Bachelor of Asian Studies

The Bachelor of Asian Studies at the Australian National University provides students with an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, politics, languages, and societies of Asia. Designed to foster critical thinking and cross-cultural awareness, this program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with Asia's dynamic and complex region. The curriculum offers a broad foundation in Asian Studies, complemented by specialized majors in areas such as Chinese Studies, Indonesian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, and Southeast Asian Studies. Students engage with various disciplines including history, politics, economics, and anthropology, gaining a comprehensive perspective on contemporary issues facing Asian countries. The program emphasizes language acquisition, with options to study Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, or Thai, enabling students to communicate effectively and deepen their understanding of cultural nuances. Practical experience is encouraged through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects, fostering real-world skills and international networks. The program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international business, development, media, academia, and government agencies, among others. It emphasizes critical analysis, research methodology, and intercultural communication, which are essential skills in a globalized world. The academic staff are experts in their fields, offering a diverse range of courses that reflect current research and regional developments. Students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of Asia's historical trajectories, societal changes, and modern challenges. The Bachelor of Asian Studies is suitable for students interested in pursuing a career that involves working with Asian countries or Asian communities within Australia. The program's interdisciplinary approach ensures a well-rounded education, fostering cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and analytical skills. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive knowledge of Asia's regional diversity and a readiness to contribute meaningfully to global discussions and initiatives concerning Asia.

Program Overview:

The Asian Studies program at the Australian National University offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, societies, and political systems across Asia. Designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and critical analytical skills, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers the major regions of Asia including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Students will engage with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating history, politics, anthropology, languages, and literature to develop a well-rounded perspective on Asian issues.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to study the rich traditions, modern developments, and geopolitical dynamics that shape the Asian continent. The program emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, encouraging students to analyze contemporary challenges such as economic development, security, migration, and environmental issues within Asian contexts. Fieldwork, internships, and language training may be incorporated to enhance practical understanding and intercultural communication skills.

The curriculum includes core courses in Asian history, politics, and cultural studies, alongside electives that allow students to specialize in specific regions or themes, such as Asian economic integration, social movements, or religious traditions. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop proficiency in one or more Asian languages, fostering closer engagement with the region's diverse populations.

Graduates of the Asian Studies program will be well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, international development, policy analysis, academia, journalism, and business sectors that require expertise in Asian affairs. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable about Asia but also capable of contributing thoughtfully to global and regional dialogue, leveraging their intercultural skills and regional expertise. With access to ANU’s extensive resources, including expert faculty and research centers focused on Asia, students will be equipped to become informed global citizens and effective agents of change in an interconnected world.

The Bachelor of Asian Studies program at the Australian National University requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop their understanding of Asia's diverse cultures, languages, histories, and contemporary issues. The program typically involves a combination of core courses, elective subjects, language studies, and a capstone project. Students are expected to undertake foundational courses in Asian history, politics, and society in the initial years of their study to establish a broad understanding of the region's complexities. Advanced electives allow students to specialize in particular countries or themes, such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, or contemporary Asian studies, depending on their interests and career goals. Language proficiency is a key component, with options to undertake Asian language courses relevant to their focus area, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, or others, often requiring students to complete intermediate or advanced levels to ensure practical communicative skills. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from anthropology, economics, political science, and cultural studies to provide a well-rounded perspective. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in internships, exchange programs, or research projects to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of Asian societies. The program also includes a compulsory research component in the final year, where students conduct independent studies under supervision and submit a thesis or major research paper demonstrating their analytical and research skills. Graduates of the Bachelor of Asian Studies are equipped with critical knowledge and skills to pursue careers in government, diplomacy, international business, academia, or NGOs working across Asian regions. The program's structure and requirements aim to foster cultural sensitivity, regional expertise, and linguistic competence, preparing graduates for diverse professional pathways related to Asia.

The Australian National University (ANU) offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in the Asian Studies program to support their academic pursuits and living expenses. Domestic students can access government-funded schemes such as the Commonwealth-supported places (CSP), which significantly reduce tuition fees, with the remaining costs covered by government subsidies. International students, on the other hand, are required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific course load and study level; these fees are published annually and are available on the ANU official website. To assist with financial planning, ANU provides detailed information on tuition fees, payment deadlines, and available payment plans, including the option to pay fees upfront or through a centralized billing system.

In addition to tuition support, students can access scholarships and grants specifically aimed at Asian Studies students or international students more broadly. These scholarships include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and destination-specific scholarships such as the ANU International Excellence Scholarship or the Asia-Australia Foundation Scholarships. Many of these awards are competitive and require students to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, or financial need. Application procedures for scholarships are outlined in the university’s admissions pages, and students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.

Furthermore, ANU provides various external funding options, such as government loans, sponsorships, and third-party bursaries, which students can leverage to offset their tuition and living expenses. International students may also consider private or national scholarship programs offered by their home countries, some of which specifically target students pursuing Asian Studies or related disciplines at Australian universities. For students undertaking research or thesis projects within the Asian Studies program, there are also specific research grants and project funding opportunities available through ANU's research office or partnered organizations.

Students are advised to consult the ANU Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for personalized assistance, to review eligibility criteria, and to obtain application support. The university emphasizes the importance of early financial planning and encourages students to explore all available funding options to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits. Overall, ANU commits to providing comprehensive financial support mechanisms to help both domestic and international students succeed in their Asian Studies academic journey.

The Australian National University offers a comprehensive program in Asian Studies designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and political systems of Asian countries. This program aims to foster critical thinking and intercultural awareness, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to engage effectively in regional and global contexts. The curriculum includes a wide range of courses covering themes such as Asian politics, economics, social issues, history, and languages. Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, or Central Asia. The program encourages students to develop language proficiency in Asian languages, which is supported by immersive language courses and exchange opportunities with partner universities across Asia. Research component options allow students to undertake independent study projects under the supervision of expert faculty members, contributing to academic knowledge in Asian Studies. The program also emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, including internships, fieldwork, and participation in seminars and conferences. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, academia, or business, benefitting from the university’s extensive regional connections. The university’s strong focus on research excellence and interdisciplinary approaches ensures students receive a high-quality education that combines historical perspectives with contemporary issues. The program’s structure allows flexibility for students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals, providing a combination of core courses and electives. Overall, the Asian Studies program at ANU offers a rigorous and diverse academic experience that prepares students for professional careers and engaged citizenship in Asian regional affairs.