Choosing the right degree is a big decision. If you’re planning to study abroad, you might be wondering: Which degrees are the hardest to complete? Some courses demand years of dedication, complex subjects, and intense practical training.
In this article, we will explore the hardest degrees in the world and what makes them challenging. If you are an international student and thinking of studying abroad, this guide will help you understand which degrees require the most effort and whether they are worth it.
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Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the World
Some degrees demand extreme dedication, long study hours, and tough exams. These courses challenge students mentally and physically, requiring years of commitment. If you’re considering a difficult degree, be prepared for intense coursework, practical training, and high-pressure assessments.
However, these degrees also lead to rewarding careers and high salaries. Here are the top 10 hardest degrees in the world that test a student’s skills, patience, and determination.
Medicine (MBBS, MD)
Duration: 5–7 years
Why is it hard?
- Medicine is one of the hardest degrees in the world because it requires a deep understanding of the human body, diseases, and treatments.
- Students must study complex subjects like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
- Practical training includes hospital rounds, diagnosing patients, and assisting in surgeries.
- The pressure is immense since doctors make life-saving decisions daily.
Practical Training: Clinical rotations, hospital internships, and assisting in surgeries.
Entrance Exam: NEET (India), MCAT (USA), UKCAT (UK).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia.
Engineering (Various Branches)
Duration: 4–5 years
Why is it hard?
- Engineering requires strong problem-solving skills and deep knowledge of math, physics, and technical subjects.
- Students work on complex projects, build prototypes, and solve real-world challenges.
- Popular fields include Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Science Engineering.
- Exams and coursework are tough, and projects require long hours of dedication.
Practical Training: Lab work, industrial internships, and project-based learning.
Entrance Exam: JEE (India), SAT (USA), GATE (for PG courses in India).
Best Countries to Study: USA, Germany, Canada, UK, Australia.
Architecture
Duration: 5 years
Why is it hard?
- Architecture combines creativity with technical skills, requiring students to master structural design, physics, and material science.
- The workload is heavy, with continuous assignments, project work, and model building.
- Students spend long hours designing buildings, making technical drawings, and understanding construction laws.
- Final projects take months of effort, testing patience and dedication.
Practical Training: Designing projects, model building, site visits, and internships.
Entrance Exam: NATA (India), SAT (USA), UCAS (UK).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy.
Law
Duration: 3–6 years (varies by country)
Why is it hard?
- Law students memorize hundreds of legal cases, laws, and precedents to understand how the legal system works.
- It requires strong analytical and reasoning skills to interpret complex legal texts.
- Law exams are highly challenging, and the bar exam is one of the toughest in the world.
- Lawyers deal with intense arguments, critical thinking, and high-pressure court cases.
Practical Training: Moot courts, legal internships, and client counselling.
Entrance Exam: CLAT (India), LSAT (USA, Canada), LNAT (UK).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany.
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Duration: 5–7 years
Why is it hard?
- CA is one of the most difficult finance degrees due to its complex subjects, including accounting, taxation, and auditing.
- The exams have a very low pass rate, making them difficult to complete.
- Students need strong analytical and numerical skills to manage company finances.
- Many students drop out due to the extreme difficulty of the syllabus and exams.
Practical Training: Articleship (Internship under a CA firm).
Entrance Exam: CA Foundation, IPCC, CA Final (India), CPA (USA), ACCA (UK).
Best Countries to Study: India, UK, USA, Canada, Singapore.
Pharmacy
Duration: 4–6 years
Why is it hard?
- Pharmacy students study medicine formulations, drug interactions, and chemical compositions in detail.
- A small mistake can have life-threatening consequences for patients.
- The degree involves intense practical training, requiring deep knowledge of medical science.
- Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines.
Practical Training: Lab research, drug formulation, and clinical trials.
Entrance Exam: GPAT (India), PCAT (USA), GAMSAT (Australia).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia.
Dentistry
Duration: 5–6 years
Why is it hard?
- Dentistry requires both medical knowledge and excellent hand skills for performing dental surgeries and procedures.
- Dental students work on real patients, requiring a steady hand and high precision.
- The course is expensive due to the cost of specialized equipment and materials.
- Exams are tough, with a combination of written tests, practical skills, and patient treatments.
Practical Training: Dental procedures, clinical training, and patient diagnosis.
Entrance Exam: NEET (India), DAT (USA), UCAT (UK).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany.
Psychology
Duration: 4–6 years
Why is it hard?
- Psychology students study human behaviour, mental disorders, and the brain’s functioning.
- Requires strong observational and analytical skills to understand human emotions and mental health issues.
- Involves research work, case studies, and real-world training in therapy and counselling.
- Psychology careers require additional certifications and practical experience, making it a long journey.
Practical Training: Case studies, counselling practice, and research projects.
Entrance Exam: GRE (USA), NET (India), GATE (India for MA Psychology).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany.
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Nursing
Duration: 3–4 years
Why is it hard?
- Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding course.
- Students must learn medical procedures, patient care, and emergency response techniques.
- Requires long hospital shifts and dealing with stressful life-and-death situations.
- Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, often working under high pressure with doctors and surgeons.
Practical Training: Hospital internships, patient care, and clinical practice.
Entrance Exam: NCLEX (USA), AIIMS Nursing (India), UCAT (UK).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
Astronomy
Duration: 4–6 years
Why is it hard?
- Astronomy requires advanced knowledge of physics, mathematics, and space science.
- Students deal with complex equations, theories, and astronomical observations.
- Research work is highly technical, involving high-level calculations and space exploration studies.
- Astronomers often work on cutting-edge space projects, requiring long hours of study and research.
Practical Training: Observational research, telescope handling, and data analysis.
Entrance Exam: JEE (India), GRE Physics (USA), SAT (USA).
Best Countries to Study: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the World
| Rank | Degree | Duration | Key Challenges |
| 1 | Medicine (MBBS, MD) | Complex math, problem-solving, and technical skills | High-pressure, difficult exams, long training |
| 2 | Engineering (Various) | 4–5 years | Complex math, problem-solving, technical skills |
| 3 | Architecture | 5 years | Creativity, physics, heavy workload |
| 4 | Law | 3–6 years | Memorization, tough exams, legal cases |
| 5 | Chartered Accountancy (CA) | 5–7 years | Low pass rate, financial complexity |
| 6 | Pharmacy | 4–6 years | Chemistry, drug safety, high responsibility |
| 7 | Dentistry | 5–6 years | Practical skills, costly training |
| 8 | Psychology | 4–6 years | Deep research, behavioural science |
| 9 | Nursing | 3–4 years | Patient care, emergency work, long hours |
| 10 | Astronomy | 4–6 years | Physics, space research, advanced math |
Hardest Degrees Based on Specialization
Not all degrees are tough in the same way. Some are challenging due to complex subjects like math and science, while others require extensive memorization, creativity, or problem-solving skills. If you are planning to study abroad, knowing the hardest degrees based on specialization can help you choose the right path.
Here, we break down the most difficult degrees into three categories: Science, Business, and Arts. Let’s explore what makes these courses demanding and whether they are the right fit for you.
Hardest Science Degrees
Science-based degrees are among the toughest in the world. They involve heavy practical training, complex theories, and rigorous exams. These degrees demand long study hours, hands-on training, and advanced problem-solving skills, making them some of the hardest in the world. Below are some of the science-related hardest degrees in the world.
Medicine (MBBS, MD)
- Why is it hard? Requires deep knowledge of human anatomy, diseases, and surgeries.
- Time Required: 5–7 years, including internships and residencies.
- Challenge: Intense studying, practical training, and emotional pressure.
- Career: Doctor, Surgeon, Medical Researcher.
Pharmacy
- Why is it hard? Involves chemistry, drug formulation, and patient safety.
- Time Required: 4–6 years.
- Challenge: Complex chemical reactions, patient care responsibilities.
- Career: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher.
Engineering (Various Branches)
- Why is it hard? Requires strong analytical skills, problem-solving, and technical expertise.
- Time Required: 4–5 years.
- Challenge: High-level mathematics, physics, and real-world applications.
- Career: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer.
Hardest Business Degrees
Business degrees might not require as much science, but they demand strong analytical thinking, financial knowledge, and high competition. These degrees are tough because they demand high accuracy, in-depth financial knowledge, and quick decision-making skills. If you’re planning a career in finance, prepare for long study hours and competitive exams.
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
- Why is it hard? Involves finance, taxation, and auditing with difficult exams.
- Time Required: 5–7 years.
- Challenge: One of the lowest pass rates in the world (10–15%).
- Career: Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Financial Consultant.
Finance & Investment Banking
- Why is it hard? Requires knowledge of global markets, complex calculations, and risk management.
- Time Required: 4–6 years (including certifications like CFA).
- Challenge: Heavy competition, stressful decision-making.
- Career: Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Hedge Fund Manager.
Hardest Arts Degrees
Many people think Arts degrees are easy, but some require intense memorization, creativity, and practical application. Arts degrees are challenging in a different way. They require strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making them tough but rewarding for the right students. Here we have listed some hardest art degrees in the world.
Law
- Why is it hard? Involves studying laws, and legal cases, and extensive memorization.
- Time Required: 3–6 years (depending on the country).
- Challenge: Tough bar exams, courtroom pressure, legal research.
- Career: Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Judge.
Architecture
- Why is it hard? Requires creativity, technical drawing, and engineering knowledge.
- Time Required: 5 years.
- Challenge: Heavy workload, designing complex structures, long project hours.
- Career: Architect, Urban Planner.
Journalism & Mass Communication
- Why is it hard? Requires fast thinking, excellent writing, and investigative skills.
- Time Required: 3–4 years.
- Challenge: High-pressure work environment, tight deadlines, and public scrutiny.
- Career: Journalist, News Anchor, Media Consultant.
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Why Are These Degrees So Tough?
If you’re planning to pursue one of the hardest degrees in the world, it’s important to understand why they are so challenging. These degrees demand years of dedication, intense study, and hands-on training. Many students drop out or switch courses because they underestimate the difficulty. Here are the key challenges that make these degrees tough:
- Time Commitment – Many of these degrees take 5–7 years to complete. Long study duration means years of exams, assignments, and practical training before you can start your career.
- High Competition – Entrance exams for degrees like Medicine, Law, and Engineering are extremely competitive. Only the top-ranked students secure admission, making it harder to get in.
- Tough Exams – These degrees require long hours of study and deep understanding. Medicine students memorize thousands of medical terms, engineers solve complex equations, and law students master legal codes.
- Expensive Education – Some degrees come with high tuition fees and costly materials. For example, medical students need expensive textbooks, lab equipment, and hospital training, while architecture students buy costly design software and tools.
- Practical Work – Many degrees involve internships, lab work, and real-world projects. For example, doctors train in hospitals, engineers build prototypes, and psychologists handle real patients. Balancing theory and practical work is a major challenge.
Is It Worth Studying for a Hard Degree?
Choosing a difficult degree can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re going abroad to study. You might wonder if all the effort, sleepless nights, and stress are worth it. The answer is yes, but only if you are truly passionate about it. Hard degrees come with challenges, but they also offer great rewards. Here are five reasons why studying a hard degree can be worth it:
1. High-Salary Jobs: Many of the hardest degrees lead to some of the highest-paying careers. If earning a high income is your goal, a tough degree can be a good investment.
- Doctors, Engineers, and Lawyers earn six-figure salaries.
- Jobs in AI, Cybersecurity, and Finance also pay extremely well.
- Specialized skills mean you can negotiate better salaries.
2. Global Career Opportunities: Hard degrees give you job security and worldwide demand. A challenging degree opens doors to international job markets and better career options.
- Doctors, Engineers, and Finance professionals are needed everywhere.
- Tech and AI-related fields have booming opportunities abroad.
- Some careers, like Medicine and Law, allow you to work in multiple countries.
3. Strong Personal Growth & Skills: Hard degrees train your brain to think critically and improve problem-solving. Even if the degree is tough, the skills you gain will help you in any career.
- You develop discipline, time management, and research skills.
- Overcoming challenges builds confidence and resilience.
- You become an expert in your field, making you highly valued.
4. Respect & Prestige: Difficult degrees come with social recognition and professional respect. People admire those who take on difficult challenges and succeed.
- Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, and Scientists are respected worldwide.
- Employers value graduates with challenging academic backgrounds.
- Having a hard degree can give you an edge over competitors.
5. A Secure & Stable Future: If job stability matters to you, a hard degree is a safe choice. While easier courses may have uncertain career paths, difficult degrees offer long-term benefits.
- Careers in Healthcare, Engineering, and Law are always in demand.
- Even during recessions, specialized professionals keep their jobs.
- Hard degrees lead to long-term career growth and job security.
These top 10 hardest degrees in the world demand commitment, patience, and passion. However, if you excel in any of these fields, they can lead to prestigious careers with high salaries and global recognition. If you’re up for the challenge, these degrees can open the doors to a bright and rewarding future.
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FAQs on Hardest Degrees in the World
The hardest degree in the world is often considered to be Medicine, followed by Engineering, Architecture, Law, and Chartered Accountancy. These degrees require years of study, intense coursework, and practical training.
Medicine is tougher in terms of science, memorization, and practical experience, while Law is difficult due to reading, reasoning, and legal interpretation. Both are among the hardest degrees in the world.
Countries like India, China, the UK, and the US have some of the toughest education systems, especially in fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
The toughest branches of Engineering include Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering. These fields require deep knowledge of physics, mechanics, and design principles.
Yes, Law is difficult because students must analyze legal cases, memorize complex laws, and develop strong reasoning skills. It also requires extensive reading, writing, and argumentation.
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is tough because of its high failure rate, complex financial concepts, and long preparation time. Students must clear multiple levels of exams that test their accounting and analytical skills.
Architecture is tough because it combines technical knowledge, creativity, and long working hours. Students must master design, mathematics, and structural analysis while creating detailed building plans.
A degree is considered the hardest based on length of study, complexity of subjects, workload, pass rate, and practical application. Degrees in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and CA rank among the most difficult.
Engineering and Medicine have high dropout rates due to challenging coursework, heavy workload, and exam pressure. Many students switch to easier courses or struggle to complete the program.
Yes, a PhD is harder than most degrees because it involves years of research, writing a thesis, and defending it in front of experts. However, some undergraduate degrees are more demanding in terms of daily workload.
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