Choosing what to study is one of the most important decisions international students make—and one of the hardest. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where you cannot easily change your degree path after enrollment, your choice must be made with clarity and care.

This guide gives you a structured process to reflect, evaluate, and align your study choices with long-term goals, career options, and academic realities in your destination country.

Why this decision matters more than you think

In countries like the United States, students often enter college undecided and switch majors freely—sometimes several times before graduation. In Germany, the system works differently: once you apply to a program and begin your studies, changing fields is often not possible without reapplying from the start.

Key insight:
In Germany, the degree program you apply for defines your path. You’ll take highly specialized courses from the first semester, so being unsure at the start can lead to frustration—or starting over.

That’s why it’s essential to take the time now to make a decision that reflects not just your current interests, but the kind of future you want to build.

Start with structured self-assessment

Instead of asking “what should I study?”, ask more practical, personal questions across these three areas:

Interests

• Which topics do you explore in your free time?
• What excites you intellectually?
• What kind of media do you consume—books, games, videos, podcasts?

Abilities

• What subjects do you do well in, and why?
• Are you skilled in writing, critical thinking, speaking, or analysis?
• What tasks or assignments feel natural for you?

Values and motivation

• Do you want to help others, influence the world, build things, or solve problems?
• Do you prefer structure or flexibility, stability or innovation?
• Are you motivated by independence, income, prestige, or social contribution?

Tip:
Use career tests like Holland types or the Myers–Briggs inventory to get a clearer picture of majors that match your personality.

What research tells us about student decision-making

Based on studies in student advising and psychology:

• 66% of students choose their major based on general interest
  
• 34% are influenced by external factors:
  
  • Peer or family expectations (6%)
  • Expected income (7%)
  • Familiarity with the subject (12%)
  • No specific reason (9%)

Insight:
While personal interest is important, you should always test it against academic demands, job requirements, and long-term fit.

Tools to help you explore your options

Use these free and trusted platforms to explore which fields align with your strengths and values:

• Education Planner – Career Finder
• My Next Move – US Department of Labor Tool
• MyPlan – Career Assessment
• Study-in.de – German Degree Finder
• Berufenet – German occupation explorer

Make It in Germany – High-demand professions

Future-proofing your study choice

The best degree is not just one that fits your interests—it should also prepare you for jobs that are growing, stable, and future-oriented.

Fields in high demand across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland:

• Renewable energy engineering
• AI and machine learning
• Public health and health informatics
• Climate-focused urban planning
• Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure
• Sustainable agriculture
• Global business and circular economy
  

Strategic tip:
Even if you study something traditional, like economics or design, consider choosing a specialization related to sustainability, technology, or international policy.

A common mistake: choosing only based on familiar careers

Too many students think:

• “I like biology, so I should become a doctor”
• “I like writing, so I’ll be a journalist”

But in reality, most fields connect to multiple, less obvious careers.

Interest	Common path	Alternative options
Biology	Medicine	Genetic research, biotech policy, environmental health
Communication	Journalism	Public relations, UX writing, public policy
Technology	Software dev	AI ethics, digital education, cybersecurity law
Design	Graphic design	Smart city planning, UX/UI, sustainability branding

Tip:
Your major won’t define your job—but in systems like Germany’s, it will shape your entry into that field. Choose broadly, but intentionally.

What if you’re still unsure?

You’re not alone—but you cannot afford to apply “undecided” in Germany.

Here’s what to do:

• Use online tools and personality tests
  
• Explore university and career websites
  
• Talk to current students or alumni
  
• Review course content and career outcomes
  
• Learn about entrance requirements (some degrees require exams like TestAS)
  

Example:
If you love nature and science, medicine may seem like the obvious choice—but public health, environmental policy, or sustainable development may align better with your values and abilities.

Your decision-making checklist

✅ Reflect on your interests, strengths, and values
✅ Use online career-matching tools
✅ Explore long-term job market trends in your destination country
✅ Understand program entry and transfer rules (in Germany, they are strict)
✅ Talk to advisors, current students, or edu-link experts
✅ Choose a degree that opens the career doors you want

How edu-link helps students choose the right path

Since 2014, edu-link GmbH has helped thousands of students start strong in Germany.

We provide:

• TestAS preparation to open more study options
• Personalized study and career advice

We’re here to help you choose well—because a confident start makes all the difference.

👉 Explore our TestAS preparation blog and Student life in Germany blog to learn more.