The 5 best undergraduate courses for 2024

Are you eager to study abroad but unsure which subject or degree to pursue? We understand how daunting making such a decision can be. Looking at what other international students are choosing might help you make the right choice.

In this article, we'll reveal the top five undergraduate degrees for international students in 2024, exploring the subjects available and the exciting career opportunities they can lead to after graduation.

Table of contents:

1. Engineering
2. Accounting
3. Medicine
4. Business
5. Computer science

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Explore top-tier undergraduate courses

Engineering 

According to our internal research, undergraduate engineering degrees are some of the most sought-after qualifications by international students. Aerospace and mechanical engineering are the two specialisations that attract the most attention.

A degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering offers excellent career prospects. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the mechanical engineering sector is expected to grow by 10 per cent between now and 2032, creating an average of 19,200 job openings each year over the next decade.

As for the aerospace engineering field, the BLS anticipates a three per cent growth in job vacancies through 2029. Given the soaring demand for sustainable transport and the commercialisation of space, the aerospace industry may experience greater growth than expected in the near future.

With strong salary potential and plenty of opportunities for career advancement, it's no wonder that engineering ranks among the most popular undergraduate degrees for international students.

Accounting

If you have a love for numbers, an eye for detail and excellent analytical skills, studying accounting could be perfect for you. Accountants are needed across many sectors, with skills that are in demand by employers, especially for accountants with professional certification. 

Studying for a degree in accounting usually take three to four years to complete. Some of the topics covered include:

• Statistics 
• Corporate finance 
• Investment banking 
• Financial markets 
• Tax law 
• Risk management 
• Data science
• Data modelling 

Accounting is sometimes considered the ideal qualification for introverts. However, working as an accountant will still require great interpersonal and communication skills, plus critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Once you have qualified, you can work as an accountant, but also in other professions or roles including:

• Economist 
• Risk analyst 
• Tax advisor 
• Data analyst
• Investment manager
• Financial advisor 

Medicine 

Studying medicine is often seen as more of a calling in life than just earning a degree. It requires plenty of time, dedication and hard work, but it also provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Studying medicine abroad is a popular choice for many international students.

The structure of medical degree programmes varies depending on the country. In Canada and the United States, medicine is only offered at the graduate level, and students must have completed an undergraduate degree in related fields such as biology, chemistry or life sciences.

However, in the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, it is possible to pursue a medical degree at the undergraduate level.

The field of medicine offers various specialisations, many of which require additional study beyond an undergraduate degree. Some medical specialisations include:

• Paediatrics 
• Emergency medicine 
• Pathology 
• Anaesthesiology 
• Neurology 
• Oncology

Becoming a doctor has many advantages, from being able to help patients to having a dynamic and fulfilling career. It's important to note that becoming a medical doctor requires a significant time commitment, typically six to eight years, but it also offers high employment rates and excellent career opportunities.

Salaries for doctors vary by country, specialisation and experience. See the table below for a general idea.

Business

A degree in business or related disciplines is one of the most versatile undergraduate options available, offering a wide range of career possibilities. You can opt for general business degrees, such as business studies, business management or business analytics, or specialise in areas like:

• Accounting and finance (see above)
• Marketing
• Economics
• Human resource management

No matter which area you decide to focus on, the knowledge and skills gained during your business degree will be transferable across industries and adaptable to various roles.

You'll develop valuable communication, negotiation, management and critical thinking skills— all highly sought-after by employers, tremendously boosting your employability prospects.

For those interested in starting a business, a business degree also provides the foundation to develop strong entrepreneurial skills.

Given the broad scope of the field, the career opportunities are just as varied. Below are a few examples of potential roles and their average salaries in a few different countries.

(Glassdoor, 2024)

Computer science

Technology has revolutionised our way of life and will continue to do so, ensuring that a degree in this field will secure a future career.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and cloud computing, the demand for skilled professionals in computer science has skyrocketed.

According to the BLS, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 per cent between now and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This expansion is expected to add over 680,000 new jobs in the US alone by 2032.

The Tech Nation 2024 report highlights that the British tech sector is the number one tech ecosystem in Europe, with a combined market value of USD 1.1 trillion as of Q1 2024. Software developers and IT professionals are highly in demand in the UK job market.

Meanwhile, countries like Canada and Australia have also experienced a surge in demand for computer science graduates, making this one of the most popular degrees among international students.

With a computer science degree, you can pursue diverse and lucrative career paths, such as:

• Data analyst
• App developer
• Software developer
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Systems analyst
• Mobile developer
• Web designer
• Network architect
• Artificial intelligence engineer
• Teacher

The global average salary for a computer science graduate continues to rise, with the BLS reporting a median annual wage of USD 109,020 for IT professionals in 2023. Check out the table below for the average salaries of IT professionals in the UK, Australia and the USA.

(Glassdoor, 2024)

The ever-evolving nature of technology guarantees not only job security but also opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right undergraduate course is a critical decision that can shape your future. The five degrees we've highlighted—medicine, business, engineering, computer science and accounting—are popular for good reason. They offer diverse career opportunities, job security and the potential to make a significant impact in your chosen field.

As you consider your options, think about your passions, strengths and long-term goals. Whether you’re aiming for a career in technology, healthcare or the business world, there's a path that's right for you.

Use our course search tool below to explore these exciting opportunities and take the first step toward a successful future.