 2023

Watch Bachelor of International Studies at UQ on YouTube.

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.

Entry requirements

Prerequisites

Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent):
  • General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C).

Prerequisites

Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent):
  • General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C).

Entry score threshold

ATAR / RankIB
8430.5

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.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

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.

Learn more about student visas

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 adjustmentsWith adjustments
Highest99.4599.95
Median90.2591.35
Lowest80.984.1

Who you'll study with

Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:

Applicant backgroundNumber of studentsPercentage of all students

(A) Higher education study

N/PN/P

(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

00%

(C) Work and life experience

00%
(D) Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
6178.2%
  • Admitted where ATAR and additional criteria were considered
00%
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
00%

International students

<5<5

Total

78100%

"<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?

We can help you meet the minimum entry score, subject prerequisites or English language requirements for your preferred program.

If you haven't studied the prerequisites or need to improve your entry score, we can help.

Learn about pathway options

Majors

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture, way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

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.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

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.

View

Economics is central to understanding issues relating to business, markets, trade, governments, globalisation, health, development and the environment.

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.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

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.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

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.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

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.

View

This major equips students with a thorough understanding of the historical foundations of the modern world.

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.

View

This major introduces you to the relationship between global development and inequality.

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.

View

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

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.

View

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

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.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

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.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

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.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

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.

View

Develop a well-informed understanding of what causes political conflict, and the possibilities of finding peaceful solutions.

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.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

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.

View

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture, way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

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.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

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.

View

Economics is central to understanding issues relating to business, markets, trade, governments, globalisation, health, development and the environment.

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.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

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.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

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.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

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.

View

This major equips students with a thorough understanding of the historical foundations of the modern world.

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.

View

This major introduces you to the relationship between global development and inequality.

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.

View

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

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.

View

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

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.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

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.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

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.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

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.

View

Develop a well-informed understanding of what causes political conflict, and the possibilities of finding peaceful solutions.

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.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

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.

View

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.

$12,730

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

$12,730

2025

Learn more about undergraduate fees

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

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

AUD $43,200

2025

Learn more about undergraduate fees

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.

Learn more about financial aid

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.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

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.

Find out more about applying for undergraduate study

Important dates

If you’re studying Year 12 in Australiago 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

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.

Learn more about admission schemes

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.

Learn more about pathway 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.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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