Report finds Rise in Female Applicants in US pursuing Business Programmes

The 'Application Trends Survey 2024 - 2024 Business School Applications Skyrocket Amidst Economic Uncertainty' report was published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With a 2 per cent increase in female applications to 42 per cent, the US continues to be the top destination for international students pursuing business programs, according to the report. This represents a substantial change from the 40 per cent increase over the previous decade. Additionally, it shows a notable change, with 55 per cent of programs seeing an increase in business programs.

"According to the report, 55 per cent of the programmes have observed growth in applications from women, a 10-percentage point jump from 2023, and the second-largest share of programmes reporting increasing applications from women over the past decade - next only to the pandemic boom in 2020", the report states. It highlights that around 70 per cent of flex MBA and two-thirds of full-time MBA programmes will witness a surge of female applicants.

Applications in graduate business schools rose by 12 per cent in 2024, a notable rise during 2023-2024. This is because the expense of advanced management degrees and business programs that provide financial aid is a major barrier. Six out of ten full-time, on-campus programs reported an increase in applications, including master's degrees in accounting and management and MBA programs. The survey also noted that demand for graduate business education has risen for both online and hybrid programs with 58 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.