New data from the OECD reveals that master’s degree candidates worldwide are concentrating their studies in a few key fields, reflecting strategic career aspirations and regional economic needs.
The Dominance of Business and Law
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From Australia to Colombia, the largest share of master’s students are choosing programs in Business, Administration, and Law.
These fields are traditionally associated with high employability, management roles, and significant career growth, particularly in economies dominated by the service sector.
This trend holds true across diverse economies:
- Developed Economies: Highly visible in countries like Luxembourg.
- Developing Economies: Clearly evident in nations such as Mexico.
Regional Nuances: Beyond the Standard
While Business and Law lead globally, several countries show unique enrollment patterns driven by cultural, societal, or demographic factors:
- Pedagogy Leaders: In Spain and Norway, master’s programs in Education are either comparable in popularity to Business and Law or even surpass them, suggesting a strong focus on national educational development and teaching quality.
- Healthcare Demand: A significant proportion of master’s students in the United States and Japan opt for Health and Welfare programs. This choice is likely driven by aging populations and the corresponding surge in demand for specialized healthcare services.
- Engineering Hubs: Japan and Sweden stand out, where Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction programs are the single most popular choice for master’s students, emphasizing these nations' deep industrial and technological focus.
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The Surprising Lack of IT Interest
Despite the global buzz around technology and digitalization, the data points to a surprising conclusion: few aspiring master's students worldwide are making Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) their top choice. This suggests that while IT skills are in demand, higher-level academic specialization in the field is not yet universally seen as the primary path for career advancement among global graduate students.
