Application Trends Survey

Application Trends Survey

Get the latest trends in application volume and composition

Our annual survey of business school admissions offices around the world offers timely insights into factors shaping the candidate pipeline and its implications for admissions, recruitment, and marketing professionals in informing their future strategies and practices.

Based on responses from nearly 1,100 graduate business school programs worldwide, the 2024 report introduces new survey questions about artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and application processes as well as business school’s non-degree offerings, while also exploring volume trends by program type and delivery methods; diversity enrollment with a focus on women and U.S. underrepresented candidates; and the evolution of financial assistance from GME programs to incoming students.

3 Things You Need to Know about ATS 2024

2024 Reports and Resources

 

Regional Profiles

News Coverage

Industry Perspectives 

This year’s record growth in applications hints at a pendulum swing toward graduate business education, especially staple programs like full-time MBAs and accounting and management master’s degrees. “While the phenomenon could give proof to the countercyclical trend long observed between interest in graduate business school and the strength of the economy, I would give much credit to global business schools and their tremendous efforts to continue innovating with new technologies, new delivery tactics, and new ways of operating that satisfy the latest interests and needs of students and their future employers.” Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. 

There is no doubt that high-quality educational offerings are increasing in major markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, giving candidates historically inclined to studying abroad more options and opportunities at home. “In this context it is critical for business schools to encourage regional and international mobility and build diverse, multicultural cohorts on campus, knowing that it brings tremendous educational benefits in our classroom, future boardroom, and beyond.” - François Ortalo-Magné, Professor of Management Practice and Executive Dean (External Relations) at London Business School and a GMAC board member. 

I’m excited to see this kind of growth in applications from women. I believe in the value of business education and the doors it opens for people, particularly women. As more women invest in themselves through business education, the healthier the pipeline becomes for business leadership, and the more likely we are to close the gender gap.” - Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, a long-time GMAC partner organization aiming to build women leadership in business. 

Past Reports

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For more past reports, explore our Research Library.