AU$35,520 (2025 annual)
If you're passionate about international affairs and cultural diversity, this course will guide you towards a multitude of careers across the globe, preparing you for a versatile and imaginative future.
During your studies, you will build a strong understanding of intercultural, social and political issues and how to address them. You have the opportunity to select one of three majors, complemented by a language minor, and either a disciplinary minor or a range of courses where you can explore your interests.
Explore international systems and global processes, learn how to negotiate cross-culturally, and delve into strategic and ethical leadership.
What are the international security challenges that leaders face, and how can communication, strategy and policy help manage this?
Go beyond multilingualism, explore the nature and politics of language, and grow a stronger appreciation for cultures and communities.
Development and Social Equity: This major will build your skill set for a career in the development and humanitarian sectors. You’ll gain tools to address global challenges relating to poverty, gender equality, migration and climate instability, enhancing your capacity to act as a global citizen and effect positive social change in these spheres.
Global Politics: This major will prepare you for a career in international politics and security. Study the dynamics of world politics through global conflict and crises, theories and practices of international relations, and systems of global governance, developing highly sought-after skills in cross-cultural negotiation, policy development, and strategic and ethical leadership.
Language and Intercultural Communication: This major develops your advanced communication skills and bilingualism, preparing you for an international career in language-related fields. You’ll learn to understand the nature and politics of language, and build excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese or the official United Nations languages of Chinese, French and Spanish. You will gain social and cultural knowledge of the countries where the target language is spoken, as well as enhanced intercultural competence.
In all majors, you train in cross-cultural workplace practices, take advantage of international study exchange opportunities, and can undertake an international internship in connection with the target language and/or in the languages field.
Tenille is an alumni of International Studies and now the managing director of social enterprise For Change Co.
Work on actual issues with industry and communities to make change and develop professional global skills in international relations, development and business.
Take the opportunity to participate in a professional internship with an overseas organisation.
Learn with established leaders of industry who share their experience, wisdom and contacts.
The ability to tailor your degree to be as specific or broad as you would like is one of the many fantastic aspects of International Studies at RMIT. I gained practical work experience and developed transferable skills I use every day.
- Tina Maugeri, Global Security stream
Information protection at a global cyber security company
Through the core and elective subjects you select, you’ll develop professional skills in international relations, diplomacy, business and policy. You’ll learn from experienced professionals and academics who share their knowledge, research, experience and contacts to help you prepare for a varied and exciting global career.
As well as having the opportunity to participate in international exchange study and cross-campus study at RMIT’s campus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You will also be able to participate in study tours and have the option of undertaking an internship with an international organisation.
RMIT graduates possess the initiative, independence, language and entrepreneurial skills to handle the challenges of working and managing within culturally diverse environments.
All the themes of cross-cultural communication, development, politics and language [of this course] are equally relevant in an Australian Indigenous context. There is great potential to learn and make positive change with the first peoples of our country.
- Ingrid Johanson - Development stream
Manager of the Aboriginal Women's Centre in Arnhem Land
Learn on the job through overseas internships and develop professional skills in international relations, cultural communications, diplomacy, business and policy.
[This] turned out to be a fantastic degree in terms of general preparation for working in the field of human rights in an international context.
- Jack Britton, Language stream
Researcher and translator for a national human rights institution
Studies in this degree are designed to prepare you for a career in a range of fields across the globe.
You will study a wide assortment of subjects, ranging from developing a strong understanding of social and political issues through to policy making.
Taught by established leaders of industry, you will graduate with the knowledge you need to work in any number of fields, creating change and influencing global organisations and relationships.
Prepare for the international workforce by responding to real-world case studies.
Learn and develop professional skills in international relations, governance, development, business and policy.
During your studies, you will build a strong understanding of intercultural, social and political issues, and how to address them. Depending on your focus—and your major—as well as your chosen electives, you’ll develop professional skills in international relations, development, business and policy.
You’ll learn from experienced professionals and academics who share their knowledge, research, experience and contacts to help you prepare for a varied and exciting global career.
You will also have the opportunity to apply your learning in an international internship and 5000-word independent research project. During previous internships, students have supported diplomatic staff, provided services to refugee youth, managed projects at women’s rights organisations, and strengthened business ties between international firms.
The Bachelor of International Studies is delivered in a range of formats, including large and small classes, tutorials, intensive blocks, and online study. Toward the end of your study, you will have the opportunity to undertake an international internship and research project, allowing you to demonstrate what you have learned throughout the degree.
Assessment in this degree includes policy briefs, professional communication documents, industry-relevant reports, articles, projects, class presentations, independent and group work, online discussion and activities, case studies, problem solving and analysis, industry-informed assessment, exams, and more depending on subject selection.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The Bachelor of International Studies includes work-integrated learning (WIL) subjects. In these subjects, you engage in activities that integrate theoretical learning with practical application, engaging you in meaningful and consequential learning activities.
An optional part of your studies is an internship.
Previous students have completed their internships in organisations and locations such as:
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
RMIT University is excited to offer a 2+1 Bachelor of International Studies articulation with University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona.
This innovative partnership provides a great opportunity for students from both universities to take their third year at the other university on an exchange basis and receive two awards - RMIT students who participate are awarded the RMIT Bachelor of International Studies and UPF's Diploma d’Especialista en International Studies in European Context.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a professional internship with an international organisation overseas or in Australia.
You will also have the opportunity to join overseas exchange programs and study tours as part of a close-knit and vibrant student community.
On one particular study tour, students travelled to Timor-Leste to learn about the country's war for independence (1999) and the sociopolitical crisis that followed. They learnt of the circumstances around how the conflict unfolded and gained a sense of its consequences, in particular the possibilities for peace and security in the aftermath.
In addition to study tours, you are encouraged to take one semester at a partner university. RMIT University has exchange partners all over the world, including Mexico, China, Chile and more. Financial support is available through scholarships, RMIT travel grants, and government loans.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
Across the span of this degree, you will cover core and specialised subjects based on your chosen path.
In your first year of study, undertake multiple core subjects that deal with digital disruption, globalisation and communication, as well as pursuing subjects relating to your personal interests within the field.
In second year, delve deeper into the foundations of social research and global careers, complementing these international studies learnings with more specialised electives from your chosen major as your forge your own path through the discipline.
For third year, engage with RMIT industry partners in a collaborative and transdisciplinary problem-solving environment to explore and constructively respond to global challenges using collaboration and design-thinking methodologies. You’ll also get to continue working within your chosen major.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Please note: The BP332, BP332DEV, BP332GS, BP332LAN plans are not available for commencing students. New applicants must apply for BP332P25.
Full- or part-time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate study load is considered part-time if you are enrolled in 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects).
Once you are enrolled into this degree you can choose to switch to a part-time study load. This may impact your program duration and tuition fees. Please discuss your study options with your program manager prior to enrolment.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
A career in international studies prepares you for work across a range of diverse fields, including diplomacy, international aid and development, politics, defence and security, and communications.
Be prepared for careers with an international focus in a range of local and overseas organisations, including governments, businesses, NGOs and community organisations.
As a graduate, you will have knowledge of international systems and global processes, cross-cultural negotiation and management, and strategic and ethical leadership.
Graduates have gone on to work with:
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2024 for each stream are as follows:
Plan title |
Plan code |
ATAR* |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of International Studies | BP332 | 72.20* |
Bachelor of International studies (Development) | BP332DEV | 71.85* |
Bachelor of International Studies (Global Security) | BP332GS | 71.80* |
Bachelor of International Studies (Languages) | BP332LAN | 69.60* |
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible* to undertake further studies in RMIT University programs including:
*Subject to each program's entry requirements.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025 |
---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,627 per standard year $578 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,314 per standard year $1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,241 per standard year $1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,992 per standard year $2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.