Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation

11 min read

Professional courses after graduation can be game-changers. They offer deeper insights into specific fields, making you an expert and opening up better job opportunities and higher salaries. With the job market becoming more competitive each year, having that extra edge makes a big difference.

scholar_hat
Find out your ideal university
0%

Which country do you want to study in?

Please select an option
UK flag UK
USA flag USA
Germany flag Germany
Australia flag Australia
Ireland flag Ireland
New Zealand
Canada flag Canada
Other country Other

Do you have a valid passport?

Please select an option
Yes
Applied
No

When do you want to study abroad?

Please select an option
Sep 2025
Jan 2026
Sep 2026

What's your preferred program?

Please select an option
PG Diploma
Master's
Bachelor's
MBA
PhD
Not decided

What's your highest level of education?

Please select an option
10th Grade
12th Grade
Bachelor's
Master's
MBBS / MD

What is your IELTS/PTE/Duolingo Status?

Please select an option
Not decided
Already given
Booked my exam
Planning
Please Enter Your Name
Please Enter a Valid Number

How Leap will help you

Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation

Personalised University Shortlist

Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation

Express Applications with Quicker Admits

Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation

End-to-End Application Support

In this blog, you will look at some popular professional courses, why you should opt for one, and the top colleges to do professional courses after graduation. 

Top 8 Professional Courses after Graduation

In this section, you'll discover the top 8 professional courses that can boost your career significantly. The demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. Here is a list of professional courses after graduation.

  • PG Diploma in Management (PGDM)
  • MBA
  • MTech
  • PGD in Hotel Management
  • Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)
  • Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA)
  • PG Diploma in Digital Marketing or Business Analytics
  • Master's in Data Science or Machine Learning

1. PG Diploma in Management (PGDM)

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a popular postgraduate program that focuses on developing managerial skills and knowledge essential for business and management careers. You'll learn everything from marketing to finance and how to lead a team. It's a great way to get ready for management roles. 

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course. 

ParticualrsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream50% to 60%
Entrance Exams & Minimum ScoresMAT: 90 Percentile
CAT: 90 Percentile
CMAT: 251
XAT: 93 Percentile
GMAT: 655
Work Experience2 to 3 Years

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Investment BankerINR 3.3Cr ($394K)
Financial AdvisorINR 80L ($95K)
Asset ManagerINR 97L ($116K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study PG Diploma in Management

Top Universities with QS 2025 RankingsAverage Annual Fees
HEC Paris, France (1)
Stanford Graduate School of Business, California (2)
Harvard Business School, Boston (3)
INR 68L ($82K)
INR 70L ($84K)
INR 64L ($76K)
Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation
Top Professional Courses to Pursue After Graduation

2. MBA (Masters in Business Administration)

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate degree designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management. The program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of business practices, leadership, and management strategies.

There are many MBA specialisations that you can choose from, such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, and Operations Management.

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream 50%
Entrance Exams & Minimum ScoresGMAT: 655
CMAT: 251
Work Experience2 to 3 Years

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Business ConsultantINR 1.2Cr ($143K)
Investment BankerINR 3.3Cr ($394K)
Market Research AnalystINR 80L ($96K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study MBA

Top Universities with QS Global MBA Rankings 2025Average Annual Fees
Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford, California (1)
Penn Wharton, Pennsylvania  (2)
Harvard Business School, Boston  (3)
INR 68L ($82K)
INR 70L ($84K)
INR 64L ($76K)

3. MTech

Master of Technology (MTech) is a postgraduate degree focusing on advanced engineering and technology skills. The program is designed to deepen your understanding of specific engineering disciplines.

Here is an overview of the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeEngineering Or Any Related Field55% to 60%
Entrance Exams & Minimum ScoresGRE/GMAT
Work Experience0 to 2Years

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Civil EngineerINR 88L ($105K)
Mechanical EngineerINR 1.14Cr ($136K)
Software AnalystINR 62L ($74K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to Study MTech

Top Universities with QS World Rankings for EngineeringAvereage Annual Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts(1)
Stanford University, California (2)
University of Oxford, England (3)
INR 52L ($62K)
INR 68L ($82K)
INR 40L to INR 52L (£33K to £48K)

4. PGD in Hotel Management

PGD in Hotel Management is all about learning how to run a hotel smoothly and make guests feel like royalty. It's usually a one or two-year program that will teach you everything from managing staff to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

The hospitality industry is booming in the world, creating a huge demand for skilled hotel managers.

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for PGD in Hotel Management.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream
English Proficiency RequirementIELTS or TOEFL
Work ExperienceNot Required

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Hotel ManagerINR 67L ($80K)
Sales ManagerINR 1.39Cr ($166K)
Restaurant ManagerINR 52L ($62K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study PGD in Hotel Management

Top Universities with QS World Rankings for HospitalityAverage Annual Fees
EHL Hospitality Business School,  Switzerland (1)
Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, Switzerland (2)
SHMS - Swiss Hotel Management School, Switzerland  (3)
INR 30L (CHF 30K)
INR 27L (CHF 28K)
INR 52L (CHF 54K)

5. Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)

Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) is a specialised one-year management program. It is designed to help you accelerate your career if you are a working professional. Unlike traditional two-year MBA programs, PGPM is intensive and focuses on providing practical and strategic management skills.

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for PGPM.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream 50%
Work ExperienceMinimum 3 Years

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Brand ManagerINR 1.35Cr ($162K)
Research AnalystINR 80L ($95K)
Marketing ManagerINR 85L ($114K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)

Top Universities with QS 2025 Subject RankingsAverage Annual Fees
Harvard Business School, Boston  (1)
INSEAD, France (2)
London Business School, UK (3)
INR 64L ($76K)
INR 91L (€99K)
INR 1.23Cr (115K) Full Fees

6. Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA)

Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA), commonly known as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, is a globally recognised professional certification offered by the CFA Institute. It is designed to measure and certify the competence and integrity of financial analysts.

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for this 2-year course.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream
Entrance Exams & Minimum ScoresLevel 1 CFA: 70%
Work ExperienceNot Required

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Risk ManagerINR 1.19Cr ($42K)
Asset ManagerINR 97L ($116K)
Investment ManagerINR 1.03Cr ($123K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA)

Top Universities with QS World Rankings 2025 Social Science & ManagementAverage Annual Fees
Harvard University, England  (1)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (2)
Stanford University, California  (3)
INR 64L ($76K)
INR 52L ($62K)
INR 68L ($82K)

7. PG Diploma in Digital Marketing

Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing is a specialised postgraduate program designed to provide you with comprehensive knowledge and skills in digital marketing. 

This one-year program focuses on the latest trends, tools, and techniques used in the digital marketing industry. You will gain expertise in SEO, content marketing and social media marketing. 

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for a PG Diploma in Digital Marketing.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeAny Stream 60%
Work ExperienceNot Required

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Brand ManagerINR 1.35Cr ($162K)
Project ArchitectINR 1.08Cr ($129K)
Community ManagerINR 51L ($61K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to study Diploma in Digital Marketing

Top Universities with QS 2025 Subject RankingsAverage Annual Fees
University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania  (1)
University of Oxford, England  (2)
University of Cambridge, England (3)
INR 70L ($84K)
INR 40L to INR 52L (£33K to £48K)
INR 35L (€39K)

8. Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning

Master's in Data Science or Machine Learning is an advanced 2-year postgraduate program designed to provide you with the tools and techniques needed to analyse complex data, develop predictive models, and implement machine learning algorithms. 

Here are the general eligibility criteria you need to meet for a Master's in Data Science or Machine Learning.

ParticularsDescription
Bachelor's DegreeIT/Computer Science/Maths/Statistics 50%
Work ExperienceNot Required

Here is a list of top jobs available after this course.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Data ArchitectINR 1.51Cr ($181K)
Data ScientistINR 1.03Cr ($123K)
Data AdministratorINR 86L ($103K)

Here is the list of Top 3 Universities to Master's in Data Science or Machine Learning

Top Universities with QS 2025 Subject RankingsAverage Annual Fees
MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1)
Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania  (2)
University of California, California  (3)
INR 52L ($62K)
INR 53L ($64K)
INR 28L ($34K)

English Language Requirement

The global higher education market is booming, with projections reaching $860 billion by 2030. As professional courses gain popularity, mastering the English language becomes increasingly crucial, especially for those aspiring to study abroad.

The table below provides the required TOEFL and IELTS scores to pursue professional courses from different countries.

ParticularsTOEFLIELTS
USA806.0-6.5
UK926.0-7.0
Ireland906.5
Canada805.5
Australia806

Now that you know details about some great courses and their eligibility criteria, it is time to know about some specific stream-wise professional courses. You will learn all about it in the next section. 

Professional Courses after Graduation Stream-Wise 

Your college degree is a solid foundation, but specialised skills can be a game-changer. 

This section outlines the top professional courses tailored to your academic background. Whether you're a science, commerce, or arts graduate, there's a course to promote your career.

Professional Courses After Graduation in Arts

Did you know that, according to the Indian Ministry of Education in recent years the number of students choosing arts as a stream of education increased to 40%? With this growing interest, numerous professional courses are available to enhance your skills and career prospects. 

Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in arts, along with job roles and salary.

Professional Courses After Graduation in ArtsJob RolesExpected Annual Salary
Master of Arts (MA)Media Analyst
Journalist
INR 52L ($62K)
INR 67L ($80K)
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)Communication Manager
Marketing Operations Specialist
INR 64L ($77K)
INR 63L ($76K)
PG Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA)Business Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
INR 1.06Cr ($127K)
INR 2.12Cr ($253K)

Professional Courses After Graduation in Commerce

Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in commerce, along with job roles and salary.

Professional Courses After Graduation in CommerceJob RolesExpected Annual Salary
MCASoftware Consultant
Web Developer
INR 1.34Cr (160K)
INR 78L ($93K)
PGDM in FinanceGlobal Tax Manager
Investment Manager
INR 1.28Cr ($153K)
INR 1.03Cr ($123K)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)Risk Manager
Investment Manager
INR 1.19Cr ($42K)
INR 1.03Cr ($123K)

Professional Courses After Graduation in Science

Did you know? According to Financial Express, the global data science education market is projected to reach USD 378.7 billion by 2030. This highlights the immense opportunities for science graduates to enhance their skills and career prospects through professional courses.

Here is a list of popular professional courses after graduation in science, along with job roles and salary.

Professional Courses After Graduation in ScienceJob RolesExpected Annual Salary
Master in Computer ScienceDatabase Administrator
Data Warehouse Analyst
INR 97L ($116K)
INR 1.16Cr ($139K)
MBA (Master of Business Administration)Business Analyst Financial ManagerINR 1.06Cr ($127K)
INR 1.56Cr ($187K)
MCA in Data ScienceCloud Architect
Database Engineer
Data Scientist
INR 1.67Cr ($200K)
INR 1.31Cr ($157K)
INR 1.03Cr ($123K)

Also Read: Best Countries to Study MBA for Indian Students in 2025

Top Short-Term Professional Courses After Graduation

These condensed programs pack a powerful punch, equipping you with in-demand skills in less than a year. Whether you're aiming for a career change or to enhance your current role, these courses can be your career accelerator.

Here is a list of top short-term professional courses after graduation.

Course NameDurationTop Universities / Institutions
Certificate in Digital Marketing3 to 6 MonthsDuke University Career
Foundry’s Digital Marketing Program
Columbia Business School
Certificate in Photography4 to 12 MonthsSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago
Kent State University
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts
Certificate in Data Science6 to 9 MonthsIBM
Microsoft Certified
Google Professional
Certificate in Cyber Security3 to 12 MonthsIBM
Microsoft Certified
Google Professional
Certificate in Product Management6 Months to 1 YearProduct School
Pragmatic Institute
AIPMM

Conclusion

Choosing the right professional courses after graduation can significantly boost your career prospects. With increasing demand for skilled professionals, these courses offer specialised knowledge and practical skills that employers value.

Let Leap Scholar help you navigate your journey; Our experts will guide you through every process and make your dream of studying abroad a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What are some short-term professional courses after graduation?

    Ans. Short-term professional courses after graduation are designed to quickly enhance your skills and boost your employability within a short time frame. Some popular options include the following.
    Certificate in Digital Marketing
    Certificate in Photography
    Certificate in Data Science

  • Q. What are the best professional courses after B.Com?

    Ans. For B.Com graduates, professional courses can provide specialised knowledge and enhance career prospects in commerce-related fields. 
    Some of the top professional courses after b.com include the following.
    Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
    Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
    Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

  • Q. What are the best professional courses after graduation in commerce?

    Ans. Graduates in commerce have several professional courses that can enhance their career prospects in finance, accounting, and business. Some of the best options include the following.
    Chartered Accountancy (CA)
    CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
    Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

  • Q. What are the best professional courses after graduation in arts?

    Ans. Some top choices include the following.
    Master of Arts (MA)
    Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)
    LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

  • Q. How do I choose the right professional courses after graduation?

    Ans. Choosing the right professional course involves considering your career goals, interests, and industry demands. Research courses and institutions, check eligibility criteria, and evaluate the return on investment. Look for programs that offer hands-on training, industry exposure, and flexibility to suit your schedule.

  • Q. Can professional courses help me switch careers? 

    Ans. Yes, professional courses are excellent for career switching. They provide targeted skills and knowledge needed for new fields, making the transition smoother and more feasible. For example, a Certificate in Data Science can help someone with a background in humanities enter the tech industry.

  • Q. What are some short-term professional courses after graduation?

    Ans. Short-term professional courses include a Certificate in Digital Marketing, a Certificate in Photography, a Certificate in Data Science, a Certificate in Cyber Security, and a Certificate in Business Management. These courses can be completed in a few months to a year, providing quick skill upgrades and enhancing your employability.

  • Q. How does a Master's in Data Science or Machine Learning prepare me for the job market?

    Ans. Masters in Data Science or Machine Learning programs teach you to analyse large datasets and develop algorithms to solve complex problems. You will learn about statistical analysis, programming, machine learning techniques, and data visualisation. These skills are highly valued in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and retail.

  • Q. What are professional courses after graduation?

    Ans. Professional courses after graduation are specialised programs designed to provide you with practical skills and knowledge tailored to specific career paths. Unlike traditional degrees that focus primarily on theoretical aspects, these courses emphasise hands-on training, industry exposure, and real-world application. 

  • Q. Why should I pursue professional courses after graduation?

    Ans. Pursuing professional courses after graduation can significantly enhance your employability. These courses provide you with industry-relevant expertise, making you a valuable asset to potential employers. Additionally, they offer flexibility in learning, with many programs available online or part-time, accommodating both fresh graduates and working professionals.

  • Q. How long do professional courses after graduation take to complete?

    Ans. The duration of professional courses after graduation varies. For instance, PGDM and MBA programs typically take two years to complete, providing comprehensive business education. Short-term courses like Certificate in Digital Marketing can be completed in three to six months, offering quick skill upgrades.

  • Q. What are the benefits of pursuing an MBA after graduation?

    Ans. An MBA provides comprehensive business knowledge, covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. This degree opens doors to managerial and executive roles, offering opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Additionally, an MBA program helps you build a strong professional network through interactions with peers, faculty, and industry leaders.

Know More about Study Abroad
img

Essential Guide: Studying Abroad Tips

Most Common English Words Highest Paying MBA Specialization GAP Certificate Guide
Calculate Percentage to CGPA Convert SGPA to Percentage Toughest courses in the World
High salary courses after 12th Work Experience Certificate Internship Certificate Sample
Best engineering courses for future When do college applications open Highest paying jobs in the world
IIT vs MIT Oldest universities in world Best countries for MBBS
Academic transcript certificate Aeronautical engineering salary Vocational Courses
IVY league Universities in USA Ranking STEM Degree CGPA to GPA
Courses in Biology after 12th Consolidated Marksheet Different types of Engineering
How to get into MIT from India F1 visa interview questions Letter of Recommendation(LOR)
F1 visa slots for fall Which engineering branch is best for future Indian government scholarships to study abroad
30+ Universities for Study Abroad
Education counselling
Stalin
Stalin Manjaly

Hi! I'm Stalin J Manjaly, and I am passionate about helping you succeed in your study abroad journey. As a content writer at Leap, I enjoy breaking down tricky concepts and providing tips to make studying abroad easier.

Articles: 109

Crack IELTS with

7+ Bands in 4 weeks

Get Guidance to reach your

Dream University