Whether you are undecided on which course to study abroad or even if you are sure of which stream you want to pursue, this blog will come in handy in gaining clarity on the exact courses that you can opt for. This blog shall cover the most popular courses among students who are going in for colleges abroad and we shall also explain why these courses are so much in demand.
#1. Engineering
Among the most searched qualifications in undergrad courses by international students, engineering tops the list.
Two specific branches of engineering draw the most attention – aerospace and mechanical engineering. U.S. News & World Report rates mechanical engineering jobs among the top ‘10 jobs to have’ with an employment rate of 96%.
Electrical engineering is another preferred degree among undergrad students. For an electrical engineer the scope is immense in fields like broadcasting, aerospace, telecommunications, and media.
Bio-engineering, Web Technology, and Computer Science Engineering besides Electrical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, are a few courses that open up fantastic opportunities for work worldwide that are extremely well paying.
#2. Business Management
Business Management is a broad discipline that includes finance, marketing operations and strategy, to name just a few. A Bachelor’s degree in business takes four to five years to complete.
International students are vying for Bachelor’s in business because after they have completed the course, they are highly sought after by corporates and the jobs come with hefty pay packages; the course also gives them the essential wherewithal to run their own business and even serves as a foundation to pursuing a Master’s in business administration.
In countries like USA and UK, business management graduates make an average of
$59,957 annually and can be employed as managers, market researchers, accountants, tax consultants, human resource specialists and financial inspectors.
#3. Computer Science and IT
A Bachelor’s in CS & IT is a coveted degree among a whole lot of undergrad aspirants. Computers have pervaded all areas of our lives and pursuing a CS degree enables students to become employable in diverse sectors such as tech, finance, healthcare, and retail.
A Bachelor’s in CS & IT trains students to develop networks and databases and maintain computer systems, and also equips them to develop software and programming. The main aim of the computer science curriculum is to produce qualified professionals who can use their knowledge and training to enable, enhance and maintain computer systems in any industry through the application of computer software technologies.
CS & IT graduates can work as systems security administrators, firewall administrators, information security analysts, cyber security analysts, security engineers, security architects, security consultants and security managers. The best countries to work include Germany, Ireland, UK, U.S. and Israel. Average annual salaries stand at $90,120.
#4. Data Sciences
The demand for data scientists and analysts has made data sciences a popular field of study for undergraduates. A combination of computers and statistics, Data Science has great utility across various sectors, be it banking, finance, business, healthcare or e-commerce and entertainment.
A degree in Data Sciences means gaining expertise in data science tool and technologies, big data track, application of data science, business analytics and visual analytics.
Data Scientists collect, organize, analyse and interpret large and complex data which in turn enables organisations to take business decisions based on the scientists’ analysis.
Data Science/Big Data Analytics graduates can expect to earn an average of $60,000-$130,000 annually in countries like Norway, China, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
#5. Economics
Economics has long been a field of study that attracts many an undergrad aspirant to foreign shores. Courses in Economics remain just as viable with international students even today, thanks to its relevance and application across industries.
Economics graduates are highly employable and can choose from a multitude of options like Operations Analyst, Data Strategist, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Financial Forensics, Pricing Analyst, Compensation Manager, Market Research Analyst with scope into Actuarial Sciences among many others.
Economics graduates can expect to earn a competitive wage, with many earning an average of $50,000-$150,000 annually in countries like the United States, Germany, France, and Italy.
#6. Bachelors in Architecture
Architecture is a broad field and an undergraduate degree in architecture includes architectural theory, history of architecture, energy efficiency, urban design, project management, building services, design, computer technology, building materials and much more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the industries with the highest level of employment for Architects and their annual wages include:
- Architectural, engineering and related services – $88 970
- Residential building construction – $85 820
- Specialized design services – $84 260
- Federal executive branch – $98 110
- Non-residential building construction – 97 760.
US, UK and Canada are some of the top destinations to study architecture abroad. Students with a B.Arch degree can work as an urban planner, interior designer, urban designer, architect, project manager, among others.
#7. Law
More and more students prefer to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law in universities abroad as it gets them international exposure and hence better job opportunities abroad. You can work in the courtroom or in a business, offering your professional services in corporate management, legal services, and administrative services.
In US a Bachelor’s degree in law is offered as a B.Sc or BA. The students opt for a general program and then declare a major after one year. While these degrees do not allow students to take the bar exam and practise law, they open up opportunities to work in law-adjacent fields in compliance and HR and serve as a foundation for a Juris Doctor program.
Juris Doctor is a 3 years professional program after an undergrad program that makes one eligible to appear for the bar exam and then practice as a registered lawyer.
However even if one doesn’t go in for a JD program, a Bachelor of Law degree enables degree holders to find employment as paralegal specialists, policy analysts, jury consultants, political advisors, IRS agents in government and non-government offices. The average salary of a graduate of a bachelor’s program is $72,000 per year
In UK, LLB, or legum baccalaureus, is an undergraduate program of 3 years duration that teaches common law which is the basis for their legal systems. With additional accreditation, this LLB degree enables you to practice law in quite a few countries around the world.
Conclusion
While the most popular courses for Indian students fall into the STEM category, language arts, design, law, business and healthcare and climate & sustainability courses are also gaining a lot of traction. It is important to understand which course is in line with your career goals and life aspirations and then choose a subject stream that fits both.