Why Study Bachelor of Global Studies

The Bachelor of Global Studies (BGS) at the University of Waikato is a three-year undergraduate degree designed for students who want to understand global issues, cultures, international relations, human rights and international business. The programme combines intercultural communication, global perspectives, business knowledge and language study, with opportunities to gain practical experience through work-integrated learning. It is particularly suitable for students interested in internationally focused careers across government, business, NGOs, diplomacy, media, tourism and cultural organisations.

• Level of study: Bachelor's degree
• Qualification: Bachelor of Global Studies (BGS)
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Total points: 360 points
• Main campus listed for the qualification: Hamilton
• International Relations is also listed as available at Tauranga in the University's 2026/2027 programme information.
• Start dates: Trimester A – March; Trimester B – July
• Mode of learning: Primarily campus-based/on-campus study; the University does not list this degree as a fully online programme.
• Areas of study: School of Arts and Faculty of Law/associated social-science disciplines.

Key Benefits

• Develops knowledge of global cultures, international relations, business and contemporary global issues.
• Builds intercultural communication and cross-cultural workplace skills.
• Includes language learning, helping students develop communication skills for international environments.
• Students can select from five specialised majors.
• Students may have the option of taking a second major and/or minor, subject to programme requirements.
• Includes work-integrated learning, allowing students to gain practical experience through placements, internships or work-related projects.
• Develops critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to understand complex issues from a global perspective.
• Provides preparation for careers involving multicultural organisations and international environments.

Program Structure

The BGS requires 360 points and normally takes three years. Students complete a major together with compulsory communication and management-related papers, language/cultural study, electives and higher-level study. The programme requires at least 225 points above 100 level and at least 75 points above 200 level. A single major normally consists of 135 points, including substantial study above first year.

Typical structure includes:

• Year 1:
  • 100-level papers for the chosen major
  • COMMS101 – Communication Competencies
  • STMGT101 – Introduction to Management
  • A paper covering local/global cultural connections
  • Introductory language/culture paper
  • Elective papers
• Year 2:
  • 200-level major papers
  • MNMGT202 – Intercultural Perspectives on Organisations
  • Intermediate language/culture study
  • Electives
• Year 3:
  • 300-level major papers
  • Work-integrated learning/placement or approved work-related project
  • Higher-level electives
  • Additional major-related study.

Examples of papers appearing in the programme include Communication Competencies, Introduction to Management, Intercultural Perspectives on Organisations, Exploring Cultures: Aotearoa and the Pacific, Introduction to M?ori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, and language papers such as Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Discipline / Specialisation

Students choose one of five main majors:

• Global Arts – explores creative expression, media and cultural practices across different cultures.
• Global Markets – focuses on international business, trade, supply chains, economics and operating across cultural boundaries.
• Human Rights – examines contemporary human-rights issues and prepares students for work across government, NGOs, law, health, immigration, education and social welfare.
• International Languages and Cultures – combines language learning with intercultural and international cultural studies. Available languages include Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
• International Relations – focuses on international political relationships, global affairs, diplomacy and related political studies.

Students may also be able to add a second major or minor from another area of the University, subject to the applicable academic requirements.

Programme Highlights

• 360-point, three-year Bachelor's degree.
• Five globally focused majors provide flexibility to match different career interests.
• Strong emphasis on intercultural communication and understanding different cultures.
• International Languages and Cultures students can study Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean or Spanish from beginner to advanced levels.
• Work-integrated learning is a key feature, with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real organisations.
• Students develop skills relevant to multicultural workplaces, international organisations and global business environments.
• The programme can develop skills in communication, analysis, cultural awareness, problem-solving and global thinking.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers in a range of internationally focused fields. Potential career directions listed by the University include:

• Cultural Advisor
• Human Rights Advocate
• Disability and Inclusion Advocate
• Journalist
• Immigration Consultant
• Political Scientist
• Researcher
• Translator or Interpreter
• Supply Chain Manager
• Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
• Global Business Analyst
• Development Project Manager
• Policy Analyst
• International Correspondent
• Global Policy Specialist
• Tourism Manager
• English Language Instructor abroad.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

• Valid Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Full medical and travel insurance for the period of study.
• Evidence of good health and character where required.
• Evidence of arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay, where applicable.
• Eligible students may generally work up to 25 hours per week during study, with full-time work permitted during specified holidays when the visa conditions allow it.
• Students should apply well before their intended travel date; Immigration New Zealand currently advises applying at least three months before travel.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current University information lists the BGS at 360 points over three years, with March and July intakes.
• Current published international tuition estimate for the Bachelor of Global Studies is approximately NZD $40,163 per year. The University's broader 2026 international-fee table lists the BGS at approximately NZD $38,252 for 2026 and NZD $40,165 for 2027; the qualification page currently displays approximately NZD $40,163, so students should rely on the fee stated in their individual Offer of Place for the final amount.
• The University uses a paper-based tuition system, meaning the final tuition amount can vary according to the papers selected and their level. Published fees are estimates and can change. Additional charges may include the Student Services Levy and Studentsafe medical insurance.
• For international undergraduate admission, students must meet both academic and English-language requirements. For applicants from India, current requirements generally include an average of 75% across the best four academic subjects with at least 60% in English for CBSE/CISCE and specified state boards; for other Indian state boards, the requirement is generally 80% across the best four academic subjects with at least 65% in English.
• Standard English-language requirements for bachelor's study include IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent accepted tests such as TOEFL iBT 80 with writing 21, PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill below 42, or Duolingo English Test 105 with no band below 95.
• International scholarship opportunities include the Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship, offering up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition fees for eligible new international students. A specific India scholarship stream is included within the University's international scholarship suite.
• The New Zealand Excellence Awards for India currently offer NZD $7,500–$15,000 for eligible Indian students, with undergraduate eligibility based on specified academic results.
• The University states that international scholarships are not fully funded; students should plan for remaining tuition, living costs, insurance, travel and other expenses.
• Programme information is subject to change, and students should check their Offer of Place and final enrolment information for the exact papers, fees, campus and intake applicable to their admission.