Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Oct 25, 2025
The demand for MBA and business master’s programs is surging once again. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Application Trends Survey 2025, MBA applications rose by 7% globally this year — marking a strong rebound in international business education despite economic uncertainty.
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Key Highlights: Global MBA Application Trends 2025
| Category | Growth (2025 vs 2024) |
|---|---|
| Overall MBA Applications | +7% |
| Marketing Programs | +17% |
| Finance & Accounting | +14% |
| General Management | +7% |
| Business Analytics | Declined – 61% of schools reported fewer applicants |
Rising Global Demand for Business Education
The 2025 GMAC Application Survey, based on responses from over 326 business schools worldwide, found that interest in full-time, on-campus MBA programs continues to strengthen.
While the overall increase is smaller than the 13% jump in 2024, experts say this year’s data indicates a sustained recovery in postgraduate business education, particularly among early-career professionals looking to upskill in leadership, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) management.
“More business schools are embedding AI literacy into their core curriculum — from data-driven decision-making to strategic analytics — making MBA programs more future-ready,” the GMAC report noted.
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AI Integration Boosts MBA Appeal
One of the most significant findings from the 2025 GMAC report is the integration of AI across MBA coursework and specialization modules.
Nearly every surveyed business school now includes AI tools, machine learning concepts, and digital leadership training within their management programs. This evolution in curriculum is believed to be a key factor behind the increase in applications, as employers seek graduates skilled in both business strategy and emerging technologies.
Shift in Global Study Destinations
The 2025 GMAC survey also highlights a geographical shift in international student flows. While applications to Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom have stabilized, Asia and parts of continental Europe are witnessing growth in inbound MBA demand.
Interestingly, domestic applications drove most of this year’s expansion — up 18% compared to just 5% growth in international applicants. However, the marketing specialization remained popular among international students, recording the strongest global growth (17%) of all business disciplines.
Business Analytics Loses Momentum
Despite overall growth, business analytics programs continued to face challenges. For the second consecutive year, 61% of surveyed institutions reported a decline in analytics program applications. Experts attribute this to market saturation and overlapping content with AI-focused management degrees, which are now more appealing to candidates.
What This Means for Indian MBA Aspirants?
For Indian students planning to study abroad, the 2025 GMAC report suggests that MBA and specialized master’s programs remain high-value investments, especially as schools enhance employability outcomes through tech-driven curricula.
Countries like France, Singapore, and the UAE are expected to attract more Indian applicants in 2026, as they balance affordability, global exposure, and post-study work options.
Key Takeaways
Global MBA applications up 7% in 2025
- AI-integrated courses now mainstream in top business schools
- Marketing, finance, and management show double-digit growth
- Business analytics faces declining demand
- Asia and Europe rising as emerging MBA destinations
- Domestic applicant numbers outpacing international growth
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts its annual Application Trends Survey across accredited business schools worldwide. The 2025 edition includes data from 326 institutions across 35 countries, tracking global shifts in management education demand, applicant demographics, and evolving curriculum trends.
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