Study International Business while studying overseas

The International Business Minor gives you the opportunity to study one semester overseas, helping you develop a global perspective and gain practical insights into international markets, trade, and strategy. Delivered at one of our offshore teaching locations in Asia, this minor is designed to prepare you for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

You’ll build key skills in cross-cultural management, global business operations, and sustainable business strategies- while learning in a real international context. Learn alongside local and international students while immersing yourself in the culture and energy of Southeast Asia’s vibrant cities.

Choose your destination
Emily visiting the Batu Caves in Malaysia.

Benefits of a semester overseas

Global perspective

Develop a deeper understanding of global markets and international business practices

Swinburne-accredited course

Study a Swinburne course taught in English at our offshore teaching locations

Unique overseas opportunity

Complete the minor in Vietnam or Malaysia (which is not available at Hawthorn)

Cross-cultural experience

Learn and collaborate with local and international students in Asia

Travel funding available

Eligible students may receive up to $15,000 in New Colombo Plan funding to help reduce the cost of overseas study

On this page:

Why this is a unique opportunity

International Business is no longer taught at the Hawthorn campus, so this program is your chance to complete the minor at one of our offshore teaching locations, which deliver Swinburne courses in English to the same academic standards.

You’ll study the same curriculum as students in Australia, ensuring full credit transfer and a seamless academic experience while studying abroad in Southeast Asia.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • be a Bachelor of Business student at Swinburne Hawthorn
  • have a minimum 60% average mark
  • be in your second or third year of study.
     

Funding options

Eligible students may apply for:

  • A$10,130 OS-HELP Loan (2026 amount)
  • A$15,000 New Colombo Plan Travel Grant.

Choose your destination

You’ll have the opportunity to complete this minor at one of the following locations:

Study International Business in Subang, Malaysia

Experience life in the heart of Southeast Asia while completing your International Business Minor at INTI International College in Subang, one of Malaysia’s leading higher education institutions, located just outside Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is a hub for trade and commerce in the ASEAN region, making it an ideal setting to learn about global business.

Partner university

INTI International College

Location

Subang,
Malaysia

Semester dates

August to December
(Swinburne Semester 2)

Minors are a structured set of 4 units (50 credit points) that you can choose to add to you degree to broaden knowledge in a specific area.

To complete the International Business Minor, you must have enough elective space (50 credit points) available in your course plan.

Units:

All units are Swinburne‑accredited, taught in English, and your results will transfer directly to your home degree and appear on your Swinburne transcript.

  • English-friendly environment: English is widely spoken, making it easy to communicate and build connections with locals and international students
  • Rich cultural diversity: Experience a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures in a truly multilingual society
  • Strategic business hub: Malaysia is a major ASEAN trade hub, attracting global investment and fostering economic growth
  • Affordable living: Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other study destinations, with plenty of student-friendly options
  • Convenient access to Kuala Lumpur: Only 30–40 minutes from the city centre by train or car
  • Dynamic student life: A welcoming community and plenty of opportunities to explore, travel, and immerse yourself in local traditions
  • External view of a modern university campus building with students outside.
    INTI International College Subang, Malaysia's main campus building
  • An outdoor courtyard with a painted chess board floor and seating area.
    Get strategic in the outdoor chess area
  • Two students in a small broadcasting studio with headphones and microphones.
    Fully equipped mass communication broadcasting studio
  • Hanging chairs and couches for relaxing in a cozy red and grey room.
    Chill out in the cozy corner

Students typically live in furnished apartments or condominiums in Subang Jaya, close to campus and public transport.

INTI International College will provide housing recommendations and support you in securing suitable accommodation before you arrive.

There is no upfront program fee for the International Business Minor.

You will remain enrolled at Swinburne and be charged standard Swinburne tuition fees for the four academic units. You will not pay tuition fees to to INTI International College.

You should budget for other expenses, which may include:

  • visa and administrative fees
  • accommodation
  • airfares
  • daily living expenses (food, transport, leisure).

An overview of typical expenses can be found in the estimated costs table.

Study International Business in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Complete your International Business Minor at Swinburne Vietnam, located in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s economic powerhouse and one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets. This dynamic environment offers firsthand exposure to emerging economies and global trade, while you experience life in a vibrant, culturally rich city.

Partner university

Swinburne Vietnam Alliance Program – Vietnam

Location

Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam

Semester dates

January to April
(Swinburne Semester 1)

Minors are a structured set of 4 units (50 credit points) that you can choose to add to you degree to broaden knowledge in a specific area.

To complete the International Business Minor, you must have enough elective space (50 credit points) available in your course plan.

Units:

All units are Swinburne‑accredited, taught in English, and your results will transfer directly to your home degree and appear on your Swinburne transcript.

  • Thriving economy: Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and a key player in global trade, offering real-world insights into emerging markets
  • Affordable lifestyle: Lower living costs compared to many study destinations, with extremely affordable options for housing, food, and transport
  • Vibrant student life: Join a welcoming community filled with cozy cafes, mouthwatering Vietnamese cuisine, lively markets, cultural events, and friendly local Vietnamese buddies
  • Celebrate Tết! Experience Vietnam’s biggest holiday, the Lunar New Year, with a two-week break in January/February during your semester
  • Gateway to Southeast Asia: Take advantage of Vietnam’s convenient location to explore nearby countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and more
  • Rich cultural experience: Explore centuries-old temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street markets in a city that seamlessly blends historic traditions with modern innovation- from ancient pagodas to gleaming skyscrapers. Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s legendary coffee culture- try strong iced coffee, creamy egg coffee, and countless cafe styles. Pair that with authentic dishes like phở, bánh mì, and fresh street food at unbeatable prices
Early mornings

Early starts with phở or Vietnamese iced coffee before class

Classes

Interactive, practical learning in a fast growing global city

Food and study spots

Street food, Vietnamese coffee and cafés, air conditioned spaces ideal for study

City life

Markets, shops, culture at your doorstep

Evenings

Lively nights, social activities, and endless places to explore

Students typically stay in furnished apartments, rentals or homestays located in Ho Chi Minh City.

Swinburne Vietnam Alliance Program (SVAP) will provide recommendations and assist you in securing suitable housing before your arrival.

There is no upfront program fee for the International Business Minor.

You will remain enrolled at Swinburne and be charged standard Swinburne tuition fees for the four academic units. You will not pay tuition fees to Swinburne Vietnam.

You should budget for other expenses, which may include:

  • visa and administrative fees
  • accommodation
  • airfares
  • daily living expenses (food, transport, leisure).

An overview of typical expenses can be found in the estimated costs table.

Learn more at an information session

Register your interest and we'll invite you to an information session. 

Register now

Frequently asked questions

The International Business Minor is a structured set of four units (50 credit points) designed to give students a global perspective on business, trade, and strategy. It can be added to your Bachelor of Business degree as part of your electives.

This minor will be officially recognised and appear on your Swinburne academic transcript upon graduation.

All units are delivered in English and meet the same academic standards as those taught at Swinburne Hawthorn.

During your semester abroad, you’ll remain enrolled at Swinburne Hawthorn, and your International Business units will count towards your degree. Your results will be recorded on your Swinburne academic transcript, ensuring full credit recognition.

There is no upfront program cost. You’ll pay your usual Swinburne tuition fees for the four units.

Living costs are generally affordable in Malaysia and Vietnam compared to Australia. Accommodation, food, and transport are budget friendly and we’ve provided a table of estimated costs per month.

Please note: Cost estimates are indicative only and vary depending on your lifestyle, accommodation, flights and exchange rates.
  Subang Jaya, Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Accommodation per month A$165-400 A$350-890
Food & daily living per month A$450 A$200-450
Local transport per month A$20-50 A$30-100
Return airfare from Australia A$800 (Kuala Lumpur) A$800-900 (HCMC)
Visa & admin costs A$400 (6 months) A$50-150
Estimated semester total A$3,100 – A$5,000 A$4,700 – A$6,300

Eligible students may apply for the following Australian Government funding:

  • OS-HELP Loan: Up to A$10,130 for study within Asia (2026 amount)
  • New Colombo Plan Travel Grants: $15,000 for selected students
Learn more about funding

Yes. The units and grades will be reflected on your Swinburne degree and appear on your Swinburne transcript.

You must have 50 credit points of electives available to complete the minor.

If you’re unsure, speak to an Enrolment Specialist at StudentHQ before applying.

Alternatively, some students may choose to overload their degree by adding extra electives to participate in an overseas program. Please note that overloading will incur additional unit costs beyond your standard tuition fees.

You must apply through Swinburne Abroad’s Overseas Exchange program.

Please register for an information session and check deadlines and eligibility before applying.

Learn more about studying a semester abroad

Contact us

Our friendly and well-travelled Swinburne Abroad team can help answer any questions about our overseas study programs.