Global MBA Demand Shifts to Asia as Interest Declines in Western Countries
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Global demand for MBA and business master’s programmes is shifting decisively towards Asia, even as traditional destinations such as the US, the UK, and Canada experience declining interest. According to the latest Application Trends Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), worldwide applications to Graduate Management Education programmes rose by 7%, but Western countries saw notable downturns while India and Southeast Asia reported robust growth.
The US recorded a 1% decline in total applications, with nearly half of all programmes experiencing drops and international applications falling by 3%. The UK saw two-thirds of its programmes report shrinking demand, while Canada witnessed the steepest decline, with 84% of programmes recording reduced applications and a 49% fall in international interest.
In contrast, Asia’s upward trajectory continues. India reported growth in 73% of its GME programmes, including a 26% rise in international applications. East and Southeast Asia saw a 42% surge, while the wider Asian region (excluding India and China) grew by 10%. Europe (excluding the UK) also recorded a modest 9% increase in international applications.
Experts attribute this eastward shift to policy uncertainty in Western countries, including visa restrictions, work-route debates, and legal challenges that affect post-study opportunities. “Students are evaluating overseas MBA options more carefully given the scale of financial investment,” said Namita Mehta of The Red Pen. Applicants are increasingly seeking clarity on employment prospects and long-term mobility.
Additional data reinforces the trend: global demand for US master’s degrees has dropped sharply, with some reports suggesting a 60% fall amid concerns over visa revocations and proposed policy changes. Meanwhile, Asian business schools are strengthening their offerings in sustainability, AI and technology-focused curricula — areas now in high demand.
Despite growing interest in Asia, consultants note that international applicants remain cautious, often treating Asian business schools as secondary options until the major admissions rounds conclude. Domestic interest, however, remains strong, with Indian business schools seeing a 10% rise in local applications for 2025.
With geopolitical shifts reshaping student mobility and Asian institutions expanding their global footprint, the region is emerging as a major contender in the future of business education.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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