Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the World in 2025 [Updated]

Are you up for an extreme academic challenge? Want a degree that will push your limits, test your perseverance, and demand your intellectual prowess? We're talking about the hardest degrees in the world. Check out the top 10 hardest degree in the world in this article and understand why are they so challenging!

What is the meaning of the hardest degrees in the world? While studying abroad, the toughest degrees in the world are those degrees which are mostly in-demand, challenging, have difficult coursework, in-between internships or work experience and completion of research projects. 

Degrees hardest in the world, usually have lower acceptance rates and their admission criteria are also very competitive. Thus, based on these parameters, we have curated a list of the hardest degrees in the world for international students, so go check it out now!

List of Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the World 2025

Here’s a list of top 10 hardest degrees in the world that international students must keep a note of:

Check out the section below for a details on why the above given degrees are the hardest in the world. 

Also Read:

• Top 10 Easiest Courses in the World
• Top 10 Most Unusual Degrees in the World

Hardest Degrees in the World 2025

Check out why the below-given degrees are the hardest ones in the world for international students and also why they are the toughest. 

1. BE/BTech

Why is BE/BTech the hardest degree in the world? BE/BTech abroad is one of the toughest degree programs in the world because:

• One of the technical degrees is a stepping stone for students in postgraduate courses.
• It is also one of the hardest degrees in the world because most students report having backlogs across semesters in BE/BTech.
• Students who pursue BE/BTech have a lot of coursework, assignments, projects, and seminars, which leaves no scope for additional work.
• BE/BTech students face difficulty in passing the exams because of the technicalities, making this degree the hardest in the world. 

BE/BTech Degree Highlights

2. LLB

Why is LLB the hardest degree in the world?: LLB is also the hardest degree in the world and here are the reasons why:

• Because of the number of laws, LLB requires a lot of law literature. This, in turn, makes LLB the hardest degree in the world.
• Secondly, LLB is also the hardest degree in the world at the bachelor’s level because students have to be technically correct. 
• The LLB curriculum is vast, so it can overwhelm students, which is also why it is the hardest in the world.
• Finally, LLB exams are tough and very challenging, and thus, the majority of students find it difficult to pass them. 

LLB Degree Abroad Highlights

3. MD Degree

Why is MD the hardest degree in the world?: MD is also the hardest degree in the world. Based on a variety of parameters, here's why MD is the toughest degree globally:

• The MD degree's course curriculum globally is generally very tough and requires students always to be physically and mentally involved.
• If they pursue an MD degree abroad, they will not have time for hobbies or socialising. 
• MD is challenging at its level; on one particular day, an MD student must deal with many medicines, formulae, and practicals and projects.

Because of these parameters, Master's in Medicine is among the top 10 hardest degrees in the world.

MD Degree Abroad Highlights 

4. MBBS

Why is MBBS the hardest degree in the world?: MBBS is one of the hardest degrees in the world. MBBS abroad is also the hardest degree in the world. MBBS admissions are also very tough and selection is also very selective. Other reasons why MBBS is the hardest degree in the world are:

• MBBS is the hardest degree in the world because it is the longest bachelor-level course, six years.
• One year of residency is important to pass the MBBS degree, which is also challenging for students.
• The MBBS degree is also the hardest among other bachelor’s degree courses because it includes everything—coursework, practicals, projects, assignments, and even workshops or seminars. 
• There is always so much to learn, from medicines to formulae and whatnot, in MBBS, making it harder for students and, in turn, making it the toughest degree for study.  

MBBS Degree Abroad Highlights

Applicants applying for MD in the USA must note that they have to take MBBS+MD in the USA as a whole. There is no concept of MBBS in the USA; in fact, an MD degree is taught there. 

Check out Why Study MBBS Abroad?

5. LLM

Why is LLM the hardest degree in the world?: LLM abroad is also a very difficult degree to complete and is considered one of the hardest degrees in the world. The reason being:

• LLM is a demanding course with lots of reading, giving mocks, attending seminars and preparing for exams and assignments simultaneously.
• LLM is the toughest degree in the world also because of its challenging modules and rigorous curriculum design.
• Students usually cannot pursue any additional activity along with an LLM degree because the course curriculum does not allow for it.
• LLM is also the hardest degree in the world because students' time management is challenged.

Thus, overall, LLM is very challenging and demanding. Though it is the hardest degree in the world, finding a job after LLM is still difficult. This is the only course where this kind of circumstance exists. 

LLM Abroad Highlights

Also Read:

• Hardest Courses in the World
• Hardest Languages in the World

6. MBA

Why is MBA the hardest degree in the world? MBAs are also among the hardest degrees because of their worldwide demand, which is accompanied by tougher competition and selection processes. MBA abroad is among the top 10 hardest degrees in the world because of the following reasons: 

• MBA is the hardest degree in the world because it requires its applicants to score well on the GRE or GMAT, have prior work experience and be at the top of their class.
• MBA curriculum is vast and with internships kicking in between, it can make it tougher for students to complete with good scores.
• Another reason why MBA is the hardest is that it constantly challenges its students. 
• While there are pros to choosing the hardest MBA degree program, students can also enjoy lucrative job opportunities. 

Check:

• Top 10 MBA Colleges in the World 
• MBA from India or Abroad: Which is Better?

MBA Abroad Highlights

7. MS Degree 

Why are MS & MD (Medicine) the hardest degrees in the world?: As the name suggests, Master of Surgery is a postgraduate course after MBBS and is one of the toughest degrees in the world. MD and MS have been separated because they have different degrees and specialisations. Thus, MS or Masters in Surgery is also one of the toughest degrees in the world, let us check out how: 

• The master of Surgery degree is the toughest but very rewarding because of its complex learning procedures. 
• There is a commitment to continuous learning and a promise of consistency to hone your skills to perfection for being a successful surgeon.
• Surgeons have some of the highest-paid jobs in the world, and thus, so are their training and education. 
• Finally, those who are enrolled in a master of Surgery program must devote a lot of their time and energy to completing their degree successfully. 

Students with good concentration skills and a passion for becoming a surgeon can choose this tough degree for study. 

MS Abroad Highlights

8. MSc Degree 

Why is an MSc the hardest degree in the world?: MS abroad or MSc as it is commonly referred to is also one of the world’s toughest degrees. Check out why:

• MS is a science-based course, a level up from a bachelor’s, so students usually find it difficult.
• Completing an MS degree can be tough because either a dissertation or research work will be required, or coursework can be considered. 
• MS constitutes a complex curriculum that is spread over 1-2 years. In between, students must complete it and, in some cases, gain work experience. 
• While MS degrees are tough, the subjects chosen might be even tougher, making them even harder to earn. 

MS is usually the next best option for those who wish to go into research, which is why it can be tougher than other degree programs worldwide. 

MSc Degree Abroad Highlights

9. CA Degree

Why is CA considered the hardest degree in the world?: CA degree is a professional degree which is very challenging. Reasons why it is the toughest degree globally is because of the following reasons: 

• The nature of CA degree coursework is tough. It is a long journey of 5 years which requires a lot of hard work.
• Applicants must pass a series of exams, making the CA degree the hardest. 
• The CA degree also requires its students to have three years of articleship experience, and they have to pass the CA finals, which is tough. 
• Missing an attempt for an exam over five years of the CA degree can make things tougher for students in future. 

Thus, the exams of CA are tough, articleship is challenging and finally qualifying for CA’s exams is the hardest. All three of these aspects make CA one of the world’s hardest degrees. 

CA Degree Highlights

Check: Masters vs PhD: Which one is right for you?

10. PhD 

Why is a PhD the hardest degree in the world? PhD abroad is one of the hardest degree in the world because of the following reasons:

• The research is vast, and so is the depth of study. Choosing the right research project topic and completing it is a task.
• PhD is the hardest degree because it is the pinnacle of educational qualifications, thus, a lot of hard work, research work and brainstorming is required.
• What also makes a PhD one of the most hardest degrees in the world is its nature of research, which should be of very high standards.
• The final thesis submission also requires a couple of rounds of clearance. Applicants have to undergo a tough interview with evaluators who finally approve or disprove them. 

Unless everything is clear, acceptance for the thesis and awarding a PhD can take some time. This is why PhD is one of the hardest degrees in the world.  

PhD Degree Highlights:

Check: 

• Trending Research Paper Topics for Students
• How to Apply for PhD Abroad in 2025
• Top PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Pursuing one of the world's hardest degrees is a feat reserved for the bravest souls. It's a journey filled with sleepless nights, mountains of coursework, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These programs are designed to mould the brightest minds into experts in their respective fields, preparing them for careers that shape industries and drive innovation. It is good for you if you have decided on your hardest degree program and are heading in the right direction. But if you want a second opinion, you can sign up for free counselling at Shiksha Abroad Counselling. You can also get in touch with us in the comments below. Good luck!