The Bachelor of Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree designed to equip students with a deep, nuanced understanding of the cultures, societies, politics, histories, and economies of Asia. The degree combines compulsory Asian language study — spanning languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Hindi, and Vietnamese — with disciplinary majors drawn from the humanities and social sciences, including politics, history, anthropology, linguistics, international relations, security studies, and development studies. Students can shape their degree around a language, a geographic region, or a discipline, making it one of the most flexible and personalised degrees available in the humanities sector. The course typically runs for three years full-time, with an optional fourth year for those undertaking a Year in Asia program.

The Bachelor of Asian Studies is designed for students who are curious about the world's most dynamic and populous region, and who wish to develop the cultural fluency and language proficiency needed to work across sectors engaged with Asia. Employers who actively recruit graduates include the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, federal and state government agencies, international NGOs, multinational corporations, financial institutions with Asia-Pacific operations, tourism and hospitality businesses, media organisations, and universities. The degree suits both students fresh from secondary school and those looking to change career direction with the intercultural and analytical skills the course provides.

For domestic students, entry to a Bachelor of Asian Studies typically requires completion of the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) or equivalent, with ATAR scores generally ranging from approximately 70 to 85 depending on the institution and the competitiveness of the intake year. Some institutions may offer adjustment factors for students who have demonstrated high achievement in relevant subjects such as a language of Asia, history, or humanities subjects, as well as equity-based adjustments for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students who have already completed prior higher education study may be assessed on their tertiary academic results rather than secondary school performance. A prior knowledge of an Asian language is not a requirement for entry — language study typically begins from introductory level at university, with placement testing available for students who already have some language experience.

For international students, English language proficiency is a standard requirement. Most universities require a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Some universities may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency such as completion of an Australian secondary certificate or an approved pathway program. Mature-age applicants or those without a recent secondary school qualification may apply through alternative entry pathways including tertiary preparation programs, recognition of prior learning, or demonstrated work experience in a relevant field. No portfolio or audition is required for this degree.