The pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth will become increasingly competitive in 2024, with over 1,200,000 Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, according to estimates. As students worldwide strive for excellence, certain courses have gained a reputation for their exceptional rigour and demanding nature.
This article discusses the top 10 toughest courses in the world for 2024, exploring various factors that contribute to their difficulty, including subject complexity, workload, teaching styles, assessment methods, and prerequisites.
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Key Highlights
| Toughest Courses in the World | Description |
| Medicine | –Over 62,000 applicants for 22,000+ seats in U.S. medical schools in 2022-23 -Dropout rate: 18.4% -Average salary: ₹28,160,000 |
| Engineering | –6% projected job growth from 2021-2031 -Dropout rate: 60% -Average salary: ₹6,480,000 |
| Chartered Accountancy | –Over 560,000 candidates for CA Foundation –Over 140,000 candidates for CA Final in 2022 -Dropout rate: 54%Average salary: ₹10,720,000 |
| Pharmacy | -Over 65,000 students in Pharm.D. programs in 2021-22 -Dropout rate: 14.6% -Average salary: ₹10,725,760 |
| Law | -Over 165,000 applications to ABA-approved law schools in 2022-23 -Dropout rate: 38% -Average salary: ₹10,859,200 |
| Architecture | -123 accredited programs in the U.S. in 2022 -Dropout rate: 45% -Average salary: ₹5,920,000 |
| Psychology | –Over 107,000 students enrolled in 2021 -Dropout rate: 45% -Average salary: ₹13,360,000 |
| Statistics | -Over 120 programs in the U.S. in 2022 -Dropout rate: 5.2% -Average salary: ₹7,996,800 |
| Quantum Mechanics | -Around 3,700 graduate students in 2020-21 -Dropout rate: 7% -Average salary: ₹15,020,080 |
| Toughest Education Systems | South Korea, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Finland, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom |
Overview of the Increasing Competitiveness In Academia
Feeling the academic heat? You’re not alone; it’s not just the coffee that’s brewing, but a storm of global competitiveness in academia, too!
- Globalisation and the rise of prestigious international rankings
- Emphasis on research and innovation in top institutions
- Competitive job market demanding highly skilled graduates
Significance of Recognizing the Toughest Courses
Recognizing the toughest courses is crucial as it helps students set realistic expectations, make informed decisions about their academic paths, and understand the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in highly demanding educational programmes.
- Helps students set realistic expectations and prepare mentally
- Aids in making informed decisions about academic paths
- Highlights the dedication and perseverance required to succeed
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Criteria for Defining the Toughest Courses
When it comes to determining the toughest courses, several factors come into play. While the definition of “tough” can be subjective, certain criteria can help gauge the level of difficulty and rigour associated with a course.
- The rigour of the curriculum and depth of the subject matter
- Intensity of workload and time commitment
- Stringent assessment methods and grading standards
- Reputation and prestige of offering institutions
Top 10 Toughest Courses as of 2024
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Medicine
The field of medicine continues to be highly competitive, with a limited number of seats available in medical schools. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), in the 2022-2023 application cycle, there were over 62,000 applicants for just over 22,000 available seats in U.S. medical schools.
Top Universities
- Stanford University
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
Dropout Rate – 18.4%
Average Annual Salary – ₹28,160,000
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Internal Medicine Physician | ₹20,480,000 |
| Neuroscientist | ₹27,600,000 |
| Paediatrician | ₹18,000,000 |
| Optometrist | ₹11,520,000 |
| Dentist | ₹14,080,000 |
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Engineering
Engineering remains a popular and challenging field of study, with a focus on technical subjects and practical applications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in architecture and engineering occupations to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with around 139,300 new jobs expected to be added.
Also Read: Best Engineering Courses For Future 2024: Top Reasons and Skills
Top Universities
- University of Cambridge
- Stanford University
Dropout Rate– 60%
Average Annual Salary – ₹6,480,000
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Petroleum Engineer | ₹11,017,600 |
| Architectural Manager | ₹10,778,400 |
| Natural Science Manager | ₹10,258,400 |
| Chemical Engineer | ₹8,701,600 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | ₹9,377,600 |
Chartered Accountancy
Chartered accountancy is a highly respected and challenging profession that involves rigorous training and examinations. According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in 2022, over 5.6 lakh candidates appeared for the CA Foundation course examination, while around 1.4 lakh candidates appeared for the CA Final examination.
Top Universities
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- MIT
Dropout Rate: 54%
Average Annual Salary: ₹10,720,000
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Chief Financial Officer | ₹31,120,000 |
| Vice President of Finance | ₹17,840,000 |
| Finance Director | ₹11,840,000 |
| Tax Manager | ₹10,160,000 |
| Financial Controller | ₹9,280,000 |
Also Read: Salary of CA in USA 2024: Top Companies, Specialisations & more!
Pharmacy
The field of pharmacy is known for its demanding curriculum, which includes courses in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), in the 2023-2024 academic year, there were over 68,000 students enrolled in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs across the United States.
Also Read: Master of Pharmacy in the UK: Universities & Course Details
Top Universities
- University of Oxford
- University of Toronto
- UCL (University College London)
Dropout Rate: 14.6%
Average Annual Salary: ₹10,725,760
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Pharmacist Manager | ₹12,160,000 |
| Nuclear Pharmacist | ₹11,520,000 |
| Pharmacist Researcher | ₹11,040,000 |
| Pharmacist Consultant | ₹10,960,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | ₹10,400,000 |
Law
Legal education is rigorous and requires a significant investment of time and effort. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) reports that in the 2023-2024 application cycle, over 170,000 applications were submitted to American Bar Association (ABA)- approved law schools in the United States.
Top Universities
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Harvard
University Dropout Rate – 38%
Average Annual Salary – ₹10,859,200
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Intellectual Property Lawyer | ₹15,680,000 |
| Corporate Lawyer | ₹14,720,000 |
| Tax Attorney | ₹14,240,000 |
| Patent Attorney | ₹13,600,000 |
| Contract Lawyer | ₹12,480,000 |
Also Read: 10 Law Scholarships For Indian Students To Study Abroad: Ultimate Guide
Architecture
Architecture programs are known for their demanding studio-based curricula, which involve extensive design projects and critiques. According to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), as of 2022, there were 123 accredited professional architecture programs in the United States.
Top Universities
- MIT
- Manchester School of Architecture
- UCL
Dropout Rate – 45%
Average Annual Salary – ₹5,920,000
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Architectural Manager | ₹10,778,400 |
| Principal Architect | ₹9,200,000 |
| Senior Architect | ₹7,680,000 |
| Project Architect | ₹6,720,000 |
| Interior Designer | ₹4,480,000 |
Psychology
Psychology is a diverse field that involves studying human behaviour, mental processes, and the brain. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), in 2021, there were over 107,000 students enrolled in psychology programs across the United States.
Top Universities
- Harvard University
- University of Oxford
- UCL
Dropout rate: 45%
Average annual salary: ₹13,360,000
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Neuropsychologist | ₹18,000,000 |
| Clinical Psychologist | ₹14,320,000 |
| Forensic Psychologist | ₹13,360,000 |
| Sports Psychologist | ₹12,880,000 |
| Counselling Psychologist | ₹12,480,000 |
Statistics
Statistics is a field that involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. It is a foundational subject for many disciplines, including social sciences, business, and natural sciences. According to the American Statistical Association (ASA), in 2022, there were over 120 universities and colleges in the United States offering undergraduate and graduate programs in statistics.
Top Universities
- MIT
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
Dropout Rate: 5.2%
Average Annual Salary: ₹7,996,800
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Quantitative Analyst | ₹11,200,000 |
| Data Scientist | ₹10,720,000 |
| Statistician | ₹8,640,000 |
| Operations Research Analyst | ₹7,840,000 |
| Actuarial Analyst | ₹7,360,000 |
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is considered one of the most challenging and abstract fields in physics. According to the American Institute of Physics (AIP), in the 2020-2021 academic year, there were around 3,700 students enrolled in graduate-level physics programs in the United States.
Top Universities
- MIT
- Stanford University
- University of Oxford
Dropout Rate: 7%
Average Annual Salary: ₹15,020,080
Highest Paying Jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary (INR) |
| Quantum Computing Researcher | ₹20,000,000 |
| Quantum Physicist | ₹18,160,000 |
| Quantum Algorithm Developer | ₹16,080,000 |
| Quantum Software Engineer | ₹15,760,000 |
| Quantum Cryptographer | ₹14,560,000 |
Please note: The average salaries and dropout rates provided are based on reputable sources, but they may vary depending on various factors such as location, experience, and specific job roles within each field.
Factors Determining Course Difficulty
You know the feeling of trying to paddle upstream without a paddle? Let’s find out what makes some courses feel exactly like that.
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Countries with the Toughest Education Systems
While individual courses might present formidable challenges, the broader national education systems also play a pivotal role in shaping the overall academic experience. Exploring these countries offers valuable insights into the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the creation of the world’s toughest education systems.
South Korea
South Korea continues to be among the top performers in major international student assessments. In the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2023 results, South Korean students ranked 1st in reading, 1st in mathematics, and 1st in science among OECD countries.
China
China’s education system remains highly competitive, with students from the Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces/municipalities continuing to excel in the PISA assessments. In the 2023 PISA results, these four Chinese provinces/municipalities ranked 1st in reading, 1st in mathematics, and 2nd in science among all participating countries and economies.
Japan
Japan’s education system continues to emphasise rigorous academics and examination-based assessments. In the PISA 2023 study, Japanese students ranked 4th in reading, 5th in mathematics, and 4th in science among OECD countries.
India
India’s higher education system continues to grow, with over 43,500,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions as of 2023-24, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report. The Indian education system maintains a strong focus on STEM fields.
Also Read: What is a STEM Degree: Courses List, Top Colleges & STEM Education
Singapore
Singapore’s education system remains among the top performers globally. In the PISA 2023 assessments, Singaporean students ranked 2nd in mathematics, 3rd in science, and 4th in reading among all participating countries and economies.
Finland
Finland continues to maintain its reputation for high-quality and equitable education. In the PISA 2023 study, Finnish students scored significantly above the OECD average in reading (3rd), mathematics (8th), and science (5th) among OECD countries.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s education system remains highly competitive, with students consistently performing well in international assessments. In the PISA 2023 results, Hong Kong ranked 2nd in reading, 3rd in mathematics, and 6th in science among all participating countries and economies.
United States
The US education system is known for its rigorous curricula and highly competitive admissions processes. Some of the toughest courses in the US include those in fields like medicine, law, engineering, and STEM disciplines. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), in the 2023-2024 application cycle, there were over 64,000 applicants for around 22,500 available seats in US medical schools, reflecting the intense competition.
United Kingdom
The UK’s higher education system is renowned for its academic excellence and demanding courses. Subjects like medicine, law, engineering, and mathematics are considered among the toughest in the UK. For instance, the University of Cambridge’s Mathematical Tripos is often regarded as one of the most challenging undergraduate mathematics programs worldwide. In 2023, over 18,000 students applied for around 7,500 places in medicine and dentistry programs at UK universities, highlighting the fierce competition.
Conclusion
Enrolling in one of the toughest courses in the world is a journey that demands dedication, intellectual capability, and an indomitable spirit. While the challenges are formidable, the rewards of success are equally profound—a deep understanding of complex subject matter, invaluable life skills, and the potential for rewarding careers.
Always keep in mind that with proper preparation, time management, and a growth mindset, even the most daunting courses can be conquered. Seize the opportunity to push your boundaries, expand your knowledge, and emerge as a well-rounded and highly sought-after professional.
If you’re considering pursuing one of these challenging courses, Leap Scholar can be your trusted partner. Our team of experienced advisors can guide you through the application process, provide valuable insights, and support you every step of the way. Explore our services today and take the first step towards realising your academic dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What factors contribute to the difficulty of the courses mentioned in this article?
A: Several factors determine the difficulty level of these courses, including subject complexity, workload, teaching styles, assessment methods, and prerequisites. Courses that demand advanced theoretical knowledge, require substantial time commitment, employ rigorous evaluation methods, and have stringent entry requirements are generally considered among the toughest in the world.
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Q: How does the country’s education system impact the difficulty of courses?
A: The education system and academic culture of a country can significantly influence the difficulty of courses. Countries with rigorous academic environments, such as South Korea, China, and India, often have highly competitive entrance examinations and intensive study schedules, contributing to the overall challenge of courses offered in these nations.
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Q: What are the potential benefits of pursuing one of the toughest courses in the world?
A: Pursuing one of the toughest courses in the world can provide numerous benefits including
-Gaining in-depth knowledge and expertise in a specialised field
-Developing resilience and perseverance
-Enhancing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Additionally, graduates of these courses may have access to lucrative career opportunities and higher earning potential. -
Q: What is considered the toughest degree in the world?
A: Degree programs in fields like medicine, law, physics, and engineering are often regarded as among the toughest in the world due to their rigorous curricula, extensive coursework, and demanding examinations.
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Q: Which are some of the most difficult courses in the world?
A: Courses in subjects like quantum mechanics, astrophysics, organic chemistry, and advanced mathematics are frequently cited as being among the most difficult courses in the world, requiring a deep understanding of complex concepts and problem-solving skills.
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Q: What is the toughest engineering course in the world?
A: While opinions may vary, some of the engineering courses that are often considered the toughest include aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, and electrical engineering, due to their highly technical nature and extensive use of advanced mathematics and physics.
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Q: Can you name some of the most difficult courses in the world for undergraduate students?
A: Some of the most difficult undergraduate courses in the world are said to include the following.
-Organic chemistry
-Multivariable calculus
-Quantum mechanics
-Courses in theoretical physics -
Q: Which is the toughest course in the world to get admission into?
A: Admission to highly competitive programs like medicine, law, and certain engineering disciplines, such as at prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, or the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), is often considered extremely challenging due to the limited number of seats and high academic requirements.
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Q: What makes a degree program one of the toughest in the world?
A: Factors that contribute to a degree program being considered among the toughest in the world include the following.
-Highly demanding curriculum
-Extensive coursework
-Rigorous examinations
-Intense competition for limited seats
The need for exceptional academic abilities and dedication -
Q: Are there any specific toughest degree programs in the world for postgraduate studies?
A: Postgraduate programs in fields like theoretical physics, advanced mathematics, and certain branches of engineering, such as nuclear engineering or aerospace engineering, are often regarded as being among the toughest in the world due to the complexity of the subject matter and the high level of expertise required.
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Q: How do difficult courses in the world differ from regular college courses?
A: Difficult courses typically involve more advanced and complex subject matter, require a deeper understanding of concepts, involve more extensive coursework and assignments, and have a higher level of academic rigour than regular college courses.
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Q: What are some strategies for succeeding in the toughest courses in the world?
A: To succeed in the toughest courses in the world, strategies may include
-Excellent time management
-Consistent effort and dedication
-Seeking help from professors or tutors when needed
-Forming study groups
-Developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
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