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3.3.2 Study Destinations

The most popular study destinations are becoming ever more popular: 79% (78%) ((77%)) of applicants expressed interest in the USA, and 60% (59%) ((57%)) in the UK, which remain the two most popular study destinations.
Thereafter, there are variations in the level of interest expressed in where applicants would like to study for their MBA, though some countries are significantly increasing their attractiveness as a destination. Of the top destinations, only France continues to decline in popularity. The rest of the top ten are: Canada 31% (27%) ((27%)), France 30% (31%) ((36%)), Australia 26% (21%) ((18%)), Spain 22% (18%) ((28%)), Switzerland 19% (17%), Singapore 19% (16%) ((9%)), Germany 19% (16%) ((14%)), Italy 16% (11%) ((13%)). The Netherlands just drops out of the top ten with 13% (11%) ((13%)) expressing an interest in studying there.

3.3.3 Selection of Business School

Prestige, or reputation, remains the single most important criterion for selecting a business school. However, this is determined in ways other than rankings, which further fell in 2006 to eighth position as a criterion for selecting a business school. In second place is the availability of scholarships or financial aid. Tangible evidence of reputation is required, such as the school’s career placement record, which was recorded as the third (second) most important criterion, or the return on investment, in fourth place, a new criterion in 2006.

3.3.4 Financing Study

The number of respondents expecting to rely on some form of loan financing to support them during their studies has grown again to 62% (61%) ((56%)). Family financial help with funding stays globally constant at 44% (44%) (28%). However, in some countries, parents and family are expected to play a greater role selected (* indicates also selected last year) by more than 50% of respondents in China 51%, Egypt 53%, Germany 58%, *Greece 71%, *India 51%, *Italy 53%, *Thailand 71% and *Turkey 61%. Respondents in Pakistan 36% and Spain 31% notably fall out of this group in 2006, now expecting a much lower level of family support.

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Source: -
QS World MBA Tour - TopMBA.com Applicant Survey 2006
© QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd. 2006
Website: www.topmba.com