Research Snapshot

Application Trends Survey 2020 | Asia Pacific

gmac.com/applicationtrends

Global: Graduate Management Programs Experience a Surge in Applications

Overall, applications are up by
Overall, 67 percent of 1,042 programs

2.4 %
2/3
2.4 percent on weighted absolute
worldwide responding to the 2020
basis for 731 programs worldwide
survey report an relative increase
responding to both 2019 and
in application volumes.
2020 surveys.

Global: Increase in Proportion of Programs Reporting Growth

Percentage of Programs Reporting Growth in Applications: Relative Change in Total Applications by Region

2018 - 2019 67% 57% 79% 72% 67%

41% 49% 55% 53% 37%
2019 - 2020
Overall Asia Pacific Canada Europe United States

Asia Pacific: Relative Year-on-Year Change in Total Applications

All Program Types by Demographics (2020) All Program Types by Year, 2016-2020

32% 35% 26% 33% 38% 22% 29% 32%

41% 45%
Decline 6%
11% 28% 14% 8% 11%
27% 15% 12% 6%
Stable
72% 63% 57%
57% 37% 45% 53% 47% 47% 49%
Growth
Total Domestic International Female Male 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

More than half of programs in Asia Pacific report growth Proportion of programs in Asia Pacific reporting growth
in applications from women candidates in 2020. in applications is higher in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Asia Pacific: Impact of COVID-19 on B-Schools

Q. How has COVID-19 impacted the following areas of your program?

Recruitment Admissions Program

• 58% increased budget • 50% conducted • 75% offered online start

for online initiatives online interviews with in-person transition
• 49% reduced travel • 43% extended • 39% delayed the program
budget application deadlines start date

The data for 2020 Application Trends Survey was collected from July 30 and September 14, 2020 and received responses from 1,085 programs at 325
business schools worldwide. Access full report, blog and webinar here. © Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™). All rights reserved.