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Growing Demand for Business Education Amid Global Uncertainty

The landscape of graduate management education (GME) is undergoing a significant transformation as the world navigates through economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Recent findings from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reveal a noteworthy 7% increase in applications for GME programs globally in 2025. This marks a continuation of last year's unprecedented growth, underscoring a robust interest in business education despite the challenges faced.

Key Trends in GME Applications

According to GMAC’s annual application trends survey, the influx of applications has not been uniform across all regions or program types. Notably, traditional GME hubs such as Canada, the USA, and the UK have experienced a decline in applications. Stricter visa policies and a precarious job market appear to have contributed to this downturn, with programs in these countries seeing significantly fewer applications. In contrast, regions in Asia and Europe (excluding the UK) are witnessing remarkable growth. For instance, India reported a staggering 26% increase, while the Eastern and Southeast Asia regions experienced a 42% surge in international applications.

Shifts in Program Demand

The demand is particularly strong for full-time, in-person GME programs, especially for two-year MBA and Master's degrees in fields like accounting, finance, and marketing. This is in stark contrast to Master’s in Business Analytics programs, which have seen a decline for the second consecutive year, with almost two-thirds reporting reduced applications. Executive MBA programs, often delivered online or part-time, have also felt the pinch, highlighting a complex shift in candidate preferences possibly influenced by changes in workplace policies encouraging employees to return to in-office work.

The Integration of AI in Business Education

As we move forward, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into curricula is becoming more prevalent. A mere 16% of programs have reported they will not incorporate AI into their offerings by 2025, compared to 22% in the previous year. A significant majority of institutions are now utilizing AI as a decision-making tool in business strategy and social impact, fostering hands-on learning experiences for students.

The Rise of Sustainability Focus

Another noteworthy aspect is the rising emphasis on sustainability within business programs. Approximately 75% of GME programs are now including sustainability studies, reflecting a commitment to prepare future leaders in alignment with global sustainability goals. Surveys indicate that 63% of prospective students prioritize sustainability in their educational pursuits, showcasing a growing demand for environmentally conscious business practices. Notably, programs outside of Greater China and India are most likely to require sustainability as a component of their studies.

Gender Representation in GME Programs

Interestingly, women continue to represent over 40% of MBA applicants globally, a testament to the efforts towards gender equality in business education. While the overall percentage of female applicants has seen a minimal increase, women are reportedly applying to MBA programs at a faster rate than their male counterparts, maintaining a steady representation that is just shy of parity.

Conclusion

The GMAC trends survey serves as a pivotal resource for admissions leaders to navigate the evolving landscape of GME demand. Conducted across various business schools worldwide, the survey addressed over 1,172 programs from 326 schools across 41 countries for the 2025-2026 academic year. As the world continues to adapt to shifting economic climates and the rapid evolution of business education requirements, the increasing interest in GME underscores a resilient commitment to leadership training and professional development.

For more detailed insights, visit GMAC.