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Best Degrees for High-Paying Global Careers in 2025

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The global career scene is changing rapidly, and with the rapid shift in the global economy, choosing the right degree is more than a matter of passion; it’s more like an investment in your future. The advent of technology and its further improvement are facilitating changes in the global work scene. The careers that were in high demand about a decade ago are now becoming less lucrative, and on the other hand, more are emerging.

As industries adapt to technological advancements, climate urgency, and evolving healthcare needs, employers worldwide are earnestly looking for talent that can meet today’s demand and be flexible enough to adapt and solve tomorrow’s challenges. As a student in a higher institution of learning, while it is important to learn to be flexible and to adapt to these changes, it is important to learn how to carefully choose the best degree, so that it gives you an edge in the global career scene. 

In this post, we’ll explore the top degrees targeted at unlocking high-earning careers across borders in 2025. So, if you’re aiming to stand out, stay relevant, and secure financial freedom, this guide is your first step. For more updates on study tips, scholarships, and other opportunities, kindly subscribe to our newsletter.

What Makes a Degree Globally Lucrative in 2025?

A globally lucrative degree in 2025 is more than just a certificate. It is like an access card to industries, innovations, opportunities, and impact across borders. So, what sets certain degrees apart and makes them globally recognized and highly sought after? To answer that, consider the following questions:

  • Is this field in high demand across continents?
  • Can the job be done remotely, and does it have the potential to scale globally?
  • Does this field align with industries experiencing rapid growth right now?
  • Will this degree open doors across countries, industries, and platforms?

When choosing a degree path, ask yourself these questions if you are aiming for a global career after graduation.

In addition, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ongoing digital transformation across various sectors are leading the way. But it doesn’t stop with tech. The green economy is also gaining momentum. Earth is our home, and we rely on it for sustenance. That is why investing in it through education and knowledge will always be valuable.

We also cannot talk about the economy or innovation without considering healthcare. True progress across different sectors is only possible when people are healthy and capable of contributing to meaningful change. Technology, sustainability, and healthcare are all connected in this transformation.

In short, technology is here to stay. In the coming years, we will see even more innovation, and this advancement will affect every industry. So, if you are planning to pursue a globally lucrative degree, make sure your chosen field is adaptable and open to technological advancement to thrive.

Top Degrees for High-Paying Global Careers

So, if you’re looking for that big breakthrough career-wise, here are some top degrees for a high-paying global career that you should consider:

1. Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of global demand. Interested in this field? You can explore areas like software development, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, and fintech. According to Precedence Research, the global AI market size was calculated at USD 757.58 billion in 2025  and is projected to hit around USD 3,680.47 billion by 2034. Roles in this field, such as AI engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity analysts, are in high demand across continents, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia. With the rise of remote work, professionals can collaborate with international companies from anywhere.​

Average Salary (USA):

  • AI Engineer: $135K/yr
  • Software Developer: $120K/yr
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: $125,990

2. Data Science & Analytics

Date is very important in today’s digital age. Crucial decisions are made based on available data, and businesses rely heavily on data scientists and analysts to help interpret trends, offer solutions, forecast growth, and develop strategies that will have a positive impact on their businesses.  The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights big data specialists and AI and machine learning specialists among the fastest-growing jobs. As companies increasingly adopt AI and cloud computing, the demand for data scientists continues to rise globally.​

Average Salary (USA):

  • Data Scientist: $150,361/yr 
  • Business Analyst: $103,548/yr
  • Data Engineer: $129,598/yr

3. Medicine & Health Sciences

Furthermore, the health sciences field will continue to remain relevant. The need for quality healthcare is on the rise, and healthcare professionals will always be in high demand across various contingents. A report by the World Health Organization estimates a projected shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030, mostly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. This field comprises doctors, nurses, public health experts, biomedical researchers, telehealth practitioners, and others. However, with the rise of medical technology and digital health, new roles are emerging in medical informatics and remote care solutions.​

Average Salary (USA):

  • Medical Doctor: $282,025yr
  • Nurse (RN or equivalent): $99,125/yr
  • Public Health Specialist: $91,131/yr

4. Engineering (Software, Electrical, Renewable Energy)

The engineering field will continue to remain one of the most globally employable degrees, especially in areas like software, electrical systems, and renewable energy. Also, with the global push for clean energy and better infrastructure, engineers are vital to building sustainable cities, electric vehicles, and modern communication networks, and more. These professionals are needed worldwide, with high demand in the U.S., Germany, the  UAE, Canada, and China.

Average Salary (USA):

  • Software Engineer: $147,032/yr
  • Electrical Engineer: $118,030/yr
  • Renewable Energy Engineer: $110,736/yr

5. Business Administration (with Tech or International Focus)

Bagging a degree in Business Administration is of global value when paired with digital strategy, tech, or international business. Companies across the world need capable leaders who understand global markets, effective communication, and digital transformation.​

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), nearly 90% of business school students landed jobs before graduation, thus highlighting the degree’s strong employment prospects.

Average Salary (USA):

  • International Business Manager: $180,649/yr
  • Digital Strategy Manager:  $191,093/yr
  • Supply Chain Analyst: $104,625/yr

6. Finance & Economics (with Blockchain/Fintech Knowledge)

The introduction of fintech, blockchain, and decentralized finance (DeFi) has made economic degrees evolve rapidly. These new fields require experts who understand financial systems and technological innovation. Professionals in this space work in investment banking, fintech startups, cryptocurrency firms, and financial regulation.​

Average Salary (USA):

  • Financial Analyst: $106,424/yr
  • Blockchain Analyst: $1,27,859 
  • Fintech Product Manager:  $214,886/yr​

7. Environmental Science & Sustainability

Finally, it’s no news that climate change has become a global emergency; there’s an increase in demand for professionals in that space, especially in environmental science, sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that over 100 million jobs may be created globally by 2030 through the transition to a circular economy.

Average Salary (USA):

  • Environmental Scientist: $75,578/yr
  • Sustainability Consultant:  $99,789/yr
  • ESG Analyst: $64,223/yr

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world is changing, and the degrees for high-paying global careers are designed not just to prepare you for the job, but they’ll also prepare you for impact. Ensure you select a course that’s targeted at showcasing your potential. If you found this post helpful, then share it with someone who you think will need it too!

Related: Step-by-Step Guide for Nigerians to Get Admission into a Top Global University

Step-by-Step Guide for Nigerians to Get Admission into a Top Global University

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Dreaming of studying at a top global university but not sure where to start? This guide will help you!

For many Nigerians, studying at a top global university is more than a dream, it’s a goal tied to bigger hopes of quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities. Many Nigerians understand that there are better opportunities out there, but they don’t just come on a platter. 

Let’s be honest, the journey there isn’t always smooth. The rigours of navigating school search, admission requirements, possible rejections, finance, dealing with visa delays, and soon can feel overwhelming. 

But Nigerians never give up; every year, thousands of Nigerians overcome the challenges, and they make it happen. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, Nigeria Ranks 7th Globally for International Students in the United States and more than 20,000 Nigerian students enrolled in 2023/2024, up 13.5 percent from previous year.  If these people can, so can you, too!

This guide was carefully written to break down the study-abroad process into simple, practical steps to help people like you looking for clarity and direction. From choosing the right course to selecting the right school to document preparation, this guide is here to help you. 

You don’t need to know everything at once. You just need to know what to do next, and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you with.

How To Gain Admission To Top Universities As A Nigerian Student

If you’re planning to travel abroad for your undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree, then the steps below will serve as a helpful guide for your journey.

Step 1: Know What You Want and Why

First things first, outline your goals. Why do you want to go abroad to study? What is your preferred course? What’s your motivation? Is this really what you want, or are you just jumping on popular trends? Before you start the whole study abroad process as a Nigerian student, it’s important you know what you want and why you’re choosing it.

If you’re are fresh graduate from the university, you can consider pursuing a master’s degree in a similar field related to the one you studied in school, which will align more with your academic and career goals if this is what to do full time.

On the other hand, if you’ve graduated for a while, ensure that the course you’re going for tallies with your work experience, as this is part of the things that will be looked at while you’re processing your admission. In addition to this, your course must also align with the in-demand skills of that country, especially if you plan to stay back, get a job, and settle there. 

For instance, in Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration program under Canada’s Express Entry system designed for skilled workers with experience in eligible occupations. Depending on the country you’re looking to study, and your goals, ensure that your chosen course aligns with your long-term career goals. 

When you’ve settled on the course choice, the next thing is to take it a step further by outlining a list of possible schools you’re looking at based on your location. If you’re looking forward to high-ranking schools, the QS world ranking can help streamline your search.

Step 2: Research the Requirements for Each School

Once you’ve chosen the school, the next step is to search for the requirements for each school. It’s important to understand what the school wants and research extra requirements. Schools have different admission requirements, and it’s mainly dependent on the courses, too. For master’s thesis courses, you need to have an approved supervisor from the school. However, course-based courses do not require this. As a study abroad counselor, I’d advise selecting a course-based course if you’re an international student, as getting a supervisor might not be easy. Typically, schools require the following documents: 

  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree, WAEC/NECO)
  • Standardized tests (e.g., IELTS, SAT, GRE, TOEFL)
  • Recommendation letters
  • Personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • International passports 
  • Degree Certificate 
  • CV/Resume

Once you have made the necessary research and you have compiled a list of the requirements, the next step is to organize and prepare your documents. It’s important to have all these documents prepared beforehand so that the application will be seamless. 

Step 3: Apply Through the Right Channels

Once you’ve prepared the necessary documents and listed the schools you want to apply to, the next step is to submit your applications through the right channels. While you can apply on your own, it’s often better to go through an experienced counselor who understands the process and can guide you through it.

When applying, double-check the deadlines and make sure to submit before the cut-off date. Some schools use a rolling admission system, meaning they review and decide on applications as they come in. Applying early increases your chances.

Also, pay attention to application fees. Some schools waive them for students from certain countries or have different fee structures. So take note of the deadlines, understand the fee requirements, and apply through the right channels.

Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

After submitting your application, the next step is to apply for scholarships or financial aid, especially if you’re not funding your studies yourself. Most schools offer different types of financial aid, and you can usually find the details on their websites. Keep in mind that you often need to submit your admission application before you can apply for any school-based scholarships.

You can also explore external scholarship options like DAAD, Chevening, Fulbright, and the Mastercard Foundation. These are usually fully funded and may cover tuition, airfare, accommodation, books, and even living expenses. However, they are highly competitive, so you’ll need a strong application and an excellent academic record.

While school-based scholarships are also competitive, they are usually less so than external ones. They might offer partial benefits like tuition discounts or accommodation support, depending on the specific scholarship.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews if Required

Some schools may schedule interviews as part of the admission process, especially for competitive programs. These are usually held online and are often short and straightforward.

Take time to practice your responses to common questions about your academic background, career goals, and why you chose the school or program. Keep your answers clear and honest. Make sure your environment is quiet and distraction-free during the interview, and show up prepared, confident, and professional.

Step 8: Secure Your Admission and Begin the Visa Process

If your application is successful, the school will send you an offer letter. Once you accept the offer, you’ll receive official documents like a CAS or I-20, depending on the country you’re applying to.

As soon as you receive these documents, start your visa application process. Do not wait until the last minute. Make sure you understand the requirements and prepare everything you need, including your passport, financial proof, academic documents, and any forms specific to the country’s visa guidelines. Booking your visa interview and gathering your documents early can save you a lot of stress later.

Conclusion

Applying to study abroad takes time, planning, and patience. From preparing your documents to submitting applications and securing funding, each step matters. Stay organized, meet your deadlines, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Once your admission is secured and your visa approved, you’ll be one step closer to beginning a new chapter in your academic journey. Stay focused and take it one step at a time.

Exciting New – MPOWER Partners with 63 New Universities for Student Loan (In US and Canada)

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We’re excited to share that, starting this January 31, MPOWER Financing, our student financing partner, is expanding eligibility to include 63 additional schools across the U.S. and Canada, bringing the total number of eligible schools to over 500!

What’s more:

MPOWER has carefully selected specific programs at these additional schools to ensure students receive the best possible experience.

See the list of the 63 schools and their eligible programs below. You can also access our complete and most up-to-date school list on our website.

Only select programs at these schools are eligible – to meet the needs of international students pursuing competitive programs. These include high-demand fields such as:

  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Data science/Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Business (including MBA), and
  • Medical programs (including nursing, MD, and DDS)

We encourage you to share this exciting update with other students considering these schools and programs. They can now apply for funding to make their educational dreams a reality.

We remain committed to making higher education more accessible for international students.

If you have any questions or need guidance with your study abroad and financing journey, feel free to reach out on WhatsApp: +2348184450903

List of 63 New School

  1. Andrews University
  2. Arkansas State University
  3. Azusa Pacific University
  4. Boise State University
  5. California Baptist University
  6. California Lutheran University
  7. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
  8. California State University-Chico
  9. California State University-Fresno
  10. California State University-Sacramento
  11. California State University-San Marcos
  12. D’Youville College
  13. Dominican University of California
  14. Drew University
  15. East Carolina University
  16. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
  17. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
  18. Fitchburg State University
  19. Florida Institute of Technology
  20. Georgia Southern University
  21. Lawrence Technological University
  22. Lewis University
  23. Lynn University
  24. Marywood University
  25. Minnesota State University-Mankato
  26. Monroe College
  27. Montana State University
  28. Northern Arizona University
  29. Niagara University
  30. Oakland University
  31. Ohio University
  32. Portland State University
  33. Rutgers University-Camden
  34. Sacred Heart University
  35. Saint Joseph’s University
  36. San Francisco State University
  37. San Jose State University
  38. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
  39. State University of New York at New Paltz
  40. Tennessee Technological University
  41. Texas State University
  42. The University of Tampa
  43. The University of Texas at Arlington
  44. The University of West Florida
  45. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  46. University of Illinois Springfield
  47. University of Incarnate Word
  48. University of Michigan-Dearborn
  49. University of Missouri-St Louis
  50. University of Nevada-Reno
  51. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  52. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  53. University of North Florida
  54. University of North Texas
  55. University of St Thomas (Houston)
  56. University of Utah
  57. University of Washington-Bothell Campus
  58. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
  59. Utah State University
  60. Wayne State University
  61. Webster University
  62. Wichita State University
  63. Wilkes University