Study Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
August

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBIB

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2020: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
027743E

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	30
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	70
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
HKDSE	16
Nepal NEB	2.61
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	330
German Abitur	3
India (best 4)	65
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit 3+1 Pathway to Masters

Degree overview

The University of South Australia Business School is in the top one per cent worldwide¹ and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
Develop an in-depth understanding of the global business environment with a focus on currency markets, economic exchange and global trade activities.
Be at the forefront of the latest industry developments and apply logical, critical and creative solutions to key business problems.
Learn in our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools - the same technology used by the world's leading banks and investment firms.
Fast-track your studies and complete an undergraduate degree and masters degree in just four years with our 3+1 Pathway to Masters package.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Applied Economics².
Study at the No.1 Business School in South Australia for graduate careers³.

¹UniSA Business School is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 187 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, October 2019.. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.

Snapshot

Develop an in-depth understanding of the global business environment focusing on currency markets, exchange and global trade, and how they operate worldwide.

You will gain a unique blend of analytical, conceptual and strategic problem-solving skills for a range of industry sectors, and have the chance to learn in our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus.

As a graduate, you’ll be at the forefront of these latest international business developments and have the expertise to apply logical, critical and creative solutions essential for business success.

What you'll learn

You will start with core courses in areas such as analytics, accounting and economic theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals that you can apply to a range of careers. You’ll then branch out into your specialisation, and learn the latest in areas such as macroeconomics, economic policy and analysis; portfolio and fund management; and international currency and banking markets. You can also embark on an overseas study tour, undertake an industry placement, or work on an industry-related research project.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Principles of Economics	ECON 1008	4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Accounting for Business	ACCT 1008	4.5	Note(s): 3
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5	Note(s): 3
Business and Society	BUSS 1057	4.5	Note(s): 3
OR
International Study Tour		4.5	Note(s): 5
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Business Law	LAWS 1018	4.5	Note(s): 3
Quantitative Methods for Business	MATH 1053	4.5	Note(s): 2,3
Career Development for Professionals	BUSS 1060	4.5
Macroeconomics	ECON 1007	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	BUSS 2085	4.5
Growth Development and the Macroeconomy	ECON 2012	4.5
Economic Analysis of Business Decisions	ECON 2010	4.5
Management and Organisation	BUSS 2068	4.5	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
International Business Environments	BUSS 3103	4.5
OR
International Elective		4.5	Note(s): 6
Empirical Business Analysis	ECON 2007	4.5
Business Finance	BANK 2007	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Portfolio and Fund Management	BANK 3004	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Economics of Public Policy	ECON 3007	4.5
International Economics	ECON 3008	4.5
International Currency and Banking Markets	BANK 3011	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Strategic Financial Analysis	BUSS 3083	4.5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Experiential Electives
Business Internship 30 Days	BUSS 3010	9
Business Decision Making Simulation	BUSS 3074	4.5
Transition to Employment	BUSS 3079	4.5
Business Internship 45 Days	BUSS 3088	18
Commerce Practicum	BUSS 3100	4.5
Social Enterprise Case Competition	BUSS 2087	4.5
Suggested Electives
Undergraduate Study Tour - Commerce	BUSS 2070	4.5
Empirical Financial Research	BANK 3010	4.5
Contemporary Applications of Economic Theory	ECON 3006	4.5
Corporate Valuation and Risk Management	BANK 3009	4.5
Financial Modelling	BANK 3006	4.5
Transition to Master of Finance pathway
Financial Theory and Financial Markets	BANK 5014	4.5
Corporate Finance	BUSS 5233	4.5
Investment Management	BANK 5013	4.5
International Finance	BANK 5028	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students who have been approved to undertake the Transition to Masters pathway between the Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade) and the Master of Finance should complete the Masters electives in the nominated group in place of this course. See Transition to Masters pathway electives list.

2. One elective in the final year must be at an advanced level.

Notes

1. Electives may be used to: complete an Experiential Elective (refer to Experiential Electives listing); undertake an international student exchange up to 18 units; or to study other courses of interest offered by the UniSA Business School including the options provided in the Suggested Electives list; or complete a language study option. One elective may be chosen from outside the Business School. Course pre-requisites must be satisfied.

2. Students who have been granted block credit who have not previously studied courses in economics or quantitative methods, must undertake these courses as an elective.

3. Students that have been assessed as completing a qualification in a business discipline at AQF diploma level or equivalent and have received 36 units of block credit aren't required to complete this course.

4. Students who have received an AEBP Grant for completion of SACE Stage 2 Economics* with a B+ or higher should not complete this course but undertake a professional development elective approved by their program director within three years of commencement of their program, as outlined in their grant letter of offer. Students are required to complete an online course as outlined in their grant letter of offer. *or interstate equivalent to be determined by the School of Commerce.

5. View available International Study Tours at http://i.unisa.edu.au/students/business/exchange/study-tours/ or contact business.mobility@unisa.edu.au

6. The International Elective may be used: to complete an overseas practicum; as part of a full semester overseas exchange; or complete an International Elective option approved by the Program Director.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy.jpg
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practicals and team-based projects
participation in the workplace and in class

Global opportunities

International exchanges and intensive study-tours open doors to new possibilities and experiences, and our Business School has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, giving you a global perspective.

UniSA has links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests. Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Once you are a current student, you will be able to explore various study tours and exchanges and take advantage of Student Mobility Grants to make going on an overseas exchange or study tour achievable.

Why Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade)

Business_Hub_images-56 copy.jpg

As part of this degree, you will develop the analytical skills to interpret the economic factors driving global market exchange.

You will gain practical skills with computer simulation software and learn in our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in an investigative study tour learning about business practices, as well as political and cultural influences in other regions.

This degree is diverse and dynamic. Many of our teaching staff are also current researchers which means you will study their findings in class. We also involve our industry business partners in course planning, so you’ll work on industry projects that are relevant today.

3+1 Pathway to Masters

Want to gain a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade) with the Master of Finance degree and graduate with two qualifications in just four years with our 3+1 Pathway to Masters program. This unique offering allows you to fast-track your studies, develop greater expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will study a three-year bachelor degree and a one year master’s degree (typically two years) in four years by using your undergraduate electives. Learn more.

More ways to study

Our program delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills employers value through UniSA+ and seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom:

Complete an internship or industry project
Become a global citizen with our overseas exchange program – we have more than 60 partner universities worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year
Build your network and career by participating in our Business Career Mentor Program which pairs you with an experienced business professional

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

As the No.1 Business School in South Australia for graduate careers¹, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

Between now and 2020 the availability of finance-related roles in Australia is expected to increase by:

19 per cent (financial brokers and dealers, and investment advisers)
21.9 per cent (financial investment advisers and managers)
11 per cent (insurance agents and sales representatives)²

Careers to consider:

Business adviser: can work with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability
Business development manager: working with business and advising on business plans; advising on investment, finance and marketing strategies; analysing domestic and global economic factors on business; advising businesses on growth opportunities
Business forecaster: combine data analysis and an understanding of economic trends; help predict future impacts on company sales and revenue
Economist: using data and modelling techniques to provide specialist advice to consumers, business and governments on particular economic, business and policy-related issues; analysing data for interpreting and forecasting consumer business trends; using economic information to inform business decision-making within a global business environment
Investment adviser/Financial risk analyst: providing advice within organisations on investment decisions and strategies; identifying and assessing potential financial risks at the organisational and industry sector level
Lobbyist and policy advocate: to research, report and advocate on behalf of clients and industry associations particular policy interventions; provide independent consultancy and strategic advice on public policy arrangements for organisational and industry clients
Market research analyst: collecting and analysing data for clients on market conditions, consumer behaviour and business competitors; using data analysis for business forecasting and interpreting consumer trends and informing on alternative business strategies
Policy adviser: analysing policies and their effects to provide advice and guidance to governments and organisations; offering strategic policy and planning advice on programs and operations; reviewing, developing, and implementing policies and strategies
Policy analyst: analysing a range of economic and social issues and formulating and evaluating policies in addressing these issues; analysing on behalf of business or government proposed policy interventions and its potential impact at the individual, business and societal level

¹QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. ²Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.

Industry facts

Between now and 2020 employment in Australia for financial brokers and dealers, and investment advisers is projected to increase by 17,500 (19 per cent)¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Between now and 2020 employment in Australia for financial investment advisers and managers is projected to increase by 11,400 (21.9 per cent)¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Australia’s financial services sector is the largest contributor to the national economy, contributing around $140 billion to GDP over the last year¹.

¹Australian Government, Backing Australian FinTech, 2016

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Business
UniSA College Foundation Studies
SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a convenient, central support service for Business School students, from first year through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties. It also helps with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

This degree is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in virtual classrooms
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

With over 30 years of industry experience within the business and academic sectors, I bring this knowledge to the role of Program Director for the suite of Business degrees. Having worked both nationally and internationally, I am committed to empowering all students to achieve effective business literacy, and to help them understand business from a global perspective. At UniSA we provide students with industry-based knowledge within the curriculum and through opportunities like internships, mentoring and overseas study experiences, to create business leaders of the future.

Mr Stan Astachnowicz

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Stan Astachnowicz

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

My research area is in health economics with a particular focus on health system reform and the role of public policy in improving health system performance. I bring this research into my teaching as contemporary examples to demonstrate the relevance of economics in understanding market exchange activities and for informing public policy in a global business environment.

Dr Ron Donato

Employment: UniSA Business School
Role: Academic Director: Economics, Finance & Property