Where to Get an MBA: Top 10 Study Destinations

Chosen by 23% of respondents

The number of candidates interested in studying in France went up 2.6% this year. Eastern European candidates were the most interested in studying there, with 40.6% choosing it as their preferred MBA study destination.

The continuing strength of France can be attributed to its leading business schools, among which we can count INSEAD, the first European institution to offer the MBA.

Chosen by 20% of respondents

Like Canada, Australia has also increased in popularity, with a 4.8% rise in applicants indicating an interest in studying there. It is most popular with those from the Asia Pacific region of which it is a part, and least popular with applicants in US & Canada, where only 3.4% of applicants are considering studying there.

Among other benefits, graduates of Australian business schools are known to enjoy handsome remuneration. The Macquarie University’s Graduate School of Management leads the way globally in this regard, with its graduates enjoying average salary packages of US$144,000.

Chosen by 15% of respondents

There was a 3.4% increase in the number of candidates who are interested in studying in Germany – a destination that is particularly popular with Eastern European applicants (28.3%), with proximity no doubt playing a part. A strong business culture and relative economic stability amid the turmoil suffered by its European neighbors are sure to have contributed to its steady rise in popularity since 2009 (12%).

Chosen by 15% of respondents

While the number of candidates interested in studying in Spain went down by 0.3%, it retains a firm foothold in the top 10. Spain is most popular with applicants in Eastern Europe, 25.6% of whom expressed in interest in travelling to the Iberian Peninsula. The number of interested Western European applicants, however, decreased from 23.7% last year to 16.2% this year. While an entrepreneurial small business culture certainly bolsters its appeal, the financial woes incurred in recent years cannot have failed to have had an effect. This year’s drop compounds a fall from 19.5% in 2009.

Chosen by 15% of respondents

In 2009, Singapore was the only Asian country on applicant’s radars, with 6.4% thinking of studying there. Other Asian nations, namely Japan, China and India have gained ground, but with 15% of MBA applicants looking to the Asian Tiger economy, it is firmly entrenched as a top-10 designation; a rise which is nothing short of remarkable.

As well as the obvious appeal as a financial center, we should also factor in the rise of its higher education institutions, which have gone from strength to strength in recent years.

Chosen by 14% of respondents

Switzerland is another nation whose appeal is obvious. This year, it has enjoyed an increase in candidate interest of 1.3% percent. Again, it is particularly popular with Eastern European MBA candidates (30.7%), for whom it ranks after only the US, UK and France. Add Germany to this list, and the same can be said for their Western European peers.

Chosen by 10% of respondents

The Netherlands replaced Italy in the top 10 in 2012, and has remained there this year, with global interest rising by 1.7% this year. Eastern European and Latin American applicants are those who favor studying in the Netherlands most.

The annual QS TopMBA.com Applicant Survey asks a global pool of MBA applicants about their study preferences, their aims and their aspirations, and affords a snapshot of who they are. This year’s findings were based on the responses of over 4,100 respondents.

• Overview of 2013 QS TopMBA.com Applicant Survey >
• 10 key findings >