Bachelor of International Development
Be a change maker
Why is there global inequality? Why are some countries poor, or struggling with conflict, while others forge ahead?
Our Bachelor of International Development equips you to tackle these and other big questions surrounding the world’s greatest political, economic, cultural and ecological challenges as set out in the international development agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals.
What will you do?
We’ll support you in developing the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to make a real and positive difference in the lives of others. You will:
- examine how government, business, non-governmental and international organisations, and individuals influence development
- learn how development organisations function to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
- explore the major contributing factors leading to issues such as extreme poverty, poor health, fragile governance, inequality and environmental vulnerability
- analyse possible solutions to poverty related issues in the developing world
- learn and practise a range of skills required in the field.
You can get in-country experience by studying abroad. The University partners with the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies which offers a Development Studies Professional Practicum. As part of the Bachelor of International Development, we offer a yearly Vietnam Study Tour, and study tours related to international development in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America.
You will also have the opportunity to apply for the Tetra Tech Coffey International Development scholarship and internship – a development organisation based in Adelaide.
Where could it take you?
Graduates go on to all sorts of rewarding careers that focus on strengthening the wellbeing of communities in developing countries. You could be an international aid agency employee or humanitarian aid worker. You might provide hands-on support in disaster zones. Perhaps you’ll be a project officer or conduct research for a non-governmental organisation.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.
*QS World Rankings, Subject 2022
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 324391 |
|---|---|
| 2024 CSP ATAR | 65 |
| 2024 CSP IB | 24 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 70 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 25.5 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways | |
2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 88.95 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 93.05 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 98.7 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 91.3 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 95 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.7 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 65 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)<5 N/A (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
<5 N/A - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students <5 N/A All students 6 100.0% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $15,220
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.
Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.
To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships
To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships
Careers
Career Readiness
The Bachelor of International Development will provide a critical entry point for gaining employment in:
- Government (such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
- Private sector consultancy firms (Official Development Assistance management contractors)
- Non-government organisations
- Development research agencies
- United Nations agencies (UNESCO)
- Foreign aid agencies
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Industry Placement
If you maintain a high GPA, you will have the opportunity take part in an internship in your third year with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Policy Adviser; Political Adviser; Government or Corporate Policy Adviser; Public Servant; Development Officer; Foreign Affairs; Diplomat; Anthropologist; Ministerial Adviser; Community Development Officer ...
Degree Structure
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
The minor can be chosen from:
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- French Studies
- Gender Studies
- Geography, Environment and Population
- History
- Indigenous Knowledges and Society
- Indonesian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Spanish Studies
The broadening electives cannot be from the following subject areas:
- Anthropology
- Asian Studies
- International Development
- Geography, Environment and Population
- History
- Politics and International Relations
- Courses with the subject area of your minor discipline.
Related Degrees
Testimonial
My degree provides a deep understanding of issues that are inflicting the world such as immense poverty, inequality, and environmental decay. It has given me new insights into these critical contemporary problems while providing the tools to analyse and solve these issues.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024
