Bachelor of International Studies

Bachelor of International Studies

UNDERGRADUATE
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Study load
Full time
Program code

BP332

Duration
3 years
Application deadlines

09 Oct 2026

Intakes
Oct
Location
RMIT Saigon South
Program code
N/A
Application deadlines
N/A

Overview

  • Build a strong interdisciplinary foundation in intercultural, social and political issues alongside languages and cultures.
  • Develop focused expertise while building transferable skills, with three majors and nine minors to choose from.
  • Learn in an international environment, graduate with an Australian degree, and open up global opportunities.
  • Gain future-ready capabilities, preparing you to work across different types of organisations: corporations, businesses and governmental or nongovernmental organisations, both locally and internationally.

If you are curious about the world's movements, the influence of culture, the effect of languages in an interconnected world and you wish to create positive social impact, the Bachelor of International Studies offers a future-ready pathway into global careers. 

Throughout the program, you will develop a strong understanding of the forces that shape relationships between countries, communities and cultures. The curriculum is clearly designed with defined progression, allowing you to explore global challenges systematically while developing strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and language and communication capabilities.

The International Studies program goes beyond traditional classroom learning. You will engage in a learning environment shaped by global perspectives, and you will have opportunities to study across campuses in Vietnam and Australia, as well as practical learning experiences such as projects and internships. Learning alongside students and academics from diverse backgrounds, you will gain first-hand experience working in multicultural settings.

Graduates build a well-rounded skill set that blends broad professional competencies with specialised knowledge. These include strong communication and language skills, cultural awareness, self-direction and the confidence to navigate complex international contexts.

Choose from three majors

Language and International Relations

Explore the nature and politics of language and global issues and grow a stronger appreciation for cultures and communities. 

Development and Social Equity

Understand international systems and global processes, enhance your capacity to act as a global citizen and effect positive social change.

Translating and Interpreting

Develop advanced language proficiency, cultural competence and the ability to utilise cutting-edge translation and interpreting technologies and tools.

The program also offers nine minors that students can flexibly choose from based on their personal interests and career orientation. Details are in the program structure.

Program structure

Advised program structure and progression

Year 1

And 5 courses from your chosen combination of major and minor.

Year 2

And 6 courses from your chosen combination of major and minor.

Year 3

And 5 courses from your chosen combination of major and minor.

Combinations

You can choose several combinations

  • Option 1: 1 Major + 1 Program Minor + 1 Interdisciplinary Minor 
  • Option 2: 1 Major + 1 Program Minor + 4 courses from Interdisciplinary Minors*/University electives**/Program options*** 
  • Option 3: 2 Majors (Translating and Interpreting Major + Development & Social Equity/Language and International Relations)

A major is a primary focus for your study, typically 96 credit points (8 standard courses).

A minor is a secondary focus of study, typically 48 credit points (4 standard courses).

 

* Interdisciplinary Minor: courses delivered by a directly related program, typically 96 credit points (8 standard courses).

**University electives: choose up to 4 elective courses from any program at RMIT.

***Program options: choose from courses in the Program options list.

Choose from 3 majors

Each major combines core disciplinary knowledge with research, professional practice and global engagement opportunities, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests and career pathways.

The Language and International Relations major focuses on the politics of language and global affairs. You will study international relations theories, global governance, conflict, and diplomacy, while strengthening written and verbal communication skills. This major prepares you for roles requiring cross-cultural negotiation, policy development, and ethical leadership.

Core courses

Choose 3 courses from the list: 

The Development and Social Equity major equips you with knowledge and practical tools to address global challenges such as poverty, gender equality, migration and climate change. You will develop the ability to engage with development and humanitarian work, while strengthening your role as a globally minded citizen capable of creating positive social impact. 

Core courses 

Choose 3 courses from the list

The Translating and Interpreting major develops advanced language proficiency and cultural expertise. You will train using industry-standard translation and interpreting technologies, including specialised software and interpreting booths, and learn to translate written texts and interpret spoken communication in real time across diverse contexts. 

Core courses 

Choose 3 courses from the list 

Choose from 9 minors

Program minors

Complete four consecutive Japanese language courses (depending on Japanese language proficiency level at entry) 

Interdisciplinary minors

These are minors from a directly related program. 

Program Options list:

Program guides for RMIT Saigon South (Select "Vietnam Semester 3" from the drop-down menu in the top right corner).

Learning, teaching and assessment

RMIT offers a multicultural learning environment (including teaching by Japanese nationals in the Japanese minor) and other highly qualified academics who have a background in the industry.

The Bachelor of International Studies places a strong emphasis on face-to-face learning in years one and two, followed by two WIL (Work-Integrated-Learning) courses, and further cultural studies in your final year. The WIL courses include a project and an internship where you can put what you’ve learned into real-world practice.

As part of the capstone project, you will develop a bilingual product, system or event. You will expand and enhance your cross-cultural communicative skills and knowledge through engaging problem-based tasks that focus on language issues in a globalised context.

Assessment tasks in this program will include some of the following:

  • Assignments and projects
  • Reflective journals
  • Role-plays or presentations
  • Self-assessment and peer-assessment
  • Problem-solving
  • Examinations: you will undertake final oral (speaking), aural (listening) and written exams
Expand all sections

In this program, you will be assessed on your development of program learning outcomes in areas of communication, lifelong learning, global outlook, cultural and social awareness and work preparedness.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

  1. Contribute to global justice and equity with empathy, critical thinking and resilience. 
  2. Navigate international complexity using disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, practice and research. 
  3. Problem-solve collaboratively and adaptively using linguistic, intercultural and digital skills.
  4. Address challenges to international security, society and development in ways that are holistic, ethical and respectful of diverse knowledge systems. 
  5. Engage with industry and community networks to advance local and global goals and equity. 
  6. Reflect on and effectively express your global, linguistic and cross-cultural capabilities for professional and career progress.

RMIT provides world-class blended learning with both face-to-face and online experiences in a global network, a supportive community, and real-world skills.

Learn more about blended learning

Career

The International Studies program prepares graduates for internationally focused careers across diplomacy, development, business, media and communications, and language services in government, industry, NGOs and community organisations.
 

Businesses and corporations

  • External relations officer/ international cooperation officer 
  • Project coordinator / project manager 
  • International market development specialist / trade promotion specialist

Diplomacy, government and international relations

  • Foreign affairs specialist / international cooperation specialist 
  • Trade representative 
  • Assistant in embassies and consulates 
  • International market development / trade promotion / import–export specialist

Development, policy and social impact

  • International project coordinator (trade or social development) 
  • Social development specialist 
  • Planning and investment specialist 
  • Social policy specialist 
  • Gender, Diversity and Inclusion specialist

Media, communication and public engagement

  • Communications specialist / international press manager 
  • Public relations specialist / community relations specialist 
  • Editor, reporter or host covering international news

Language, research and academia

  • Translator / interpreter
  • Academic in international studies and related fields

Further studies

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT honours or postgraduate program in Vietnam and Australia.

Fees

Payments can be made each semester, on a course-by-course basis.

Fee program

Annual tuition fee 

(based on full time study load - 8 courses)

Whole program fee

(24 courses - 288 credits)

 

 14,345 USD (indicative USD fee) ~ 375,840,000 VND 43,035 USD (indicative USD fee) ~ 1,127,520,000 VND

Notes

    1. RMIT Vietnam has 3 semesters per year, in each semester you enrol into a maximum of 3 courses. The duration of programs is flexible and can be adapted on an individual basis upon enrolment. 
    2. Program fees are priced and invoiced in Vietnamese Dong (VND) by semester. Payments are made each semester, on a course-by-course basis.
    3. Payments made in foreign currencies will be converted to Vietnamese Dong (VND) based on the applicable exchange rate on the transaction date. Any currency conversion fees and related bank charges will be borne by the student.
    4. Online payment via myRMIT is the preferred payment method, as it offers secure transactions, automatic confirmation, and faster processing.
    5. Medical insurance fees are subject to change without notice.
    6. Fees are indicative only and subject to change based on individual enrolment. These fees apply only to 2026. For further details and terms and conditions, refer to the 2026 Student Fees and Charges Guide.

    Scholarships

    International Studies Scholarship

    For prospective students with a passion for international affairs and cultural diversity who want to transform their ideas into global impact and meaningful action.

    Professor Nguyen Van Dao Scholarship

    A scholarship is offered in Nguyen Van Dao's honour to the applicant with the best high school mathematics grade among all applicants.

    Vice-Chancellor's Scholars

    Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars are identified among those scholarship applicants who have achieved exceptional academic results and leadership while at high school.

    Academic Achievement Scholarship

    The Academic Achievement scholarships are awarded to those scholarship applicants who have achieved exceptional academic results in high school.

    Check your eligibility for a scholarship

    We have awarded more than 613 billion VND worth of scholarships to over 1,900 young people from Vietnam and around the world. These people exemplify characteristics that RMIT prides itself on.

    Entry requirements and admissions

    Academic requirements

    • Completion of Vietnamese Upper Secondary School (High School) Graduation Diploma; and
    • Achieve a minimum GPA of 7.0/10.0 for Grade 12

    For other international qualifications please review entry requirements by country.

    Academic pathway

      English requirements

      Successfully complete RMIT Vietnam English Advanced, or complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

      • IELTS (Academic)/ IELTS (Academic) One Skill Retake: minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
      • TOEFL iBT: score of 79 (with a minimum score of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
        • Please note that any tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 must be the TOEFL iBT Australia test. TOEFL iBT results reported on a 1–6 score scale are not accepted.
      • Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 (with no communication band below 50)
      • Cambridge: minimum score of 176 (no less than 169 in any component), for
        • C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE); or
        • C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

      For other recognised English results, please review English equivalency requirements.

      Notes
      • RMIT does not accept scores from at-home or online testing.
      • Previous study and proficiency tests are recognised for two years from the completion date or test date to the program commencement date unless stated otherwise.
      • When more than one form of English language proficiency test is presented, RMIT will only consider the most relevant achievement.

      Please contact the RMIT Vietnam Student Recruitment team for more information.

      There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

      English Pathways

      Don't meet the English language test scores? Successfully complete English for University for entry into this program. 

      Credit transfer

      Come from a partner institution? 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.

      Please contact the RMIT Vietnam Student Recruitment team for more information.

      This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

      Information for international students

      Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

       

      Information for local students

      If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.