To begin 2026 on a strong note, prioritise high-demand tech and business skills such as AI and machine learning, data science and analytics, cybersecurity, and healthcare. These fields offer strong growth prospects, competitive salaries and global career opportunities, while specialisations like AI, full-stack development and business analytics can help future-proof your career.
This is that time of the year again.
New year, new beginnings.
But there is no magic in January; the magic lies in all the life-changing decisions you take this January. The one that shapes your year and your life. Forget about the vague New Year's resolution; this year, plan something big for yourself.
This January, GBS Malta is not asking you to work harder. It is asking you to work smarter by investing in qualifications that the world actually needs right now.
Forget the fitness apps and productivity planners for a minute. Let's talk about the kind of transformation that sticks, the kind that comes from developing genuine expertise and expanding what you're capable of.
Here are five courses that could genuinely reshape your 2026:
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The numbers don't lie: MBA holders earn an average of 40% more over their careers compared to bachelor's degree holders. In Europe alone, demand for business leaders with advanced qualifications is growing dramatically every year.
But it is not just about salary. Strategic leadership roles are expanding faster than companies can fill them. An MBA does not just teach you business concepts; it repositions you for the positions that actually exist. You learn the frameworks that executives use, such as financial analysis, market strategy and organisational design. These are the skills that differentiate a manager from a leader.
Within 5 years of graduation, most MBA graduates report either a career transition or a significant promotion. That's not luck. That’s what happens when you develop capabilities the market actively rewards.
Public health professionals are in genuine shortage. The WHO estimates a global deficit of 11 million health workers by 2030. This is not a competitive field where credentials matter; it is a field where qualified professionals are badly needed.
An MPH positions you for roles across international organisations, government health departments, NGOs, research institutions and policymaking bodies. The role itself changes depending on your specialisation, but the underlying reality remains constant: the world needs people with your qualifications.
The GBS Malta MPH is completed in just 1 year full-time, making it one of the most efficient pathways to this high-demand credential. This is not a shortened programme; it is an intensive, expertly-designed curriculum compressed into a focused timeline.
The programme is MQRIC Accredited, ensuring your qualification meets rigorous European standards and is recognised globally. This is crucial when you are competing for international roles or moving between countries.
IT management roles are expanding 12% annually across Europe. Companies are not just hiring more tech workers; they are looking for people who understand both technology and business strategy. The salary reflects this scarcity: IT management professionals earn 35-50% more than individual contributors.
Digital transformation is mandatory now, not optional. Every organisation needs someone steering it. That person needs to speak both tech language and business language. An MSc in IT Management makes you that person. You are learning cybersecurity strategy, cloud architecture decisions, team leadership, and budget management. These are the real decisions that shape companies.
The talent pool is shallow. If you have this qualification, you are competing in a market with far fewer candidates and significantly higher demand.
The shortage of qualified professionals in the field of health and social care is projected to worsen significantly by 2030. Demand, however, continues to climb, driven by ageing populations and increased mental health awareness.
Average salaries are rising as a result: starting roles now offer €28,000-€38,000, with clear progression pathways. More elderly people need care. Mental health services are overwhelmed. Community health workers are critically short. These are employment guarantees backed by demographic inevitability.
A degree in health, social care and wellbeing qualifies you for roles that do not disappear in recessions. You are positioned in an essential sector where your skills are genuinely scarce and genuinely needed.
Top European countries such as Switzerland offer some of the highest salaries for software engineers, with annual earnings ranging from $97,518 to $115,000. Five years in, most CS graduates are earning 60-80% more than their starting salary.
The fundamentals you learn, algorithms, data structures and software architecture, don't become obsolete. They are the bedrock for everything else. Whether you pivot to AI, cybersecurity, fintech or web development, you are building from a solid foundation. GBS Malta combines the BSc programme with practical learning, ensuring you are not just learning theory but also preparing for real-world experience.
Companies compete for CS graduates. Remote opportunities are abundant. Career mobility is exceptional. This is not hype; it's a documented labour-market reality.
Think of some big names in the industry, like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and so on. Do you ever wonder what is common among these personalities? They pursued qualifications that filled market gaps. They didn't follow passion in the abstract; they found the intersection between what they valued and what employers needed.
That’s where career leverage actually lives.
Choose the field where your expertise becomes valuable. That's the secret of a powerful career. GBS Malta's programmes are not just qualifications; they are credentials that position you in markets where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Why GBS Malta
Your career transforms when you position yourself where demand exceeds supply. GBS Malta's programmes position you exactly there.
Start your application. The world needs what you are about to become.
Make 2026 the year you deliver it.
Q1. What is the job growth rate for public health professionals in Europe?
The healthcare sector is projected to lead Europe’s job growth, with around 3.7 million new roles expected by 2030.
An MPH (Master of Public Health) from GBS Malta positions you directly for these high-demand roles across government departments, international organisations, NGOs, and research institutions.
Q2. Which is the most demanding skill in 2026?
In 2026, the most in-demand skills span AI and machine learning, healthcare, cybersecurity and cloud computing. These are complemented by vital soft skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Q3. Which country in Europe has the highest employment rate?
Europe’s highest employment rates are seen in countries such as the Netherlands, Malta, Iceland, and Czechia. Malta distinguishes itself with a strong job market, supported by growth across IT, finance, healthcare and digital services, as well as high levels of workforce participation.
Q4. Are GBS Malta qualifications recognised internationally?
Yes, absolutely. GBS Malta qualifications are internationally recognised and accredited, meeting European standards for higher education. Employers across Europe, North America, and beyond respect these credentials.
