The Application Trends Survey provides the latest trends in application volume and composition
About the Application Trends Survey
Our annual survey of business school admissions offices around the world offers timely insights into factors shaping the candidate pipeline and its implications for admissions, recruitment, and marketing professionals in informing their future strategies and practices.
Based on responses from over 1,160 graduate business school programs worldwide, the 2026 report covers changes in application volume by degree type, geography, delivery method, and much more. Additionally, it continues to track the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business school curricula, comparing program practices with candidate demand. The 2026 survey also collected new information about trends in tuition and fees, along with financial assistance made available to incoming cohorts of students.
Read the full report
2026 reports and resources
Industry perspectives
"The results of this year’s Application Trends Survey show persistent structural realignment in where and what graduate business students want to study. Around the world, business schools report feeling the effects of uncertain macroeconomic conditions, changing visa policies, and candidates’ heightened focus on ROI—conditions that are reinforcing emerging patterns in student mobility and how degrees are funded. In this environment, business schools continue to demonstrate their value and relevance through forward-thinking AI integration and career-aligned degree portfolios, with renewed efforts to build resilient domestic and international talent pipelines.” - Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC
Past reports
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
For more past reports, explore our Research Library.