For AusAID Applicants

This information is intended for AusAID applicants seeking to undertake graduate study in international relations or international affairs at The Australian National University. It provides the answers to questions that our AusAID students frequently ask about the Graduate Studies in International Affairs program. Please contact us at the address shown below if you require further information.

Greg Fry
Director of Studies, GSIA

What is GSIA?

Hosted by the Department of International Relations in the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at The Australian National University, the GSIA has offered graduate training in International Relations with an Asia-Pacific focus for the past 35 years. It offers three main degree options:

a coursework and thesis master degree: MA (International Relations)
a professional coursework degree: Master of International Affairs
a coursework award: Graduate Diploma in International Affairs

It is also possible to pursue a combined coursework degree in international relations and diplomacy, offered in conjunction with The Asia Pacific College of Diplomacy

Which GSIA Degree Should I Apply For?

We advise our AusAID applicants to apply for the coursework and thesis option, the MA (International Relations) [MAIR]. If you are successful in gaining admission to the MAIR we will offer you a two-year program. The first year of this program is called the Bridging Course.

What Would a Typical Two-Year Program Look Like?

YEAR 1	YEAR 2	THESIS
World Politics	International Relations Theory
Asia Pacific Security	International Political Economy
International Humanitarian Assistance	The Post-Colonial Pacific and Global Change
Evolution of the International System	Global Security
Global Civil Society	Politics of Islam in Southeast Asia
War and Peace in Asia	China: Global Engagement

What Is The Bridging Program?

The two-semester Bridging Program is designed for international students who have qualified to enter the MAIR but who need time to develop the capacity to achieve masters level writing in English. Our AusAID graduates have all spoken highly of this program. It provides an opportunity to study a wide range of GSIA courses over the two-year program under the direct supervision of the GSIA Director of Studies and the Deputy Director.

The Bridging program provides a valuable adaptation period for students working in English as a second language, not only as preparation for graduate study, but also for getting used to living abroad.

Rio Budi Rahmanto

When Would I Start And Finish?

Most AusAID students begin their program in mid February and complete in either November the next year, or in the following March or June if they pursue the thesis option.

Who Would Supervise My Program?

In the first year you would be supervised by the Deputy Director of the GSIA program, Dr Heather Rae, and in the second year by the Director of Studies of the GSIA, Greg Fry.

What Other Students Will I Meet In The GSIA Program?

The GSIA students body is typically drawn from around two dozen countries - including Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Turkey, Bangladesh, Singapore, Italy, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, the USA, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. You can expect around half the class to be drawn from Australia. Fellow students may be diplomats, academics, journalists, military officers, or students straight from an undergraduate degree. Social occasions provide opportunities for you to get to know your fellow students.

What Is The Average Size Of Classes?

While there are on average around 70-80 students in the GSIA program as a whole there are only around 10-20 students in any particular course.

What Kind Of Access Will I Have To My Teachers?

The teachers in the GSIA program are very accessible to their students. As they do not have undergraduate teaching they are able to focus on their GSIA teaching.

What Academic Support Is Available?

GSIA students have access to tutors for assistance with the writing of assignments and the discussion of problems.

Would I Have Access To Computer Facilities?

All GSIA students have access to a dedicated study centre with computer laboratory, and access to internet, e-mail and word processing.

Who Do I Contact For Further Information?

Program Administrator
Graduate Studies in International Affairs
College of Asia and the Pacific
HC Coombs Building (# 9)
The Australian National University
Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
T +61-2-6125 3793
F +61-2-6125 7693
gsia@anu.edu.au