Popular Degrees for International Students: Here are some of the most popular degrees and fields of study chosen by international students around the world — based on recent trends and enrollment data from study-abroad reports and global education sources:
Top Popular Degree Fields for International Students:
Computer Science and Information Technology: Leading due to high demand for software developers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists.
Business and Management (including MBA): Remains highly popular for careers in finance, marketing, and leadership.
Engineering: Particularly Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, and Electrical engineering.
Health Sciences/Medicine: Surging in popularity due to global shortages in nursing and Allied Health roles.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: Rapidly growing field driven by the digital economy.
Finance and Accounting: Highly popular, especially in countries like the UK, for careers in global commerce.
Social Sciences and Law: Popular choices for those interested in international law and human rights.
Environmental Sciences: Gaining traction with a focus on sustainability.
Creative Arts and Design: Including Graphic Design and Media Studies.
Architecture: A top choice for postgraduate studies.
Why These Degrees Are Popular:
Global employment trends: Fields like computing, engineering, and health often lead to strong job prospects worldwide.
Industry demand: Tech skills (AI, data science, cybersecurity) remain crucial across sectors.
Versatility: Business and management degrees can be applied in multiple industries globally.
Addressing global challenges: Environmental science and health programs align with current global needs.
Key Trends and Factors:
Top Destinations: The USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are the primary destinations for these degrees.
Employability: Programs offering practical training and internships, such as those in the US, are highly preferred.
Specialization: There is a strong preference for specialization, particularly in Master’s level programs for fields like AI and Business Analytics.