Science vs Commerce: A Career-Focused Comparison
Cut through the confusion between Science and Commerce with this practical guide to subjects and career potential for those planning to build a strong foundation for a global career.
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years in International Education
The most common subjects of study among students are Science and Commerce. Most students after the tenth grade are torn between studying Science and studying business. While there are several career prospects in both sectors, there are additional considerations to consider before picking between the two.
Moreover, choosing the right field of study will dictate your future, not just academically but also career-wise. In fact, as more and more students choose to study abroad, we have seen a common trend when Science students pursue an MBA after a bachelor's. However, choosing to study a Science programme after an undergraduate degree in Commerce is nearly impossible.
You may be predisposed towards a particular field based on rumour, but you don't want to base your selection on that. So, if you are undecided between the two, here's all the information you need to solve the issue of Science versus Commerce.
Science Vs Commerce: Overview
Let's start with a quick glance at the Science vs Commerce debate:
| Criteria | Science | Commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics | Economics, Business, Accounting, Mathematics |
| Best for | Engineering, Technology or Medicine-related careers | Business, Entrepreneurship, Management or Accounting-related careers |
| Difficulty Level | Rigorous than commerce | Considered easier than Science |
| Main focus | Scientific formulas, equations, math-oriented, experiments | Theory-based and mathematical both |
| Careers | Engineer, IT Analyst, Research Scientist, Doctor, etc. | Manager, CA, CS, Economist, Research Associate |
| Courses after 12th | BTech, MBBS, BE, BSc | BCom, BCA, BMS, BBS, BBA |
The subject you choose will dictate the global career you are able to pursue. Speak directly with an academic counsellor for free and get 1-on-1 subject selection session to align your strengths with international university requirements.
Why Study Science Abroad?
As a prospective international student, if you are considering the benefits of studying science abroad, then take a look at this brief list of reasons why you should study science abroad.
- Unmatched Access to Immense Funding and Infrastructure: Being such an expensive endeavour, access to cutting-edge equipment may be more restricted in your home country than in one where comparatively large investments are made every year for research and development. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries like the USA, South Korea, Germany and many more, invest upwards of 3% to 4.5%of their GDP into research and development.
- Higher Citation Impact on Research Papers: Choosing to study science abroad will open up opportunities to integrate yourself into international research labs. With the help of your expanded global network, your research and thesis will automatically place you as a prominent and highly cited researcher/scientist.
- Easier and Quicker Integration in Global Networks: According to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Engineering Indicators, the world has become highly interconnected. A large percentage of all scientific articles produced globally were completed through international collaborations.
- Exposure to Unique Field Ecosystems and Methodologies: Unquestionably, the needs and requirements of the geographic location dictate the type of scientific research and development taking place. The choice to study science abroad will allow you to step out of your local bubble and learn how the scientific community approaches different situations/problems, thus making you more adaptable.
- Increased Employability in the Global STEM Market: Studying science abroad makes you a perfect candidate for employers who are looking for scientists with the ability to navigate international regulations, manage diverse teams and communicate complex ideas across language barriers.
Also Read: Top UK Universities You Should Consider
Why Study Commerce Abroad?
If you are on the fence about studying commerce abroad, then here are some of the reasons why we believe commerce would be the right choice for anyone planning to study abroad.
- Reduced Risk of Long-term Unemployment: According to the European Commission’s Erasmus Impact Study (EIS), it was revealed that graduates with an international experience were half as likely to experience long-term unemployment as those who stayed back in their home countries. The unemployment rate was stated to be approximately around 64% lower. Global employers often view graduates with a foreign commerce degree as highly adaptable, resilient and well-equipped to enter the workforce.
- Increased opportunities for Management and Executive Roles: The same EIS analysis of over 75,000 students and employers, it was reported that 64% of internationally mobile alumni held management positions than the 55% non-mobile alumni. In fact, employers revealed that they often preferred those with an international academic experience for additional professional responsibilities.
- Mastery of In-demand Skills: According to EIS, 92% of employers prefer candidates who display skills in tolerance of ambiguity, confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural problem solving during recruitment processes. These are skills and traits that international students are able to instil over their domestic peers.
- Access to Recruitment Pipelines at Top Firms: Studying commerce abroad, especially at global hubs like London, New York, Frankfurt and others, provides you with a direct networking opportunity into the lucrative firms of the world.
- Increased Entrepreneurial Success and Startup Potential: Business students, particularly international business students, are more likely to be entrepreneurial. In fact, as an international student, you are more likely to identify gaps in the international market, understand different international trade laws, and build a global network of co-founders, suppliers and investors.
Popular Courses For Science Students Abroad
There are several chances for you to explore if you pursue Science. One of the many benefits of studying Science is that you may explore non-scientific subjects such as business and humanities at the collegiate level. Following 12th Science, the following courses might be pursued:
- MBBS/MD (Doctor of Medicine)
- BDS
- BTech or BE
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- BSc Nursing
- Biotechnology
- BSc Food Technology
- BSc in Agricultural Science
- BSc Environmental Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- B.Sc in Computer Science
- BSc in Electronics
- BSc Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Applied Science
Popular Courses For Commerce Students Abroad
Commerce is a field that may lead to many opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Choosing a profession in business might be exciting if you are eager to learn new things. Commerce may lead to opportunities in a variety of industries throughout the world. Various prominent universities around the globe offer high-quality education. Following is a list of top courses that may be pursued after completing 12th Commerce:
- BCom
- Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA)
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Management Studies
- Banking
- Accounting
- Investment Banking
- Chartered Accountant
- Company Secretary
- Finance
- Statistics
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Product Design
- Mathematics
- Stockbroking
Overwhelmed by the options? Stop scrolling and start planning now. Connect with an AECC expert counsellor today, who will personally map out the best degree programmes that align with your academic and professional goals.
Top Universities Abroad
Top universities abroad offer a wide range of science and commerce courses with strong academic standards and global recognition. These programmes help students build practical skills, research expertise, and career-ready knowledge for international opportunities. Highlighted below are universities that have been consistently ranked by QS World University Subject Rankings and THE World University Subject rankings over the past few years.
Top Colleges for Commerce
- Harvard University, Cambridge (USA)
- Stanford University, Stanford (USA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)
- INSEAD, Fontainebleau (France)
- London Business School, London (UK)
- University of Oxford, Oxford (UK)
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge (UK)
- National University of Singapore, Singapore (Singapore)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (USA)
- University of California - Berkeley, California (USA)
Top Colleges for Science
- Harvard University, Cambridge (USA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)
- University of Oxford, Oxford (UK)
- Stanford University, Stanford (USA)
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge (UK)
- ETH Zurich, Zurich (Switzerland)
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena (USA)
- Imperial College London, London (UK)
- National University of Singapore, Singapore (Singapore)
Science vs Commerce: Eligibility Criteria to Study Abroad
One of the biggest differences between Science and Commerce courses abroad would be the admission requirements for the degree programmes available under each field of study. The table below gives a brief overview of the basic admission requirements that international students will have to satisfy when applying to science or commerce courses abroad.
| Criteria | Science | Commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Eligibility: Undergraduate | Completion of a highly rigorous high school curriculum with the highest grades possible in Mathematics/Calculus and Hard Sciences (physics, chemistry and biology) | A High school diploma with an outstanding GPA, without a specific requirement restricted to Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics |
| Basic Eligibility: Graduate | A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a closely related STEM field with high grades. Typically, a 3.5+ GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. | A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, however, specialised degrees or related degrees are always preferred. An MBA would require an additional 3-5 years of work experience. |
| Documentation Requirements | Academic Transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) and a Professional Resume/CV (if required) | |
| English Proficiency Scores | Valid test scores achieved through IELTS Academic, Cambridge English, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, PTE Academic or any other accepted tests. | |
| Standardised Test Scores | For Bachelor’s, the SAT or the ACT can be submitted to universities that accept the scores. For Master’s, GMAT and GRE scores are essential for admission to top-ranking universities. Some countries may ask you to appear for aptitude tests unique to their curriculum. | |
| Admission-specific Requirements | Research Portfolios or Publications | Video essays, specifically for MBAs and other management programmes |
Worried about your GPAs and test scores? Let our seasoned admissions experts evaluate your academic profile and guide your admission process in a manner that best aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Science Vs Commerce: Career Prospects
One of the biggest differences between choosing to study Science or Commerce abroad is the career prospects that you will qualify for after graduation. However, it should be noted that the salary potential for each candidate in different roles and countries will be affected by numerous factors. As per our research, the USA stands out as one of the best countries to get your Science/Commerce degree and pursue a career after graduation with fruitful results. The table below highlights some of the popular roles that graduates can apply for after successfully completing a Science/Commerce degree programme in the USA.
Career Opportunities After Studying Science Abroad
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer/Developer | US $85,000 - $105,000 |
| Data Scientist | US $95,000 - $115,000 |
| Biomedical Engineer | US $70,000 - $80,000 |
| Clinical Research Associate | US $65,000 - $75,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | US $78,000 - $85,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | US $75,000 - $90,000 |
| Research Chemist | US $55,000 - $65,000 |
| Environmental Scientist | US $55,000 - $62,000 |
| Data Analyst | US $63,000 - $75,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Scientist | US $80,000 - $95,000 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, Indeed
Career Opportunities After Studying Commerce Abroad
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banking Analyst | US $100,000 - $120,000 |
| Management Consultant/Strategy Analyst | US $85,000 - $100,000 |
| Financial Analyst | US $65,000 - $78,000 |
| Public Accountant | US $60,000 - $72,000 |
| Actuarial Analyst | US $75,000 - $85,000 |
| Supply Chain/Logistics Analyst | US $60,000 - $70,000 |
| Marketing Manager | US $55,000 - $65,000 |
| Human Resource Specialist | US $50,000 - $60,000 |
| Business Development Associate | US $55,000 - $65,000 |
| Operations Analyst | US $60,000 - $70,000 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Ziprecruiter, Glassdoor, Payscale
We hope this post about Science versus Commerce clarified some of your concerns. Whether you choose to study engineering or learn how to manage global markets, being accepted at a top-tier university is a highly competitive task. So why risk your global career to chance? Partner with an AECC counsellor today and get personalised guidance from selecting the best university and programme to landing in your dream country.
Science Vs Commerce FAQs
While commerce is considered to be less intense than Science, it is not inherently easy. On one hand, science focuses on the technical, experimental and theoretical knowledge, commerce requires students to possess a strong understanding of financial, economic and managerial concepts.
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years in International Education