Popular Courses to Study Abroad for Global Careers
For decades now, students from around the world have realised the potential of enrolling in some of the most popular courses to study abroad. From impactful career paths to job opportunities around the globe, these courses have allowed students to build successful professional careers and live lucrative lifestyles. In this guide to the most popular courses to study abroad, you will learn about the courses that are not only chosen by several aspiring professionals but also courses that lead to career paths so dynamic that you can build them anywhere in the world.
With the world quickly switching over to a technologically advanced world, popular courses leading to careers in IT, Cyber Security, and more recently, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have been gaining immense traction. However, the traditionally popular courses such as Business, Medicine, and Law have kept up with the demands of the world as well. However, apart from technological and traditionally popular courses, we will also look at the growing fields of education, such as the Creative Arts and Social Sciences courses as well.
Why Choosing the Right Course Matters While Studying Abroad?
Needless to say, there are several reasons why choosing the right course matters while studying abroad. These include:
1) Being at the forefront of Industry Trends: Up until 10 years ago, AI and Machine learning were still an industry that many were sceptical about. Around 5 years later, AI and Machine Learning became an integral part of our lives and continue to integrate themselves into almost every aspect of our lives now. Those who choose to invest and build their careers in AI are now among some of the top earners in the world.
Similarly, there are several experts now who can help you determine the next big thing that may help you be at the forefront of the next big industry in the world. It is often popular courses abroad that open up extremely lucrative opportunities with high growth potential. It can allow you to capitalise on it and make it into the first big business in the field of your choice.
2) Global Internship and Co-op Programme Opportunities: With an international degree, students will witness global internship opportunities with different types of companies, some of which can also turn into permanent employment. Meanwhile, many universities abroad also offer co-op programmes as part of their curriculum, wherein students can work in the same field as their academic programme and get real-world experience.
3) The Right Course for Your Dream: While there are hundreds of popular courses abroad that lead to lucrative careers, the inception of technology that came with the turn of the century has allowed students to build lucrative careers in fields that would traditionally be considered alternative jobs or side hustles. Therefore, it has become even more acceptable and profitable to build a career in the industry, field, or niche of your choice, often through niche courses and degree programmes that many would not be brave enough to pursue.
4) The Right Course at the Right University: While choosing the right course is important, choosing the right university to study your desired course is equally important. Universities across the globe offer several popular courses that are complemented by excellent infrastructure, equipment, and industry links that are unique. Choosing such universities will greatly impact your career in your desired field of study and industry.
5) Courses that Give the Right Skills: Many universities abroad offer programmes that are up to date with the world, offering skills and knowledge that are not just useful but can make a great difference in the industry. Therefore, choosing universities and courses that include skills considered important by companies across the world has become increasingly important.
Popular STEM Courses Abroad
Popular courses abroad in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have become increasingly crucial subjects and topics in today’s technologically advanced world. Especially since technology has facilitated immense growth in all these fields, allowing for greater growth and development, much like a bicycle gaining speed with every turn of the pedal. Listed below are some of the potential earnings a graduate of STEM can earn in the US.
| Course Name | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and IT (AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, etc) | Software Developer Cybersecurity Analyst Cloud Architect DevOps Engineer | US $50,000 - $200,000 |
| Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, etc) | Electrical Engineer Robotics Engineer Materials Engineer Avionics Engineer Biomechanics Engineer | US $50,000 - $210,000 |
| Sciences Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Geology, etc.) | Clinical Laboratory Technologist Physicist Environmental Scientist Research Scientist Forensic Technician | US $40,000 - $220,000 |
| Mathematics Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics/Actuarial Science, Financial Mathematics, etc.) | Data Scientist Actuary Financial Analyst | US $50,000 - $200,000 |
Sources: Indeed, Glassdoor, Ziprecruiter, Payscale
Note: The salaries listed above represent the potential salaries graduates can earn in the field and not the actual salaries.
Also Read:
Popular Business and Management Courses Abroad
Renowned universities in the world offer a variety of popular courses abroad for Business and Management. The career possibilities after graduating from a Business and Management course are among the most dynamic and lucrative in the world. From setting up and managing your own business to leading some of the strongest companies to greater success, business will always be booming. Here are some of the salaries you can earn in the UK after graduating from a Business and Management course.
| Course Name | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Digital Marketing Specialist Product Marketing Manager Marketing Manager Brand Manager | £25,000 - £70,000 |
| Operations | Operations Manager Logistics Manager Supply Chain Manager Project Manager | £35,000 - £75,000 |
| Business Analytics | Business Analyst Data Analyst Marketing Analyst Business Intelligence Analyst | £25,000 - £55,000 |
| Supply Chain Management | Supply Chain Manager/Analyst Logistics Manager Warehouse Manager | £35,000 - £75,000 |
| International Business | International Business Development Manager International Marketing Manager International Product Manager Import/Export Specialist | £30,000 - £100,000 |
Sources: Indeed, Glassdoor, Payscale, Gov.UK
Note: The salaries listed above represent the potential salaries graduates can earn in the field and not the actual salaries.
Also Read: Study Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Abroad
Popular Creative Arts and Design Courses Abroad
Many popular courses abroad for Creative Arts and Design have also started to gain traction among international students from around the world. The career prospects graduates gain from earning a degree in this field allow them to build a career in any corner of the world. Listed below are some of the popular courses in Australia for creative arts and design, and the career paths you can take after graduation.
| Course | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design and Communication Design | Graphic Designer Communication Designer | AU $65,000 - $100,000 |
| Animation | Animator VFX Artists Character Designers Art Directors | AU $50,000 - $130,000 |
| Fashion Design | Fashion Designer Fashion Stylist Textile Designer | AU $60,000 - $85,000 |
| Visual Arts and Fine Arts | Film Director Film/Video Editor | AU $40,000 - $200,000 |
| Advertising | Digital Marketing Manager Social Media Manager Brand Manager | AU$50,000 - $120,000 |
| UI Design | UI Designer UI Architect Information Architect Design Consultant | AU$70,000 - $200,000 |
| Photography | Freelance Photographer Photojournalist Wedding Photographer Wildlife Photographer Advertising Photographer | AU $45,000 - $110,000 |
Sources: Glassdoor, SEEK, Indeed, Payscale
Note: The salaries listed above represent the potential salaries graduates can earn in the field and not the actual salaries.
Social Sciences and Humanities Courses Abroad
Among the popular courses abroad are degree programmes in Social Sciences and Humanities. Students from around the world have displayed an interest in experiencing the career opportunities and global outlook in roles such as Psychology, Political Science, Economics and many more. Listed here are some of the jobs you can take up after graduating from a Social Science and Humanities course in Canada.
| Course | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | Clinical Psychologist Counselling Psychologist Forensic Psychologist | CA $90,000 - $250,000 |
| Political Science | Policy Analyst Public Relations Specialist Political Strategist Civil Service Posts | CA $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Economics | Financial Analyst Investment Banker Actuary Portfolio Manager Economic Consultant | CA $50,000 - $130,000 |
| Media Studies | Journalist Event Manager Digital Media Analyst Content Writer Social Media Planner | CA $35,000 - $100,000 |
| Cultural Studies | Curator Heritage Site Manager Archivist Programme Coordinator | CA $35,000 - $100,000 |
| Philosophy | Human Rights Advocate Ethics Consultant Scriptwriter | CA $40,000 - $80,000 |
Sources: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, ZipRecruiter
Note: The salaries listed above represent the potential salaries graduates can earn in the field and not the actual salaries.
Admission Requirements to Study Popular Courses Abroad
To pursue any one of these popular courses abroad across different academic fields, the first step is to ensure you qualify for the degree programmes. While the academic and professional experiences required to pursue these courses will vary, the general gist to qualify has been highlighted below:
- Undergraduate Courses:
- Recognised and evaluated academic reports from Class 10 and 12.For certain fields like STEM, students must ensure they have graduated from high school with subjects specifically related to Science, like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
- English Language Proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT scores are often required by top universities in the world.
- Some universities also require students to present entrance test scores, i.e., SATs/ACTs, for US universities.
- Submit SOPs and LORs
- Postgraduate Courses:
- An undergraduate degree in the relevant field or any other equivalent degree accepted by the higher education institution.
- Entrance test scores from tests such as GRE and GMAT for certain academic fields, specifically Business and Management, and Engineering courses.
- Appropriate IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT scores specifically stipulated by the desired higher education institution.
- SOPs and LORs specifically designed for the degree programme you wish to study.
- Some postgraduate courses require applicants to present portfolios highlighting their professional experience in the field.
Scholarships for Popular Courses Abroad
A simple yet powerful tool that has helped thousands of students achieve their academic and professional goals is financial aid and scholarships for popular courses abroad. Universities, institutions, private organisations and governments offer unique scholarship opportunities to international students who have displayed high academic excellence as a reward for their efforts. Some of the popular scholarships for Indian students to study popular courses abroad have been listed in the table below:
| Scholarship Name | Funding | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships, UK | Full Tuition Fees, Monthly Living Stipend, Travel Costs, Arrival/Departure Allowance, Visa Application Costs, TB Test Contribution | Full Tuition Fees, Monthly Living Stipend, Travel Costs, Arrival/Departure Allowance, Visa Application Costs, TB Test Contribution |
| GREAT Scholarships | Partially funded up to £10,000 for a 1-year PG course. | Citizen of India; Have an undergraduate degree with a strong academic record; Become an Ambassador for the programme; Be a fee-paying international student. |
| Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowship, USA | J-1 Visa support, Round-trip economy air travel, Living and related costs | Citizen of India; must return to India; meet the minimum academic requirements; 3 years of work experience; no previous US degree |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, USA | Full tuition fee for Stanford MBA programme, Contribution to living costs, total award value of USD 150,000 | A citizen of India; hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree, must display significant financial need, present a commitment to India, and present a GRE/GMAT score |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Canada | CA $40,000 per year | Eligible Canadian/international student; selected by individual Canadian institutes |
| Lester B Pearson International Scholarship Programme, Canada | Full-tuition fees for four years, mandatory university fees beyond tuition, Living Expenses, and Residence Support | Be an international student at the University of Toronto; Enrolled or graduated from Class 12 in time for the September intake session; Nominated by your high school; Display exceptional qualities |
| DAAD Scholarships, Germany | Multiple scholarships with benefits covering monthly stipend, travel, insurance, rent and more, | Be an Indian Citizen; display an academic performance of 85% or higher in previous degrees; provide proof of language proficiency, either in English or German; Have a work experience of 2 years at least |
| France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Programme, France | Monthly living allowance, health insurance, and tuition fee waiver of €5,000 at selected institutions. | Be an Indian citizen, residing in India at the time of application; Meet the age restriction as per degree level, UG - 23 or younger, PG 30 years or younger; Must be enrolled or have completed their studies at an Indian educational institution; Must have an acceptance letter from a French university/college before applying for the scholarship |
Note: At the time of applying to any one of these scholarships, candidates are advised to check the official websites of the organisations/institutions offering the scholarship to learn of the latest updates.
And thus, choosing any one of the popular courses to study abroad can open up opportunities that can cement a lucrative lifestyle for you in the future. However, it is important to first align yourself and your academic and career goals with these courses offered abroad. While there are hundreds of courses and thousands of universities to choose from, your objectives and goals will help narrow down your options.
As highlighted above, studying these popular courses abroad will allow you to not only build a career in the country you complete your degree in, but also across different continents. So, while the initial investment in gaining a foreign degree may seem incredibly high, the ROI can be higher as well. So why wait? Learn how you can take the first step towards a lucrative life with our expert study abroad consultants at AEEC India now!