The US most preferred MBA destination for Indian students
The US is the most preferred destination for Indians
A recently released GMAC survey report indicates that the US remains to be the top preference of Indian students desirous of pursuing MBA from a foreign university.
According to the survey, among full-time MBA candidates looking to study outside India, 66 percent prefer to study in the United States, 16% in Western Europe, 8% prefer to study in Canada, 5% prefer to study in East/Southeast Asia and 4% prefer to study in Australia/Pacific Islands.
Percentage of students preferring the US has remained high at 66% since 2009, while Canada has improved by 5% from 2009 ( 3%).
Similarly, the percentage of Indian candidates considering non-MBA business master’s programme in the US is 62%, same as 2009. While 21% prefer to study in Western Europe, 9% prefer to study in Canada (up from 4% in 2009), 5% prefer to study in East/Southeast Asia and 3% prefer to study in Australia/Pacific Islands.
| Preferred study destination among those preferring to study outside India |
Consider full-time MBA |
Consider non-MBA business master |
||
| 2009 |
2016 |
2009 |
2016 |
|
| United States |
66% |
66% |
62% |
62% |
| Western Europe |
21% |
16% |
23% |
21% |
| Canada |
3% |
8% |
4% |
9% |
| East and Southeast Asia |
8% |
5% |
7% |
5% |
| Australia and Pacific Islands |
2% |
4% |
4% |
3% |
Base: Residents of India
*Regions where % were less
Preference for foreign university has grown over the last few years with 9 out of 10 prospective students (89%) wishing to apply outside the country.
The top reasons behind students applying outside India that emerged in the survey are the reputation of education systems (68%), improved chances of having an international career (67%) and to develop an international network of peers/colleagues (57). Two in five (42%) of candidates intend to seek employment in the country where they pursue the management programme.
The survey further revealed, students seeking to study outside India are more likely to prefer Canada to the US and Western Europe because of safety/physical security and ease of obtaining work permits. While the US emerged as preferred location viz career prospects; Canada and Western Europe scored on the fact that it is easy to obtain student visa in these countries and education is more affordable as compared to the US.
| Reason for preferred study destination (% of respondents) |
United States |
Western Europe |
Canada |
| Reputation of the educational system |
71% |
68% |
63% |
| Improved chances of having an international career |
68% |
64% |
72% |
| To develop an international network of peers/colleagues |
60% |
56% |
53% |
| Better preparation for career |
54% |
45% |
38% |
| Diversity of student body |
47% |
44% |
33% |
| Availability of financial aid |
37% |
39% |
38% |
| Affordability of education/tuition fees |
27% |
42% |
56% |
| Study in country offering English language education |
32% |
39% |
42% |
| Attractiveness of location |
29% |
39% |
36% |
| Safety and physical security |
25% |
30% |
55% |
| Ease of obtaining a work permits |
25% |
26% |
55% |
| Ease of obtaining a student visa |
20% |
32% |
43% |
| Advice from friends, family, and colleagues |
25% |
20% |
30% |
| Improved access to jobs in my home country |
16% |
15% |
21% |
| To learn or improve proficiency in English |
13% |
15% |
7% |
| Limited opportunities to study in home country |
12% |
12% |
7% |
| To be near relatives/family living in the country |
6% |
8% |
12% |
*Base: Residents of India
Also read:
Candidates with Business Master’s degree still go for MBA
Growing demand for Executive MBA, Online MBA indicates shift in popular trend
Why women enroll more in Business Masters programme than MBA
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