Bachelor of International Studies

Combine International Studies with your professional degree at UTS and you can choose among different study abroad experiences and/or complete an internship with an international organisation. You can study and travel to a part of the world that you're passionate about.

Note: International Studies is not a standalone program.

Why choose International Studies?

• Celebrating 30 years
  UTS was the first university in Australia to offer International Studies as part of a combined degree and we are celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2024!
• Develop desirable skills
  With a Bachelor of International Studies, you'll develop skills and attributes such as resilience, adaptability, independence, time and project management and critical thinking. These skills are highly sought after by employers, which will help you stand out in your first interview.
• Gain a global perspective
  By studying the language and culture of another country, you'll gain the communication and interpersonal skills required for a career overseas or in a multinational organisation. You'll also build a network of global connections that you can draw upon throughout your personal and professional life. 
• Three international experience options
  You can now select one of three options within this Bachelor of International Studies which can include an overseas experience ranging from 2 weeks to a year. For students who choose to go on Global Exchange, we have over 200 partner universities in 42 countries and territories. For those enrolled in the one year International Honours option we have more than 50 partner universities in six countries, where you'll spend a whole year living, studying and learning about another culture. Read the blogs of students completing their In-Country Study. 
• An international edge
  You can combine the Bachelor of International Studies with one of 28 course offerings across UTS, which will give your professional qualification an international edge. 
• Financial support
  Students enrolled in the International Honours stream will be eligible for a generous reimbursement towards your international travel expenses and may be eligible for an OS-HELP loan.  Those who travel on Global Exchange or a short study experience may apply for a competitive stipend and/or may be eligible for an OS-HELP loan.

Course structure

You can now select one of three options within the Bachelor of International Studies to suit your needs

1. Language, Culture & the Professional World: includes an internship and option of a short study abroad experience (2-6 weeks) overseas.
2. Language, Culture & Global Exchange: includes an internship and a 6-month global exchange at any UTS partner university.
3. International Honours: includes a full year at a relevant overseas partner university where you will complete an honours level research project. You will undertake this ‘embedded’ International Honours in your fourth or final year of your degree, and graduate at the same time as your peers who are enrolled in the first two options.

There are 28 degrees that can be combined with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Study programs vary for each degree. 

See all Bachelor of International Studies degree combinations

Overseas study

Studying International Studies at UTS means you can choose the study abroad experience that is right for you.

For students who prefer short overseas courses, you have the option of doing an International Intensive Elective between 2 and 6 weeks.

If you prefer a 6-month overseas experience, the Global Exchange program is the right fit. You can choose from over 200 partner universities in 42 countries and territories where you will undertake a number of Elective subjects.

The International Honours program gives you the chance to spend two sessions of study overseas as part of your course. You’ll study at a partner university or institution, immerse yourself in another language, and experience the culture of your host country like a local. Read the blogs of students completing their In-Country Study. 

International Honours students also continue their studies with a series of projects that are supervised by UTS. Your study program will depend on your level of language competence, and the subjects and other learning experiences that are available at your host institution.

For students who would like to develop their intercultural skills without going on to study abroad, you have the option of completing all of your subjects at UTS.

Download the Undergraduate Course Guide

Country specialisations

As part of the Bachelor of International Studies, you will study one of six languages:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian 
• Japanese
• Spanish

Classes cater for a range of proficiencies, from beginner to advanced.

For students admitted into the International Honours, your country specialisation will align with your language major. For example, if you choose to study Italian and you are admitted into the International Honours, then you will spend two study sessions at a host university in Italy.

See the full list of host universities. 

Careers

Career options are generally determined by the professional component of your degree. View individual career information for your chosen Bachelor of International Studies degree. 

Internal transfer to a combined International Studies degree

If you’re in the first year of your degree at UTS, it’s not too late to add the Bachelor of International Studies to your study plan. 

Transfer to a combined degree

What the students say

Meet more of our students and graduates. 

James Fenton
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology* / Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (Japan)

Both my language and intercultural skills improved a great deal while I have been in Japan. Being totally immersed pushed me to quickly pick up new vocabulary and become more fluent in grammar out of necessity to make my daily life run more smoothly. Outside of the classroom, the experience of adapting to life in Japan was a great way for me to enhance my flexibility, communication skills, confidence, and ability to solve problems. 

James recently completed his In-Country Study at Yokohama National University in Japan. To find out more, read his monthly blog.

* Previously known as the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

More information

• UTS Student Centre: 1300 275 887