Top 19 Toughest Courses in the World in 2025 | Amber
With little bit of hard work, nothing is tough!
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Ever feel like your brain is about to explode from studying? Think your current coursework is tough? Hold tight because we are diving into the top 19 toughest courses in the world! From Medicine, which has an average dropout rate of 18.4%, to Quantum Mechanics, with an acceptance rate of only 22.23%, and Philosophy, where over 42% of students drop out, this list of the toughest courses in the world will have you saying, "Maybe organic chemistry wasn't so bad after all!" Get ready to be amazed (and maybe a little terrified) by the intellectual challenges these courses offer.
Factors Defining What Makes a Course Difficult
Understanding the toughest courses in the world may have a significant influence on a student's academic career. Several factors influence students' learning experiences and outcomes, including the perceived difficulty of the course they're aiming to pursue. Determining the toughest courses in the world involves several aspects:
1. Subject Complexity
The complexity of the hardest courses in the world and their alignment with the student's prior knowledge can have a substantial influence on the level of the toughest courses in the world.
2. Study Intensity
The sheer number of assignments, readings, and projects adds to the perceived difficulty, as maintaining a well-balanced workload management may be exhausting for these toughest courses in the world.
3. Methodology of Teaching
How effectively students absorb topics from the most difficult subject in the world is influenced by the instructor's teaching style, communication, and clarity of instruction.
4. Evaluation Techniques
Evaluation methods such as exams, essays, or practical assignments affect the ease of assessment and can impact student stress levels of any toughest subject in the world.
5. Impact of Personal Learning Styles
A student's personal interests and learning style can influence their perception of the toughest courses in the world. A student who is enthusiastic about the topic might find a course engaging, while another who has trouble grasping may find it frustrating.
6. Foundational Requirements
The toughest course in the world with particular requirements assumes a certain level of expertise. Students may struggle if these criteria are not met.
7. Admission Exams
Admission to many courses means passing an entrance exam designed to challenge the students to get the most knowledge from the pool of applicants for the hardest courses in college.
Top 19 Toughest Courses in the World
While many courses are available worldwide, some are known for their intricate complexities, academic rigour, and intellectual depth. Here is a list of the top 19 most difficult courses in the world for all students that they should add to their student internship bucket. You will also learn about the universities that provide this education, the average salary, the acceptance rate and the highest jobs in each field.
1. Medicine
Dropout rate: 18.4%
Average acceptance rate: 3-4%
Subjects covered: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Clinical Medicine
One of the toughest courses in the world is the study of medicine. After all, learning about the many intricacies of the human body is not an easy feat! The course duration is usually five years, and one needs to complete another three years if one wishes to specialise in any particular medical field. You can choose from some of the top countries to pursue an MBBS, which suits your budget and career opportunities.
Eligibility criteria:
1. High school diploma or equivalent qualifications
2. A four-year master's degree from an accredited college or university
3. Preparatory work in Biology, English, and other courses that meet the requirements of the medical school they are applying to
4. A minimum GPA of 3.3 in college
5. Minimum TOEFL and IELTS results
6. Minimum MCAT or UCAT exam result (set by each university individually)
7. Evidence of research or community work experience related to medicine and healthcare
Top Universities for Medicine
1. Stanford University
2. University of Oxford
3. University of Cambridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most difficult course in the world?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was chosen as the toughest course in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records on 18 May 2011.
Which is the toughest degree in the world?
The difficulty of a degree can depend on many factors, including the individual’s strengths and interests. However, degrees in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Chartered Accountancy are often considered to be among the most challenging.
What are some tips for succeeding in the hardest courses?
To succeed in hard courses, stay organized, attend classes, and engage actively. Study consistently, take effective notes, and use resources like office hours and study groups. Practice regularly, seek help early, maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage your time wisely, and stay positive.
Which is Asia's most difficult exam?
Some of the toughest exams in Asia include the Indian Civil Services Examination (UPSC), the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in India, Gaokao in China, the National Examination in Indonesia, and the University Entrance Exam in South Korea (College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
What are the most common misconceptions about the toughest courses in the world?
A common misconception about the toughest courses in the world, such as Medicine, Mathematics, and Physics, are universally the toughest. However, the difficulty of the toughest courses in the world can vary greatly depending on the individual’s strengths, interests, and the specific requirements of the course.