GMAC Application Trends Survey 2011

Updated on: Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The 2011 Application Trends Survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reveals that across all degree types, 46% of programmes in 2011 reported growth in applications from foreign students. Applicants from Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries (mainly India and China) were the largest source of foreign applications for full-time programme types around the world. According to the survey, India continues to contribute the most foreign applicants to two-year full-time MBA programmes, with 61% of programmes having India as their top source of foreign talent. Also, 39% of programmes reported that India is their fastest growing source of foreign applicants. These statistics notwithstanding, two-year full-time MBA programmes have seen India volumes drop the most. Meanwhile, the number of applicants from China looking to study abroad has increased, and the percentage of programmes reporting that China is their largest growing source of foreign applicants increased to 39% of two-year full-time programmes in 2011.

“India and China are the leading Asia Pacific countries contributing to the influx of applications for the full time MBA programmes. The overwhelming response clearly indicates the value placed on quality graduate management education by candidates from this region.” said Ashish Bhardwaj, managing director, Graduate Management Admission Council (India) Private Limited, and Regional Director, South Asia, GMAC.

Key findings from the survey include:
•    83% of Master’s of finance programmes report applications are up, along with increased applications reported by 69% of Master’s in management and 51% of Master’s in accounting programmes
•    More than one-third (37%) of full-time MBA programmes reported application volume as the same or greater than the previous year
•    The majority of part-time programmes (54%) said application volume was the same or greater than the previous year; and 58% of Executive MBA programmes saw the same or increased volume
•    International applicants make up 53%of full-time MBA programmes applicants, on average. Applicants from Asia-Pacific account for 57% of international students applying to programmes in the US
•    In 89% of full-time MBA programme, the quality of applicants and their academic credentials are the same or higher in 2011 compared to last year; 39% of programmes reported that applicants were more qualified than the previous year and 50% said applicants had the same qualifications, while acceptance rates for full-time MBA programmes remained steady

A total of 649 programmes from 331 business schools and faculties worldwide, representing 45 countries, 42 states in the US and the District of Columbia, participated in the annual study, which is conducted from early June to mid-July every year.

GMAC Application Trends Survey 2011

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