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Global Surge in Business Education Applications

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) recently reported a 7% increase in applications for graduate management education (GME) programs worldwide for 2025, a notable continuation of last year’s record growth. This increase reflects shifts in the global educational landscape, driven by economic uncertainty and geopolitical changes that influence student behavior.

Uneven Growth Across Regions

Despite the overall rise, the growth was not uniformly distributed. Prominent English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom experienced a decline in admissions. Stricter visa policies and mounting employment market uncertainties have deterred international candidates. For instance, the U.S. saw a slight 1% drop in applications, which was exacerbated in Canada and the U.K., where 84% of Canadian programs and two-thirds of British ones reported declines. Conversely, Asia and Europe (excluding the U.K.) saw significant gains, with India experiencing a 26% increase in applications and regions in East and Southeast Asia witnessing an astonishing 42% uptick. This shift illustrates the successful marketing strategies and improved reputations of business schools in these areas.

The Changing Face of Business Education

According to GMAC CEO Joy Jones, the next era of business education is being reshaped by evolving student expectations, employer demands, and a transformative geopolitical climate. Jones noted that while certain regions face challenges, the steady growth in applications indicates that business schools are rapidly adapting through innovative programs and industry-aligned experiences, ensuring their relevance in the long term.

Key Trends in Program Demand

The demand for full-time, in-person programs, especially two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, has surged, while some formats like online and part-time programs have started to wane. This trend reflects a growing preference for traditional educational formats post the pandemic; however, Master of Business Analytics programs saw a continuous decline, with nearly two-thirds reporting fewer applications for the second consecutive year.

Interestingly, more than half of the executive MBA, online, and part-time MBA programs reported a downturn in applications, which highlights a shift in candidate preferences likely influenced by widespread return-to-office policies.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational programs has become commonplace, with only 16% of GME programs lacking any AI integration in 2025, down from 22% last year. Over half of the business schools are now teaching AI as a tool for decision-making and business strategy through practical experiences. Additionally, sustainability has emerged as a critical selling point; three out of four programs now offer courses in this area, mainly within MBA curricula. A significant 63% of prospective students rated sustainability as an important factor in their decision-making process, revealing a clear preference for environmentally conscious programs.

Gender Parity in Graduate Business Programs

Globally, women continue to constitute just over 40% of graduate business school applicants, a consistent figure over the past decade. Notably, women have been applying to MBA programs at a faster rate than men, and their representation in business master's programs is nearly at parity.

Conclusion

The GMAC application trends survey, the largest of its kind, is essential for admission departments and academic leaders seeking insight into the changing demand for GME programs. As institutions adapt to shifting economic climates and demographic patterns, they must continue to embrace innovation, ensuring applicable curricula that meet the needs of both students and employers alike. The survey, which affected 1,172 programs across 326 business schools in 41 countries, captures the pulse of global trends in business education and is pivotal for institutions looking to stay relevant and competitive in this dynamic environment. For more about GMAC and its findings, visit gmac.com.