15 best courses to study in the world in 2025/2026

The best courses to study in the world almost guarantee an individual stable employment and a great career life. Students are advised to research and consult before selecting a course. Stanley Ugwubujor, a certified career counsellor, provides valuable insights into the most sought-after courses globally and their significance in today's job market on a global scale.

Key takeaways

• Technology and innovation have changed the world massively. Some programmes that never existed in learning institutions a few decades ago are now among the best to study.
• The dilemma of picking a course should be made lighter, especially for students who know which subjects they excel in.
• Choosing a course because one thinks it is trendy can be catastrophic, especially if you do not understand the career.

What are the best courses to study in the world?

In an interview with Stanley Ugwubujor, a certified career counsellor, he highlighted three global industry courses in high demand. These courses are centered around:

Read also

US oil and gas company announce job opportunity for Nigerian graduates, lists requirement

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology
• Health care: healthcare delivery and management
• Climate and environmental sustainability

Legit.ng gathered insights from the career expert that any course revolving around the above-listed fields is gaining popularity due to present-day realities across the globe. Stanley explained:

We must first understand that we live in a society that is ever-evolving, which means that dynamics will always change. What is obtainable now might not be obtainable in the next 2 or 3 years; in that, we might have improvements in the quality or in the demands of what was available at this time. 

And what I'm trying to say is that because of societal demands, and present reality in the world today, it kind of has a direct impact on the kind of courses people want to go for. You would understand that because of the emergence and advancement of technology, there has been a huge demand for technological-oriented courses.

Read also

Fuel price increase: Nigerians in Borno turn to bicycles, horses for transportation, photos trend

Why the popularity of these top courses?

Stanley further explained that the reason behind the popularity and relevance of these three industry-wide courses in today’s job market stems from a global shift to focus on issues such as poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, and sustainability. He said:

When we talk about the global job market or the global labour market, we should look at what is happening internationally. If we look at the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), courses and careers around these areas will also emerge because they are trying to achieve the goal. 

Stanley referenced a report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) last year, predicting the future of jobs from 2023 to 2027/2028. He elaborated:

In that report, they did say that factors like geopolitical dynamics, economic indicators, environmental sustainability, the emergence and advancement of technology, gender equality, and demographic shifts – are things that different nations in the world experience. And because of those experiences, they create a kind of economic demand in their nations, which then opens a pathway for different careers to emerge or different careers to become more popular.

Read also

AI chatbots must learn to say 'help!' says Microsoft exec

For instance, the world is tilting towards artificial intelligence and technology; people are trying to see how they can use AI and technology to make their lives better and their work easier. If we consider all of these dynamics, it means that courses that involve artificial intelligence and technology will be popular. 

The same goes for healthcare. When there is a health crisis worldwide, we need people who have specialized and advanced training in administering health care. Because of these dynamics, some of these courses and careers become popular in different parts of the world. 

Prospects and career opportunities for graduates

According to Stanley, the prospects and career opportunities for graduates of these top courses on a global scale will largely depend on demand. He also highlighted the challenges graduates face in translating theoretical knowledge into practical applications. Stanley said:

Just like you have a common knowledge of economics, demand will always affect supply. And you must also understand that each nation has its own peculiar dynamics. For instance, in a country like Nigeria, we are battling common issues such as electricity—our national grid collapsing every two market days—so it really affects how technology emerges and advances in the country, because of that, the demand might be low. 

Read also

No human teachers: Concerns as school gets set to open with robot tutors only

I was talking to some people a while ago, and they were talking about how they went through all the theories in school (theoretical knowledge), and they are now facing the real world, and it's now difficult for them to exchange the theories they have for practical demonstration. I believe the projection will be that if a course or a career path cannot ordinarily be translated into practical modes and practical methods, then it becomes very problematic. It would also affect the availability of these jobs and the willingness of students, whether they are undergraduates or graduates. 

International opportunities for students in these top courses

Stanley advised students pursuing courses in AI and technology, healthcare, and climate and environmental sustainability to take advantage of opportunities from international organisations dedicated to making education and practical skills accessible to different nations, especially third-world countries.

He pointed out that these international organizations often partner with universities to offer scholarships (full-time/part-time) to Nigerians and Africans. He recommended:

Read also

Cohousing lets Mexicans grow old among friends

You must be in the right catchment area to see these opportunities. If you do not expose yourself to the kind of information you are looking for, then it becomes difficult for you to assess those opportunities. 

I hear people say, ‘Opportunities do not exist, or there are no opportunities for me to upscale or to get the required skill or to advance my skill or to get the required educational knowledge that would help me in my choosing a career path or course.’ But I think that's not true. 

The thing is, if you want to advance, how badly do you want it? You don't just wait for people to give you a long list of organizations that are ready to come into partnership with the country in terms of offering scholarships and all that. You go look for that information, go online, and check—you should have the keywords you are looking for and the kind of place you want to go to.

Read also

5 key takeaways from Immigration CG's first public dialogue

You also need to seek knowledge, update yourself, and accept responsibility. What I am saying is that you don't have to be spoon-fed. How badly you want it determines what you are willing to do and how much energy you put into the project.

Best courses to study in the world in 2025/2026

Fields like finance, engineering, healthcare, and information technology will always be in high demand. However, it is wise to consult with teachers, parents, and mentors on what college courses to select before picking what to focus on in school.

This compilation is derived from diverse online sources, including Best Degree Programs, CareerAddict, Knowledgehut, and insights from Quora comments. Note that the list is in no particular order because individual strengths, preferences, and opinions differ.

Read also

15 recession-proof jobs and how to get started in the industry

1. Information Technology (IT)

Technology runs the world today. Any basic action performed by governments, in homes, and whichever sector requires technology, making information technology among the top 10 best courses in the world.

The IT field produces web developers, computer scientists, specialists who maintain databases, and more. Pursuing an IT course assures you a bright career as most medium, big, and small companies need IT experts.

2. Medical and biological sciences

Medicine is one of the best fields to study. Medical practitioners like doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and other healthcare professionals are essential service providers in the world.

The world's population is growing, and so the services of healthcare workers are needed more. Researchers and scientists in the field of medicine and other biological sciences are required discoveries in the medical field.

3. Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship courses are among the best courses to study for the future. The world needs individuals who are gifted in the business field. Serious investors will not think twice about sharing their capital with someone who understands entrepreneurship inside out.

Read also

FCCPC names those behind increase in cost of rice, beans,garri, other food items

The past few years have seen the tremendous rise of startups, which have brought massive changes. Going for entrepreneurship and startup courses will help one transform the little money they have into a huge investment leading to the building of an empire.

4. Pure mathematics and statistics

Pure mathematics and statistics are among the best courses to study for jobs right now. Data and statistics are created every day. This is why the world needs people who understand mathematics and intricate technology to help break down and use all the data floating around. Mathematicians and statisticians use complex technology to manipulate data using computers.

We all live in the digital era, but not everyone understands complex data. Experts who have gone to school and had the experience while working on given data can help institutions and governments in planning and managing human behaviour.

Read also

Amazon counts on 'grit and innovation' to meet AI surge

5. Business administration and sales

Business administration and sales courses are ranked among the top professional courses in the world. If you aim to be the head honcho of a successful company one day, you may want to consider pursuing business administration.

Many CEOs and other leaders in managerial positions have a background in business administration. Sales skills help promote and sell products and even grow a brand.

6. Engineering

Engineering is one of the top 10 courses on demand. Just like IT specialists, engineers are needed in most sectors. Some of the most marketable engineering courses include engineering management and chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Software engineers are also as important as the other engineers who do more physical work. Thanks to software engineers, people enjoy sophisticated communication gadgets like phones and computers.

7. Clinical psychology and related courses

Clinical psychology is among the best degree courses in the world right now. Psychologists are among the highly regarded professionals in society today, especially with the rising awareness of mental health issues.

Read also

“Loan or equity”: Expert advice on best source of capital for new business

For a long time, only a few students were taking psychology at the university. Mental awareness campaigns and encouragement from the government and humanitarian organisations have called for more services from psychologists.

8. Finance

Imagine a world without money. Impossible! Money runs the world. For this reason, finance is among the top 10 best degrees in the world. Without finances and the circulation of money, today's world would not be where it is.

Taking a finance course would be a prudent move, as there are thousands of opportunities where one can utilise the knowledge gained to make money at the same time. Money management, investment, and stocks will always require experts who understand money matters. The world is expanding, and so is the pool of money.

9. Law

If you are looking for the best degrees for the future in 2025, law should be a top consideration. As long as legal systems in the world function, lawyers will perpetually be necessary. Law has always been an elite course.

Read also

How to successfully run a business in Nigeria – Wole Ogundare, Carthena Advisory CEO

The sharpest minds take law as it requires skills in critical thinking, mastery of various laws, and completeness in representation. The limitation of pursuing law is that countries do not follow the same legal process, so one may only be restricted to practice law in the region that applies the law they have studied.

10. Architecture and related courses

The creative work architects put in when designing buildings cannot be under-appreciated. Today, architecture is among the best courses to study at university. Architects contribute to the happiness and healthy state of neighbourhoods through their creations and designs.

A city or town that has stunning buildings brings more appeal to its residents and even visitors. People will continuously need buildings to work and live in, especially when families expand, leading to population growth. Businesses also tend to thrive in areas that have a happy population with beautiful architecture.

Read also

After Kenya’s protest, FG makes important proposition on new tax for the poor

11. Nursing

Do you have a passion for helping others and see healthcare as a calling? A nursing course may be the perfect career path for you. This rewarding profession directly impacts lives by providing comfort, care, and support to those in need.

With a nursing degree, your skills are sought after around the globe. The demand for qualified nurses is high, opening doors to job opportunities in diverse settings.

12. Fashion

The fashion industry is highly competitive, and success requires hard work, dedication, and resilience. If you have a passion for design, self-expression, and visual storytelling, fashion offers a fantastic outlet for your creativity.

You will explore colours, textures, shapes, and trends, using them to translate your ideas into tangible garments. Today, elite fashionistas are among the wealthiest people in the world.

13. Economics

Economics is the best course of study for students interested in researching monetary trends and optimising financial operations. Economics explores how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions in the face of scarcity.

Read also

'Not crazy to be optimistic' on climate tech, Gates tells investors

A degree in economics can open doors to diverse career paths. Graduates may find opportunities in finance, government, international organisations, research, consulting, and more. The analytical and problem-solving skills gained can be applied in various industries.

14. Hospitality and tourism

Tourism and hospitality are growing industries that span a wide range of sectors, including hotels, restaurants, travel, events, and entertainment.

The tourism and hospitality industry provides a range of job options to suit different interests, abilities, and qualifications, with positions ranging from entry-level to executive management.

15. Political science

Political science is considered a valuable and versatile field of study. A course in political science helps students understand the structures and functions of political systems, including government institutions, political processes, and the distribution of power. This knowledge is crucial for informed citizenship.

Which is the best course to study in the world?

Popular and in-demand fields of study include technology, engineering, nursing, finance, agriculture, and economics.

Read also

'Not a lab experiment': climate tech CEO on green innovation

Which course is the best for the future?

Some fields expected to have growth potential and continue to develop include healthcare-related courses, engineering, technology, accounting and financing and computer sciences.

Which course is the most marketable in the world?

Engineering, computer science, healthcare, and data science consistently see high demand, marketability, and job growth.

Which course has the most job opportunities?

Nursing is one of the highly demanding courses in Nigeria, with more job opportunities. These healthcare professionals work alongside doctors and clinicians to ensure patients receive medical care.

Which are the best art courses to study in the world?

Film and television are some of the best art courses to pursue. Graduates learn everything from movie conception, development, camera operation, script writing, sound design, media ethics, film editing, digital vitality, and directing.

Which are the best science courses to study in the world?

Some of the best-recognized and respected science courses that cover a range of scientific disciplines include physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology and geology.

Read also

AI takes centre stage as Mobile World Congress Shanghai kicks off

The best courses to study in the world are highly competitive. The stiff competition may lock out some students who do not put in extra effort. Taking short courses related to your major on the side is also advisable as they build your resume and put you at an advantage over your peers.

Legit.ng recently published a list of the best universities in Nigeria. Nigerian universities produce visionary and open-minded graduates who efficiently compete in the international workforce.

Nigeria has 170 universities, 79 private, 43 federal, and 48 state universities. Scholars across Africa have been applying to these institutions even before they featured in the world ranking.

Source: Legit.ng