Application Trends for Full-time MBA Programmes: Report by GMAC

The 2013-2014 academic year represents the second consecutive year of increased application volume for full-time MBA programmes, signaling a rebound in applicant demand for full-time MBA study.

With more than half of full-time two-year (54%) and full-time one-year (53%) MBA programmes reporting increased or stable application volumes in 2013, the situation is much improved over the past two years.

This year's survey results shows growth in the proportion of programmes, with increasing volumes that are edging closer to levels reported by full-time programmes in 2009, as shown in the following image.

Demand for full-time MBA study options in 2013 showed variations. However, depending on program location and fluctuations in the applicant pool demographics, specifically citizenship and gender.

Full-Time Two-Year MBA programmes: Survey findings for 2013 reveal divergent application trends for full-time two-year MBA programmes in the United States and Asia-Pacific region. Changes in both domestic and foreign application volume appear to be driving these trends in both regions. There were no apparent changes in gender trends for full-time two-year MBA programmes.

Full-Time One-Year MBA programmes: A majority of full-time one-year MBA programmes in the Asia-Pacific region (53%) continue to report increased volumes; however, this represents a slower rate of growth compared with 2012, when 77 % of programmes reported growth. Similar, to full-time two-year MBA programmes in Asia-Pacific, the domestic applicant pool, appears to drive overall volumes for full-time one-year MBA programmes, as well.

The slower growth in full-time one-year MBA programmes located in the Asia-Pacific region is reflected in the decline in programmes reporting increased domestic application volumes; 69 % of these programmes reported increased volumes in 2012, compared with 40 % of programmes in 2013.