MBA enrolments proving popular in developing markets

Worldwide, MBAs are still proving to be a worthwhile investment for those wanting a career change or more thorough business knowledge, according to a report published yesterday.

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has published their Intake and Graduation Report, which details MBA enrolment, take-up and graduation figures for business schools around the world that are accredited by the association.

The Chief Executive of AMBA, Sharon Bamford, said: “Worldwide, AMBA’s research shows there is a significant increase in students choosing to study MBAs in growth markets such as China and Latin America.“

There is also a growing interest in the business education sector in Africa, another developing market where entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and rewarded.

Enrolment in MBA programmes in China grew dramatically - by 30 per cent - in 2011. Chinese business schools have traditionally targeted their programmes to second-generation entrepreneurs in China, but they are looking to expand their appeal and attract foreign students over the next year. AMBA already accredit several business schools in China, and are expecting an increase to a total of 20 AMBA-accredited schools by the end of this financial year.

In Latin America, there has also been a rise in the number of students enrolling in MBA programmes. In 2011, 23 per cent of all enrolments onto MBA programmes accredited by AMBA were in Latin America. Over the next year, AMBA is anticipating a rise in South American MBA programmes and increased partnerships between international business schools across the world. These partnership schools can offer their students a unique and extra dimension to their respective MBAs, through shared content and study tours.