Feb 03, 2017 11:20 AM EST By Chris Brandt, UniversityHerald Reporter

STEM jobs are among the most highest-paying in the world; thus, it is no wonder why a lot of students pursue STEM-related degrees. When it comes to countries that produce the most number of STEM graduates, here are the top 7 where and China tops them all.

China

Ever since China's president Xi Jinping put into effect the country's five-ye ar plan which prioritizes science and technology, engineering, and gene science, it has attracted a lot of Chinese scientists abroad to return home. Aside from that, STEM graduates are increasing each year. The World Economic Forum said China has now a total of 4.7 million students graduating from the fields of science, technology, math, and engineering. Furthermore, there are a total of 30,000 Ph.Ds every year.

India

Coming in second to China is India with 2.6 million new STEM graduates last year. These students either graduate from an Indian or an international university. In fact, India is also second to China in sending its students to study abroad. According to a previous PEW Research, out of the 38 percent Indian students in the United States, 26 percent are studying computer science and math.

United States

The World Economic Forum reported that the United States places third among countries withe the most STEM graduates. However, with 568,000 STEM students, its gap between India is still very wide.

Russia

Coming in fourth place and not far behind from the United States in producing STEM graduates is Russia with 561, students. In fact, a 2013 article on the Smithsonian said that women in Russia are more trained in STEM than in the United States.

Iran

This might come as a surprise but Iran is the fifth country in the world with the most STEM graduates according to the World Economic Forum. With 335, 000 STEM graduates last year, Iran is considered as one of the leading countries when it comes to science, technology, and research along with Turkey. In fact, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a fatwa or religious ruling in 2002 which made stem cell research acceptable under Islamic law.

Indonesia

The sixth country which has the most STEM graduates is Indonesia. Considered as the largest archipelago in the Southeast Asian region, Indonesia has 206,000 students who graduated from STEM-related degrees last year.

Japan

Japan completes the top 7 countries with the most STEM graduates with 195,000 students graduating last year.

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit