Has the luster worn off American Business Schools for international MBA program candidates? While 74 percent of MBA programs in the US are reporting a decline in international MBA program applications in 2004, the real reasons probably have more to do with the current U.S. Visa restrictions in place in light of the 9/11 attacks.
International MBA program applications from students in China, India, Turkey, and Eastern Europe, the bedrock of international MBA programs here in the US, have been adversely affected by tougher travel restrictions and student visa regulations.
In fact, there was 24 percent drop in the number of foreign student visa applications in 2003 according to the Consular Affairs office of the U.S. State Department.
Only 65,000 post-student work visas were granted through June 2004, compared with 201,079 through the first half of 2001, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Another reason for a decline in foreign students in U.S. MBA programs is increased marketing by international MBA programs in foreign countries in an effort to keep their students from traveling abroad in search of education. Adding to this is American International MBA programs opening branches on foreign soil.
The lack of interest for international MBA programs though could be good news for American students. With less competition from foreign students for spots in top MBA programs, it might be easier than you think to get in to your first choice.
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