Choosing what to study in 2025 means looking at global demand, salary potential, and international opportunities.
Here are 10 high-demand, high-paying courses to study, plus where graduates can work and top scholarships to fund your study abroad dream.
1. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Why it’s profitable:
Data drives every modern industry. Companies pay well for experts who can predict trends, automate processes, and build smarter tools.
Where graduates can work:
Tech giants (Google, Amazon, Meta)
Fintech startups
Healthcare analytics teams
Government research labs
Top scholarships:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
DAAD Scholarships (Germany, MSc in Data Science)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Data Science.
2. Cybersecurity
Why it’s profitable:
Every business fears data breaches. Skilled cybersecurity experts get premium salaries to keep data safe.
Where graduates can work:
Banks & financial services
Telecom & tech companies
Government cybersecurity agencies
Consulting firms (PwC, Deloitte)
Top scholarships:
Chevening Scholarship (UK, MSc in Cybersecurity)
Australia Awards
CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (USA; some options open to international students)
3. Nursing & Healthcare Management
Why it’s profitable:
Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are in global shortage. Strong career options both locally and abroad.
Where graduates can work:
Hospitals & clinics
NGOs & humanitarian organizations
Public health agencies
Telemedicine startups
Top scholarships:
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK)
Australian College of Nursing scholarships
Global Health Corps Fellowship.
4. Petroleum Engineering
Why it’s profitable:
Oil and gas remains central to Nigeria’s economy and global energy demand, even as renewables grow.
Where graduates can work:
Oil & gas majors (Shell, Chevron, Total)
National oil companies (NNPC Ltd.)
Oilfield services (Schlumberger, Halliburton)
Energy consultancies & government agencies
Top scholarships:
Chevening Scholarship (UK, MSc in Petroleum Engineering)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
DAAD Petroleum Engineering scholarships (Germany).
5. Geoscience & Environmental Science
Why it’s profitable:
Supports exploration of oil, gas, minerals, and environmental monitoring.
Where graduates can work:
Oil & gas exploration companies
Mining and minerals firms
Environmental consulting agencies
Government ministries of environment
Top scholarships:
Fulbright Program (USA)
Australia Awards (Environmental Science)
Erasmus Mundus in Sustainable Development
6. Economics
Why it’s profitable:
Versatile course that fits into finance, government policy, and big business strategy.
Where graduates can work:
Central banks and ministries
World Bank, IMF, UN agencies
Investment banks and consultancies
Academia & research centers
Top scholarships:
Chevening Scholarship (UK, MSc Economics)
DAAD Master’s scholarships (Germany)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
7. Computer Engineering & Software Development
Why it’s profitable:
Software is the backbone of everything from banking to health.
Where graduates can work:
Tech giants (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
Startups & fintechs
Telecom companies
Freelance or start your own tech venture
Top scholarships:
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Embedded Systems
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
Chevening Scholarship (UK, MSc Computer Science)
8. Accounting
Why it’s profitable:
All businesses need accountants for compliance, analysis, and strategy.
Where graduates can work:
Audit & tax firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY)
Banks & insurance companies
Corporates as financial analysts or CFO paths
Government ministries & NGOs
Top scholarships:
Chevening Scholarship (UK, MSc Accounting or Finance)
Fulbright Program (USA)
DAAD Master’s in Accounting & Finance (Germany)
9. MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Why it’s profitable:
Gives broad leadership skills; MBAs often double or triple salaries.
Where graduates can work:
Multinationals (Unilever, Dangote Group, MTN)
Startups & SMEs as senior managers
Consulting & strategy firms
Launch your own business
Top scholarships:
Harvard Business School Fellowships
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
INSEAD Africa Leadership Scholarship
10. Medicine (MBBS / MD)
Why it’s profitable:
Doctors remain highly respected and highly paid — both in Nigeria and abroad.
Where graduates can work:
Public & private hospitals
Teaching & research hospitals
NGOs like WHO, MSF
Own medical practice
Top scholarships:
Commonwealth Medical Fellowships (UK)
Australia Awards (medicine & public health)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Conclusion: Pick profit + passion
The smartest students in 2025 will choose courses: ✅ With high global demand ✅ Strong scholarship support ✅ Flexible career options
Petroleum engineering, data science, medicine, accounting and others listed here give you the best balance.