Top 10 Most Valuable Degrees in Canada

Education is an investment!

If you’re coming to study in Canada, I urge you to be proactive in choosing a program of study, especially if you plan to stay back and work in Canada.

Do your research and check how relevant your program is before making a final selection. International students pay 3-5 time more in tuition than local students, and you want your investment to be totally worth it.

Recently, I came across the Top 10 Most Valuable Degrees in Canada according to the Royal Bank of Canada. This ranking is by the highest average salaries compared to tuition costs.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it is to give applicants information on Degrees with good returns on (education) investment. “No matter what program you choose in the end, with careful budgeting, planning & hard work, you can find success in any field.” – RBC

1) Business/Management Sciences:

The discipline is more tied to mathematics than commerce and will teach students about theories and models in statistics and programming. It will also teach students how to apply the knowledge/skills to a variety of business problems. This is a skill and profession that is in demand!

2) Petroleum or Chemical Engineering:

They learn about subjects such as fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and process modeling in order to design operations that will transform raw material into specified products for industries (oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or energy).

3) Finance:

Students who specialize in finance will learn how to plan, manage, and analyze the financial aspects of businesses, banks, and other organizations. They will work as analysts in a variety of financial roles.

4) Pharmacology/Pharmacy:

After obtaining this degree, you will also complete an exam with the Pharmacy Examination Board of Canada, complete an apprenticeship & become registered with your province’s college. There is a government projection that there will be a shortage of pharmacists until at least 2024.

5) Geosciences:

This can lead to work in mineral and petroleum exploration, environmental consulting, and urban projects, among others. These skills are highly valued in Canada’s mining industry.

6) Computer Science, Computer/Software Engineering:

The number of computer/software engineers needed is expected to grow in the next few years according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS). This is as a result of high business investment in the technology sector.

7) Business Administration:

There are plenty of opportunities for those with a Business Administration Degree. Business Administration and Business services management encompasses a range of firms including legal, payroll, market research, and accounting. There is always something to do.

8) Specialized Engineering:

Specialized engineers work in fields like agriculture, construction, textiles, and biomedicine, but the work is still typical of an engineer. They manage processes, build equipment, and supervise installations.

9) Nursing:

Nurse practitioners can have more responsibility than registered nurses. You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing followed by additional training. Alternatively, you could obtain a Master’s Degree in Nursing if you already have a Bachelor’s Degree in the field. Job availabilities in healthcare are predicted to remain stable.

10) Civil Engineering:

Civil engineers are involved in multiple stages of building projects, from design to construction, and may work on a range of infrastructural projects such as roads, bridges, towers, buildings, and water supply systems. There is always something to do.

Importantly, in any field you find yourself, build your skills as you earn your Degree!

In a volatile economy and era of technological change, students are required to apply knowledge and skills to meet job needs and to succeed in the workplace. So, ensure you are keeping your skills updated in your field!

NB: If you are moving to Canada and have a career in a field not listed above, it doesn’t mean your field is not useful. Make sure you do your own research and know what you need to succeed in your profession.

This article by the World Economic Forum (WES) provides good information about the future of jobs. You can read about this here.

I hope this helps!

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NB: The posts and information on this website are not legal advice.

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