MOST POPULAR MAJORS BY COUNTRY: WHAT STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD ARE AND WHY
Content
United States: Business, Computer Science, and Health Sciences
The United States remains one of the most diverse higher education systems, attracting students from every corner of the world. Business Administration consistently tops the list, driven by the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and strong job market. Computer Science is equally popular as the US hosts MAJOR tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
The rise of Health Sciences—including nursing, public health, and biomedical fields—reflects the country’s expanding healthcare sector and high demand for professionals. The US also sees growing interest in interdisciplinary majors like psychology, economics, and environmental studies, where students combine research with practical career opportunities.
United Kingdom: Business, Law, and Social Sciences
In the UK, Business and Management programs attract both domestic and international learners due to their strong industry connections and global recognition. Law is another timeless favorite, supported by the UK’s long-standing academic traditions and influence on global legal systems. The country is also known for its popularity in Social Sciences, particularly subjects like political science, international relations, sociology, and psychology. These majors appeal to students interested in global policy, diplomacy, and research. The UK’s emphasis on research-based education ensures strong academic rigor across disciplines.
Canada: Engineering, Computer Science, and Life Sciences
CANADA’s education system is deeply tied to its workforce needs, which explains why Engineering and Computer Science are consistently among the top choices. With a thriving tech sector in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, students see strong job opportunities in software development, AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Additionally, Canada’s reputation for medical research and public health makes Life Sciences and Biotechnology extremely popular. Majors in environmental science, sustainability, and natural resource management also attract many students due to the country’s focus on climate initiatives and environmental conservation.
Australia: Business, Nursing, and Environmental Science
Australia has become a global hub for international students, and its academic trends reflect the country’s strengths. Business and Commerce programs remain dominant, supported by Australia’s strong economic ties within the Asia-Pacific region. Another highly popular field is Nursing, driven by the country’s robust healthcare system and clear pathways to employment and residency. Environmental majors such as Marine Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability are also significant due to Australia’s unique ecosystems, coastline, and research-focused institutions.
Germany: Engineering, STEM, and Industrial Design
Germany is synonymous with engineering excellence, and this is reflected in student choices. Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Electrical Engineering remain the most sought-after majors due to Germany’s strong manufacturing and automotive industries. STEM fields, particularly computer science, applied mathematics, and renewable energy, have grown rapidly as Germany invests in digitization and green technologies. The country also has a strong reputation in Industrial Design and ARCHITECTURE, attracting creative students interested in INNOVATION and engineering together.
South Korea: Computer Science, Business, and Media Studies
As one of Asia’s most technologically advanced economies, South Korea sees high demand for Computer Science, AI, and Data Science programs. The country’s corporate sector—home to Samsung, LG, and Hyundai—offers strong incentives for students pursuing tech-related fields. Business and Economics remain popular due to competitive job markets and strong corporate culture. In recent years, Media Studies, Communication, and Korean Language and Culture have gained traction, boosted by the global influence of K-pop, K-dramas, and the Korean entertainment industry.
India’s education trends reflect its large population and expanding workforce. Engineering (especially mechanical, civil, and computer engineering) continues to dominate, driven by the country’s focus on technical education. Medicine remains extremely competitive, with large numbers of students aspiring to pursue MBBS and related fields. Computer Science and IT majors are among the top choices due to India’s booming tech sector and global outsourcing markets. Recently, fields like business analytics, design, and psychology have shown steady growth among urban students.
India: Engineering, Medicine, and Computer Science
References :