International business

What is international business?

Over the past few decades, significant technological advancements in communication and international transport have revolutionised the business landscape. Today, almost all businesses, small and large, operate internationally, seamlessly crossing borders to find new opportunities and to grow their business.   

As a result, the world needs people skilled in international business: people with a global mindset, with respect for people from different cultural backgrounds, with the skills to operate in foreign environments, and to build successful and sustainable organisations no matter where in the world. 

Why study international business? 

Studying international business equips you with the essential skills necessary to become a successful leader in a multinational, multi-cultural environment that is full of opportunities but also full of challenges. One of the greatest challenges for business leaders in today’s world is to balance business success with environmental and social responsibility. This is an even greater challenge in an international context where you also need to navigate cultural, economic, political, legal and institutional differences. To be successful in international business it is essential to have the knowledge, skills, and mindset to overcome these challenges and become a future leader who is able to thrive in a global context. 

Entry requirements for international business

In order to study International Business at UNSW, you’ll need to meet certain entry requirements. These differ based on whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, and if you’re applying as a domestic or international student.

• Undergraduate

  Admission requirements may vary between degrees, however, entry to a bachelor’s degree is typically based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank. You can find the selection ranks and scores from the previous year on each of the degree pages, along with assumed knowledge requirements for each study option. For the Bachelor of Commerce, for example, Advanced Mathematics is assumed knowledge.

• Postgraduate

  Admission to a postgraduate degree at UNSW requires you to hold a recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification). Both the Master of Commerce and Master of International Business require a minimum credit average to gain entry. Alternative admission pathways may also be available, including graduate certificates and professional qualifications awarded by relevant professional bodies.

• International students

  Entry to an undergraduate degree is based on your International ATAR equivalent or equivalent ranking. Postgraduate students must hold a recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average, as determined by the UNSW Business School.

  International students from a non-English speaking background may be asked to provide proof of their English proficiency before being given an offer to study at UNSW. Details can be found on each degree page under ‘Entry requirements’.

What our graduates say

“UNSW’s global-minded outlook meant I could practice intercultural communication and understand international business practices from my lecturers, classmates and study abroad opportunities. Now my friends and networks are worldwide.” 

^{Katrina Iannella, Private Clients Consultant, PwC Australia}