Career opportunities
A degree in International Business opens up a world of opportunities! Our graduates are well prepared to assess and solve business issues at the global level across sectors and industries – from financial markets to management, from trade to marketing. And because you learn a language as part of the degree, your options open up further – French is spoken in 47 countries, German is used for business across central and Eastern Europe, and Spanish is the first language for more than 300 million people… not to mention Japanese and Chinese!
Examples of areas you could work in include:
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Foreign Economic Relations
- International Trade and Investments
- International Marketing and Business Strategy
- Management Consulting or Operations
- Government Departments, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Discover global business at Otago
Hear from students and staff about the unique opportunities in International Business at Otago—language study, global insights, and exchange experiences that shape future leaders in an interconnected world.
Read transcript
Jeremy Newton:
Hi, my name is Jeremy Newton, and I study International Business at the University of Otago.
Coming to Dunedin was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The student culture here is so rich, plus there’s such a wide variety of things to study. Studying International Business gave me a deep insight into how global markets operate from the perspectives of businesses, institutions, and companies alike.
One of the most exciting things about International Business is that you get to take a second language for a portion of your degree. I think students should take full advantage of this, as it opens so many doors. For me, it allowed me to study in Taiwan for a semester.
Virginia Cathro:
Kia ora, I’m Virginia Cathro, and I’m currently the Director of International Business here at Otago.
Why us? We’re great. We love what we do down here. We thrive when we engage with young minds that want to stretch themselves, to study global business, and to enjoy what they’re doing. In fact, you coming to us excites us because we get to share our passion—which is International Business.
We are a team of people dedicated to looking at everything to do with culture, marketing, tourism, economics, and things that cross borders—products, services, and people. We work together, we work with you, and we enjoy what we do. Some could even say we have fun.
But there are some things you might not know about us. The unique selling point that we hear from our graduates is the language and culture papers and our flexibility to build what you want into your degree. So, it’s not just all about us—it’s about you. It’s about you working for your strengths, your vision for yourself, and the things that you enjoy. We do that through these language and culture papers but also through the open papers for 200- and 300-level study.
International Business fits with other business subjects, but also with Politics, Global Studies, or even something in the Sciences. Business transcends so many things these days, so you name it—we’re open to helping you get there.
What else can we say? What do we want in a student? We want someone curious. We want someone who wants to embrace life. We want someone who makes a difference in the world—now and in the future.
Things you learn from our programme: a global mindset, leadership, communication skills, and things about yourself that you perhaps didn’t know—because you will stretch, and you will grow.
We encourage everybody to go on international exchange and to make the most of the opportunities that are here on campus—everywhere that you look. That might just include being social, having friends, and creating networks for tomorrow.
So, if you’re interested in a broad degree that is going to allow you to find yourself, come join us here. We’d love to meet you!
International Business at Otago
International Business is a major of the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), a three-year degree programme.
Within the degree, you will study a range of business papers covering the fundamentals of accounting, business statistics, economics, finance, information and communication technology, management and marketing.
In addition, you will study six papers related to language and culture. You can choose one language from Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Combined, the business and language papers will teach you the principles of international business and how to work in the international arena.
International Business course handbook
Course structure
The International Business BCom is comprised of 252 points (equivalent to14 papers) in Commerce and 108 points (equivalent to six papers) in additional language and/or cultural papers. Thus the total number of points for your degree is a minimum of 360. The International Business degree is quite structured, so you should plan your degree carefully. Take the time to map out which papers you will be taking from one year to the next by using the latest Guide to Enrolment. If in doubt, email the Programme Director: intbusiness@otago.ac.nz
Teaching style
Papers are generally taught as lectures and tutorials, but some of the language papers also include video and internet-based learning. Assessment will vary depending on the paper, but may include essays and reports, oral presentations and exams.
Degree options
International Business is a valuable general business degree and goes well with a range of other majors and degrees offered at Otago, including the BACom and BComSc combined degrees. Popular combinations include Languages, Law, Management, Marketing, Economics, Finance, Computer Science, Political Science and Tourism.
Minor option or diploma in Language and Culture
Taking a minor or a Diploma in Language and Culture in addition to your BCom in International Business is possible, and is highly encouraged. For more information on how to minor in a language, consult the Department of Languages and Culture.
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Student exchange
The University of Otago has exchange agreements with more than 90 institutions in over 30 countries. If your marks average B or better, you may qualify to attend one of these institutions for one semester or for a year. You pay only your New Zealand fees and complete your qualification within the same timeframe as if you'd never been away. The Business School also offers excellent travel scholarships for students travelling on exchange.
Recommended background
There are no formal prerequisites for studying International Business at Otago, except a desire to learn about other cultures and the way business is conducted in other countries. English and statistics are nonetheless recommended. While the course features a language and culture component, you do not need to have studied a language at school.
There are two 100-level papers offered for each language at Otago – one for absolute beginners and the other for those with some knowledge of the language.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Commerce along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in International Business
Explore postgraduate study in International Business at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportuniti...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasBusiness, accounting and finance
Study business and prepare yourself for a career in the fast-paced corporate world – or even launch your own start-up
Government, politics and law
Gain skills and knowledge for decision-making, social issues, politics, and laws that impact Aotearoa and the world
Language and global cultures
Explore cultures, languages, and global issues to discover your place in an inclusive, sustainable world
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy | 18 |
| MANT 101 Managing for Performance | 18 | |
| BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data, BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making, BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems – must normally be taken in first year of study | 72 | |
| 200-level | ECON 201 Microeconomics | 18 |
| MANT 217 International Management, or MANT 222 Interpersonal / International Business Communication | 18 | |
| One further Commerce paper at 200-level Language papers as outlined below | 18 | |
| 300-level | ECON 302 International Trade | 18 |
| MANT 332 International Management, or MANT 342 Global Business Strategy | 18 | |
| MART 301 Strategic Marketing, or MART 310 Current Issues in International Branding | 18 | |
| One further Commerce paper at 300-level | 18 | |
| Plus | Additional 18-point paper** | 18 |
| Approved language and culture papers* 108 points with a minimum of 36 of these 108 points at 200-level or above. | 108 | |
| If English or Māori is the student's first language, these 108 points must include at least 72 points of language papers in one language, an 18 point culture paper, and an additional 18 points of either language or culture papers (preferably including a business language paper if available). If neither English nor Māori is the student's first language, these 108 points must include language papers (not the student's first language) and/or cultural papers as approved by the Director, International Business. * Papers requiring approval will in the first instance be approved by the Department concerned. However, overall approval including the appropriate language and culture papers shall rest with the Director of the International Business major. **The further 18-point paper may need to be a Commerce paper, and/or it may need to be at 200-level or above in order to satisfy the regulations for the Bachelor of Commerce, depending on a student's individual course of study. Please refer to the Bachelor of Commerce regulations or seek course advice for clarification. | ||
| Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must normally be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: Any student who completed PTWY 111 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 113. Any student who has completed PTWY 112 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 114. A candidate completing the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws is able to satisfy the CPA/CAANZ accreditation requirements by substituting:a) LAWS 202, LAWS 203, LAWS 204, LAWS 301 and LAWS 407 in place of BLAW 211 and BLAW 212 b) LAWS 416 in place of ACTP 312. | ||
| Total | 360 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
INTB papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBUS480 | 2025 | Dissertation | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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