At universities in the USA and Asia, AI-based systems adapt tasks to the student’s level, offer individual trajectories and analyze weak points. In Europe, AI is actively used for automatic verification of work and simulations of real business and engineering problems.
Training becomes personalized, the ability to work with intelligent systems, interpret data and make decisions based on it comes to the fore.
Higher education is increasingly shifting towards a skill-based model. Employers in the USA, Canada and the UK are increasingly interested in portfolios, internships, and real-life cases rather than just a diploma.
Universities understand this and try to prepare specialists who, in addition to their “credentials,” have a set of practical results that can be shown to the employer.
The future belongs to those who know how to connect different areas. In 2026, the most in-demand programs combine technology, business and the humanities. In the USA, Germany and Singapore, areas such as data science + economics, bioinformatics, digital marketing + analytics are actively developing.
Flexible curricula allow students to create a unique profile that is less easily replaced by automation and sets them apart from other graduates.
Online and offline today complement each other more than ever. Universities in Europe and Canada offer hybrid programs, where some courses can be taken remotely and others on campus.
There is also a growing market for micro-credentials and certificates that can be accumulated and combined into a full-fledged diploma. This gives you flexibility and allows you to respond faster to market changes.
Communication with business becomes standard. In the US and Canada, paid internships are included in the curriculum, and in Europe, internships are often required for graduation.
Students gain real-world work experience, industry contacts and an understanding of market demands. This directly increases your chances of employment after graduation.
In 2026, universities and employers value how an individual works as a team. Leadership, communication, critical thinking and emotional intelligence are becoming important factors in getting into top universities and also in scholarships in the US, Canada, UK and Europe.
Many programs include mandatory courses in presentation, teamwork, and project management because these are the skills that allow graduates to adapt more quickly to an international environment.
Environment, renewable energy, ESG and sustainable business are among the fastest growing areas. European and Canadian universities are receiving significant funding for sustainability programs, and Asian countries are actively investing in green technologies.
This creates demand for specialists in the fields of renewable energy, environmental engineering, sustainable finance, and climate analytics. For applicants, this means more grants and career opportunities.
Students are less and less likely to study according to strictly fixed programs. In the USA and the Netherlands, you can combine subjects from different faculties, obtain double majors and build your own academic plan.
This allows you to tailor your training to your career goals and strengthen your profile for the labor market.
The number of international applicants is growing and scholarships are becoming more competitive. Universities in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia are increasingly selecting candidates based on projects, research and personal history.
Early preparation and a strong personal brand make all the difference.
The strongest demand is expected in areas related to technology, science and sustainable development. The top includes:
There is also growing interest in digital humanities, which combines analytics and social research.
Applicants who take into account trends receive an undeniable advantage. It is important to choose programs that offer practice, interdisciplinarity, and flexibility. It is useful to develop a profile in advance through projects, internships and research so that it meets the requirements of universities and scholarship programs.
A competent profile analysis and selection of countries, universities and programs taking into account global trends and scholarships allow you to make education a confident step towards an international career.
