Top Grad School Research 2009

QS Topgradschool.com Applicant Research 2009

Masters and PhDDavid McClelland

QS Intelligence UnitTrusted. Independent. Global

2 Copyright © 2009 QS Intelligence Unit

QS Topgradschool.com Applicant Research 2009, Masters and PhD

Author

David McClelland is the Senior Operations Manager at QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd. He has seven years of experience in the international education sector. Specialising in potential Masters and PhD students from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds, David has spent much of the previous six years travelling the globe advising candidates from every major education market on their future study options and universities on their international recruitment strategies. The author would like to thank Nancy Messih for her contribution to the writing of this report.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

QS links high achievers from the graduate, MBA and executive communities around the world with leading business schools, university postgraduate departments and employers, through websites, events, e-guides and technical solutions.QS organizes the QS World MBA Tour, the largest business education event in the world and the QS World Grad School Tour, the leading postgraduate studies information event. QS also has an extensive product range, including print and online publications and software solutions.QS produces the annual Topmba.com Applicant and Recruiter Research, several annual reports including the Global 200 Top Business Schools and the annual World University Rankings in partnership with the Times Higher Education.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd1 Tranley MewsFleet RoadLondon NW3 2DGUnited Kingdom

The entire content of this publication is protected by international copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Tables and charts may not be reworked or presented in any other form without written permission from the publishers and excerpts, tables or charts must be sourced: QS Topgradschool.com Applicant Research 2009, Masters and PhD

3 www.qs.com

ContentS

Author 2

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd 2

executive Summary 5

Section 1 Methodology and samples

1.1 Methodology 7 1.2 The QS Graduate Applicant Research 2009 sample 7

Section 2 the demographics of graduate applicants

2.1 Gender breakdown 8 2.2 Age of graduate applicants 82.3 Nationality 9 2.4 Desired mode of study 10 2.5 Broad subject of interest 10

Section 3 Current employment details

3.1 Current work situation 11 3.2 Work experience 11 3.3 Industry sector currently employed 11 3.4 Current salary 12

Section 4 General study plans

4.1 Desired countries of study 134.2 Reasons for choosing a country in which to study 13 4.3 Preferred application method 14

Section 5 Masters students’ study preferences

5.1 Course length preference 15 5.2 Study motivations 15 5.3 Criteria for selecting a university 16

Section 6 PhD students’ study preferences

6.1 Study motivations 17 6.2 Criteria for selecting a PhD program 17



Section 7 Research methods – choosing a university

7.1 Usefulness of each research method 18 7.2 Most popular research methods 21

Section 8 Financial support

8.1 How do graduates expect to fund their studies? 238.2 What is the maximum amount applicants would consider paying? 23 8.3 Percentage of total fees to be covered by loan 24 8.4 Would prospective graduate applicants still consider taking a program if 24 they received no scholarship?

Section 9 Career prospects

9.1 Criteria for identifying a graduate employer 25 9.2 Most popular industry sector 259.3 Target salary 25

Section 10 expectations

10.1 Hours of work per week 26 10.2 Where prospective candidates see themselves in ten years time 26

Section 11 Standardised test completion

11.1 Tests taken 27 11.2 Preparation materials 27 11.3 Study methods 27

5 www.qs.com

eXeCUtIVe SUMMARy

This executive summary presents the main results of the QS Graduate Applicants Research 2009, a survey of 35,000 international prospective graduate (Masters and PhD) students carried out in late 2008 and early 2009. The survey offers a unique insight into the characteristics, motivations and aspirations of prospective graduate students worldwide and reveals how they inform themselves about their future study options. This survey was last carried out in 2007.

Key fi ndings in 2009

Prospective graduate students are, on average, getting younger.

The proportion of females considering graduate study has increased. In Europe there are now more female prospective graduate study applicants than male.

The gap between the two most popular study destinations – the US and UK - has narrowed from 17.8% in 2007 to 11.8% in 2009.

Online social networking sites (eg Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace) are being extensively used for research into study destinations, universities and programs.

Demographics

Over 3,000 (3,079) registrants at the QS World Grad School Tour completed the online questionnaire, representing an 8.8% response rate.

The average age of applicants is 24 years and 11 months. There are regional variations, though male applicants are, on average, one year older than females.

Chart 1: Gender by region

Gender % Male FemaleOverall 59.6 40.4Asia 48.5 51.5China 44.7 55.3Europe 45.4 54.6India 78.7 21.3Latin America 53.1 46.9North America 44.1 55.9

Source: Topgradschool.com Applicants Survey 2009

In Europe, there is a signifi cant number of women considering graduate study. This trend has continued since 2005 when 65.4% were male and only 34.6% were women.

Current and future employment

Almost 10% (9.9%) of applicants have been in employment since completing their undergraduate degree. Of those surveyed, only 8.7% had no work experience. This compares

with 7.9% in 2007, indicating an upward trend. We believe this is a result of prospective postgraduate applicants realising earlier in their studies that an undergraduate qualifi cation is not suffi cient to achieve their career objectives.

This year sees an increase in applicants currently working in banking, accountancy and fi nancial services from 16.6% in 2007, to 20.3% in 2009. This is thought to be a result of the number of candidates pursuing further qualifi cations within these fi elds, due in part to the global diffi culties the sector is currently experiencing.

Over 80% (81.7%) of all prospective graduate candidates favour a study program length of between 10 and 24 months. This indicates a willingness of candidates to undertake a signifi cant break from paid employment - 83.5% favour full time study (up from 78.3% in 2007.) Only 6% favour a program of 10 months or less.

Worldwide, 63.5% of applicants currently earn below US$20k. However, on a regional level, this average varies considerably. Only 17.4% of North American applicants earn below US$20k compared with 67.4% from Latin America.

By contrast, expectations of salary after postgraduate study are ambitious - 33.2% of candidates target a salary of US$70k and above on completion of their Masters or PhD degree. However, 85% of candidates questioned expected to have to work more than 40 hours a week to achieve this remuneration.

Employment success is a key focus for postgraduate candidates. Over 70% (71.1%) want to continue their education to improve their employment prospects. Meanwhile, 55.6% of future PhD students are motivated by the impact the degree will have on their future career. Unsurprisingly, 72.6% of prospective PhD students expressed a desire to pursue future employment in academia.

Ten years after graduation, 53.1% of graduate program applicants see themselves as a senior manager/director/CEO of an organization and 23% want to run their own business. Financial services, banking and accounting, and consulting are the most popular future industries to work in, indicating these sectors are still attractive despite the current global economy.

Long-term career prospects, closely followed by salary and benefi ts, training and development are the most important criteria for candidates selecting their fi rst post-masters or PhD employer.

Financing study

As indicated in section 3.4, well over half of all applicants, 63.5%, are currently earning less than US$20k per year. It is therefore, unsurprising, that more prospective students than ever before, 61.3%, hope to fund their postgraduate studies with a scholarship, up from 57.5% in 2007.

Chart 1: Gender by region

Gender % Male FemaleOverall 59.6 40.4Asia 48.5 51.5China 44.7 55.3Europe 45.4 54.6India 78.7 21.3Latin America 53.1 46.9North America 44.1 55.9



Self-finance: In 2007, 10.5% of prospective graduate candidates sought to finance their studies from personal savings. This figure has fallen to 9.8% in 2009. Meanwhile, the number of applicants looking to part-finance overseas studies with a loan has remained steady since 2007, at 68%.

North America contrasts strongly with other regions in this respect. Only 47.5% of prospective postgraduate students hope to rely on a scholarship to fund their studies; 43.2%, are considering a loan, despite this financing option being more readily available in North America than elsewhere; and 27.2% of candidates estimate they can fund more than US$80k of their study costs personally.

Selecting a university and course

The UK and US continue to be the two most popular study destinations, however, the gap between these two competitors is diminishing. In 2009, 67% of candidates expressed a desire to study in the US (down from 75.8% in 2007). This compares with 61.4% wishing to study in the UK (up from 58% in 2007). Two factors are seen to be contributing to this trend: the weak pound has made the UK a more affordable destination for international postgraduate study, and the US visa system continues to pose difficulties for international students.

The top ten countries, considered by prospective postgraduate students, as ideal international study destinations are: US (67%), UK (61.4%), Canada (32.4%), Australia (31.8%), France (21%), Spain (18.5%), Germany (17.4%), Italy (14.7%), Netherlands (14.4%), and Singapore (14.2%).

International recognition is the most important factor in selecting a study destination, followed by cultural interest/lifestyle and scholarship/financial aid availability.

Reputation of the program (55.3%) and the university itself (51%) are the two most cited criteria for university selection among prospective Masters candidates. For PhD applicants, reputation of their chosen subject area is more important (56.7%) than the overall reputation of the institution (44.7%).

Measuring reputation is assisted by the use of rankings. The THE-QS World University Rankings emerges as the most favoured rankings exercise, cited by 41.1% of respondents as used in their university selection.

Program cost is not a major contributing factor for Masters (15.9%) and PhD applicants (9.4%) when selecting a university at which to pursue their postgraduate study. However, the availability of funding for studies is - 39.6% Masters, 47.6% PhD.

Worldwide, the most popular subject areas to study at graduate level are finance, accounting, management and economics (FAME), 38% and science, technology, engineering and maths

(STEM), 26%. This remains unchanged from 2007 – (FAME 31.4% and STEM 20.1%).

Only in India are these reversed, with 37.3% pursuing STEM subjects and 27.2% FAME. In North America a staggeringly low number (7.3%) wish to pursue STEM subjects.

Information choices

No comparable figures from 2007 or earlier are available for this section.

A mix of online media and direct contact prove to be the most popular methods for gathering information on further study University websites are used by 97.3% of applicants wishing to find information on Masters and PhD degrees. This is closely matched by 94.6% who value direct contact with admissions officers and 93.1% who deem contact with alumni to be beneficial in finding out about an institution or program.

Almost 95% (94.4%) of applicants value education fairs as a way to research Masters and PhD degrees. The most popular are the QS World MBA Tour and QS World Grad School Tour, British Council and online fairs.

Search engines are used by 93.7% of applicants exploring their university or program options. This is dominated by Google (81.9%), followed by Yahoo (30.2%). Applicants also use specialist university web tools such as TopMBA.com/Scorecard, 44.2% and Studyabroad.com, 23.5%.

The emergence of social networking sites as sources of information has increased significantly over the last two years. Facebook has cemented itself as the number one site for information gathering with 16.8% of applicants using it. This is followed by LinkedIn, 5.9% and MySpace, 3.2%. Specialist program/discipline websites are valued by 92.9% of prospective graduate applicants. However, despite the increase in popularity of these sites, 89.4% of applicants still find printed materials of value.

tests and applications

No comparable figures from 2007 or earlier are available for this section.

Over half, 64.9%, of all applicants have taken some form of the TOEFL® test. In North America, where the TOEFL® test is not required, 43.2% have taken the GMAT® and 44.2% the GRE®. When preparing for these tests, 77% of candidates prefer self-studying as opposed to enrolling on courses and 69% prefer using books/CD-ROMs over online preparation.

However, when applying to university, 94% of applicants prefer to complete the process online.

7 www.qs.com

1.1 Methodology

The QS Graduate Applicant Research is an annual survey of prospective graduate students who attended one of the 49 QS World Grad School Tour education fairs between September 2008 and February 2009. In that time over 35,000 candidates registered to attend the events, designed to support those students seeking Masters and PhD degrees at local or international universities.

Candidates registering for the QS World Grad School Tour were sent an invitation email to complete an online questionnaire, based on key issues concerning graduate study. These were categorized under a number of broad areas including: employment details, general study plans, Masters study preferences, PhD study preferences, research methods, financial support, career prospects and expectations.

Each of the 35,000 registrants of the QS World Grad School Tour was asked to provide basic personal information about their study preferences, goals and ambitions in relation to postgraduate study. This information will be stored on a database that universities can use in their search to find candidates that fit their recruitment criteria.

This information gives a very detailed insight into the demographics of graduate applicants and has been used to form the basis of section 2 in this report. Over the last three years (2006/07/08) we have collected information from almost 120,000 prospective graduate applicants from all over the world.

1.2 the QS Graduate Applicant Research 2009 sample

Email questionnaires were sent to 35,000 candidates. Of the 3,079 candidates who submitted responses to the survey, 2,048 completed the entire process. This equates to an overall response rate of 8.8%.

SeCtIon 1

MethoDoLoGy AnD SAMPLeS



2.1 Gender breakdown

The overall proportion of prospective male graduate applicants, 59.6% compared to female, 40.4% is still high in 2009. Figures in 2007 showed this trend emerging with 58.3% of male candidates overall compared to 41.7% female. This gap has reduced since 2005 when the ratio was 63.9% male, 36.1% female.

At a regional level the proportion of female students is slightly ahead: North America (55.9%), China (55.3%), Europe (54.6%), Asia (51.5%), Latin America (46.9%).

The only exception is India, which has 78.7% of male applicants compared to just 21.3% of female graduate applicants.

Chart 2.1: Gender breakdown 2009

Overall

Female%

Male%

Latin America

North AmericaEurope Asia China India

40%

60%

80%

0%

20%

100%


For the last fi ve years we have seen a gradual shift in Europe from predominantly male candidates to female candidates. In 2005, 65.4% of prospective graduate applicants were male, in 2006 that fi gure was 61.1% and it has been decreasing ever since. In 2007, 53.3% of prospective graduate applicants were male and in 2009 this percentage is now at its lowest, 45.4%.

During this time there has been an increase in the number of female graduate applicants in China. In 2005, 51.9% were female, in 2006 the proportion dropped to 45.5%, but in 2007 it was back to 59.3%. Our results for 2009 now show this position has again consolidated, with 55.3% being female.

India remains a male dominated student environment. In 2005, 80.4% of prospective Indian applicants were male. However, in a similar move to that experienced by female graduate applicants in China, in 2006 the proportion dropped to 69.7%. Indian male students regained their dominance in 2007 at 80.5%. In 2009 this fi gure now sits at 78.7%.

2.2 Age of graduate applicants

The average prospective graduate applicant is 24.9 years of age. One of the contributing factors to this is the different entry requirements of international graduate schools in relation to age, qualifi cations and work experience.

Our research has also shown that the majority of students who

graduate from their undergraduate programs at the age of 21 or 22 years of age, are waiting an additional three years before pursuing their postgraduate studies. As data in section 5.2 reveals, many prospective graduate students are spending two to three years working before realising a Masters or PhD degree is required to fulfi l their career ambitions.

Latin America

North AmericaEurope Asia China IndiaLatin

AmericaNorth

AmericaEurope Asia China India

Chart 2.2: Average age 2009

Average age

Average age in female

Average age in male

101520

05

253035


As chart 2:2 illustrates, Latin America has the oldest prospective graduate applicants with an average age of 28.2 years. This is followed by North America (26.7), Asia (25.8), India (23.5) and China, which at 22.6 years is producing the youngest candidates interested in pursuing graduate study.

On a regional level, several trends have started to emerge over the last four years. Firstly, the average age of prospective graduate applicants in China is dropping. In 2005 the average age was 24.2. In subsequent years this has fallen to 23.8 (2006), 22.8 (2007) and 22.6 (2009). We believe this is a result of the high number of students completing their undergraduate qualifi cations and facing increased competition for graduate jobs. This competition is forcing students to remain in university to complete a postgraduate qualifi cation.

The opposite is happening in Latin America. In 2005, the average age of prospective graduate applicants was 26.3. This has increased steadily to 26.8 (2006), 27.3 (2007) and 28.2 (2009). This trend is to be expected as it is common in Latin America for students to complete several years in the workplace before returning to specialist education.

In 2005, the average age of European applicants was 26. This increased slightly to 26.6 in 2006, before decreasing and remaining steady at 24.7 over the last two years, 2007 and 2009.

In India the average age of 23.5, has remained the same for three of the four years worth of data we have collected. This is due to the maturity of the education market in India and the emphasis that has been placed on international education (and indeed postgraduate education in general) for many years.

If we look at the average age by gender we can see that in all regions male candidates are at least 12 months older than their female contemporaries. In North America the difference is

SeCtIon 2

the DeMoGRAPhICS oF GRADUAte APPLICAntS

9 www.qs.com

almost three years. Over the last four years, male candidates have consistently been older than female candidates in all regions. The only fl uctuation to this trend happened in 2007 when female candidates were older than their male contemporaries in all regions.

2.3 nationality

Table 2.3 show that prospective graduate applicants from India are the dominant nationality on the QS World Grad School Tour database. The QS World Grad School Tour ran six events in India in 2009 with 13,135 (37.8% of the total) candidates in attendance. This is a signifi cant increase from 2007 when 5,694 candidates attended fi ve events in India and made up 17.4% of the total.

China also provides a high percentage of prospective graduate applicants, due to several QS events in that country. However the drop in the percentage of the total for China can be explained by the strength and number of candidates coming from Eastern European countries such as Romania (3.5% in 2009 compared to 0.1% in 2007 and 0.1% in 2006), Ukraine (2.4% in 2009, 2.1% in 2007 and 0.5% in 2006) and Bulgaria (1.9% in 2009, 0.1% in 2007).

In the Western European countries of Italy, France and the UK there is a slight decreases in terms of both raw numbers and

the percentage of the total. This is unsurprising considering the amount and accessibility of information available to them. The numbers of candidates from North America have increased from 2007 (0.8% US, 0.7% Canada) to 2009 (1.9% US, 1.9% Canada)

2009 2007 2006Country number Percentage number Percentage number Percentage

India 13135 37.8 5684 17.4 10410 27.7China 3024 8.7 4271 13.1 4841 12.9Colombia 1238 3.6 3194 9.8 758 2.0Romania 1218 3.5 31 0.1 55 0.1Vietnam 1175 3.4 1143 3.5 896 2.4Turkey 1071 3.1 747 2.3 536 1.4Venezuela 1044 3 2300 7.1 709 1.9Thailand 995 2.9 618 1.9 604 1.6Ukraine 830 2.4 694 2.1 206 0.5Mexico 826 2.4 1799 5.5 821 2.2Peru 780 2.2 2008 6.2 196 0.5Indonesia 748 2.2 60 0.2 135 0.4US 675 1.9 272 0.8 1612 4.3Canada 675 1.9 230 0.7 531 1.4Bulgaria 650 1.9 38 0.1 731 1.9Chile 616 1.8 1502 4.6 1021 2.7Italy 595 1.7 872 2.7 745 2.0Greece 544 1.6 691 2.1 487 1.3France 382 1.1 563 1.7 749 2.0UK 336 1 313 1.0 579 1.5


Table 2.3: Nationality of applicants



2.4 Mode of study

The prospective graduate applicant has long favoured full time education. In 2009, 83.5% indicated they would prefer a full time Masters or PhD program over all other options, up from 78.3% in 2007. This is an indication of the value students place on one of the major advantages of international graduate education - being in a classroom, surrounded by colleagues from all over the world.

Chart 2.4: Mode of study

2005

Distance learning

Full time

Part time

2006 2007 2008

40

60

80

0

20

100


Over the last few years the number of candidates that would favour a part time program has steadily increased: 15.9% in 2005, 16.4% in 2006, 18.4% in 2007. However we can see a large drop in 2009 to 12.5%. A likely possibility for this drop is the increased number of recent graduates now unemployed. Their change in situation has allowed them to pursue their postgraduate education full time (indeed we see a similar percentage increase on the number of prospective graduate applicants pursuing full time study as we do a decrease in those pursuing part time). Those who are in employment may also fi nd their employers are much less fl exible in the current economic climate to allow them to pursue a part time postgraduate qualifi cation.

2.5 Broad subject of interest

In 2009 FAME subjects (fi nance, accounting, management and economics) are once again the most popular programs for prospective graduate applicants with 38% stating a desire to study in one of these areas. STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) are the second most popular subject areas with 26%. international affairs is third with 8%, followed by communications/media, law and administration all with 5%.

Chart 2.5: Top ten subjects 2009

FAME (Finance, accounting,

management, economics)

38%

STEM (Science, technology, engineering,

maths) 26%

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/RELATIONS

8%

COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA 5%

LAW/LEGAL STUDIES5%

ADMINISTRATION5%

ART/DESIGN4%

BIOSCIENCES4%

EDUCATION/TRAINING3% PSYCHOLOGY

2%


At a regional level, India is the only place where FAME subjects are not the most popular - 27.2% of prospective graduate applicants wish to study FAME compared to 37.3% who wish to study STEM subjects. This is unsurprising given the technical profi ciency of students graduating in STEM subjects from Indian institutions. This trend is set to continue with 46% of prospective graduate candidates in Bangalore and 50% in Hyderabad expressing a desire to study STEM subjects for their Masters or PhD degrees.

STEM subjects are least popular in North America. Only 7.3% of prospective graduate applicants indicated they wished to pursue postgraduate study in these fi elds. This is a well-documented problem for North American institutions and a lack of technical graduates coming through the system has serious implications for the region in the long term. We have noticed a number of initiatives being taken to increase the number of graduate applicants on STEM programs in North America and also to a lesser extent in Europe and Australia. Government sponsored scholarship programs (applicable only to candidates who will stay in the destination country for a minimum period of time after graduation) and more aggressive recruitment from the relevant faculties are two examples of such initiatives. We have also seen partnerships develop between universities and employers in this sector working together to improve the situation.

From 2006 to 2009 there has been a 3% drop worldwide in the number of candidates wishing to study a FAME related subject, 41% in 2006 to 38% in 2009. STEM subjects have remained fairly balanced at 26% over the last three years but we are seeing a boost in the number of candidates wishing to study international relations/affairs (up to 8% in 2009 from 5% in 2007). In 2006, this subject did not feature in the top ten most popular subject areas (less than 2%), reinforcing its recent surge in popularity.

11 www.qs.com

SeCtIon 3

CURRent eMPLoyMent DetAILS

3.1 Current work situation

As previously illustrated in section 2.2, the majority of graduate applications are coming from individuals currently in full time employment. Traditionally work experience has been a prerequisite for MBA applicants, but the trend now extends to those interested in Masters and PhD education. If we include those in part time employment, 80% of prospective graduate candidates are currently outside the education system at the point of application. This is up on the 70.4% in 2007, although most of this growth is attributed to those working part time – 12% in 2009, up from 5.5% in 2007.

Chart 3.1: Current work situation

FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT

68%STUDENT WITH

PART TIME EMPLOYMENT

4%

OTHER9%

STUDENT7%

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT12%


3.2 Work experience

The information we have gathered in response to this question reinforces the view that prospective graduate students have more work experience than ever before. Only 8.7% of all respondents have no work experience, a drop from 14.8% in 2007. Those candidates who have between one and three years work experience is up to 51.9% from 43.6% in 2007; 22.3% have between four and six years work experience (20.7% in 2007); 9.7% have between seven and ten years (compared to 13% in 2007). In 2007, 7.9% of all prospective graduate students had over ten years of work experience - this fi gure has now risen to 9.9%.

Chart 3.2: Years of work experience

9 10+ years

none8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

5%

10%

15%

0%

20%


Candidates from China and India traditionally embark on their Masters degree directly after completion of their undergraduate qualifi cation. Although these two countries have the youngest candidates, it is interesting to note that both have increased levels of experience this year. The number of prospective graduate applicants in China with no experience has dropped from 36.4% in 2007 to 25.2% in 2009. India’s prospective graduate applicants with no experience have also dropped from 21.9% in 2007 to 17.8% in 2009.

3.3 Industry sector currently employed in

Unsurprisingly, considering the current fi nancial climate, we are seeing an increase in the number of prospective graduate applicants from the fi nancial/banking sectors. Banking makes up 6.2% of the respondents (up from 5.8% in 2007), accounting 5% (up from 4.5%) and fi nancial services 8.9% (up from 6.3%). In contrast to this is the number of prospective graduate applicants from more technical sectors - engineering makes up 7.9% of the respondents (down from 9.4% in 2007) and information technology, 9.3% (down from 12.6%). The number of prospective students working as consultants has decreased to 7.3% from 8% in 2007.

Chart 3.3: Sector currently working in

Pharmace

uticals

RetailMed

ia

Consumer

products

Non-profit

Teleco

mmunicatio

ns

Industry

Public se

ctor

Accountin

g

Banking

Consultin

g

Engineerin

g

Education

Finacial

service

s

Informati

on

technology

Other

10%

15%

20%

0%

5%

25%




3.4 Current salary

Well over half of all applicants, 63.5%, are currently earning less than US$20k per year, with a further 8.9% earning US$20-26k and 9.2% earning US$25-30k. The total number of applicants earning US$30k or less is 81.6%. This clearly shows that the vast majority of prospective graduate students are either at the bottom of the career ladder or in fi rst positions. These results indicate that candidates see graduate studies as a way of improving their work situation and earning power. It also reinforces the notion that candidates see further studies as an ideal way to progress their career.

Chart 3.4: Current salary

£40,001 - £45,000

£35,001 - £40,000

£30,001 - £35,000

£25,001 - £30,000

£20,001 - £25,000

< £20,0010%

10%

20%

30%

40%

60%

70%


At a regional level, prospective graduate students from North America are currently earning considerably more than their colleagues from the rest of the world - 17.4% earn less than $20k compared to 67.4% in Latin America, 64% in Europe, and 75.4% in Asia. In North America we can see that 11.6% of prospective graduate students earn US$50-55k and 10.1% earn US$55-60k. These fi gures are in direct contrast to every other global region and could indicate that in the US, graduate qualifi cations are seen as important for career growth and development throughout a student’s career, not just at the beginning. This conclusion is supported by current earnings and the average age of North American candidates compared to other regions (see graph 2.2).

13 www.qs.com

SeCtIon 4

GeneRAL StUDy PLAnS

4.1 Desired countries of study

The UK and US remain the two most popular study destinations for prospective graduate candidates. However, the gap between these two so-called ‘power houses’ of international graduate study, is diminishing. In 2009, 67% of prospective graduate students expressed a desire to study in the US; 61.4% wished to study in the UK – a difference of just 5.6%. This compares to 75.8% of candidates indicating a preference to study in the US in 2007 as opposed to 58% in the UK – a gap of 17.8%. Two factors are seen to be contributing to this trend: the weak pound has made the UK a more affordable destination for international postgraduate study, and the US visa system continues to pose diffi culties for international students.

Table 4.1: Desired country of study

Country of study Percentage of interest (%)

US 67UK 61.4Canada 32.4Australia 31.8France 21.04Spain 18.49Germany 17.42Italy 14.65Netherlands 14.4Singapore 14.17Switzerland 13.33Sweden 11.81New Zealand 9.15Belgium 8.23Japan 8.08Denmark 7.49Finland 6.94Ireland 6.53Hong Kong 5.94Norway 5.87


The top ten European countries for preferred graduate study are the UK (61%), France (21%), Spain (18.5%), Germany (17%), Italy (15%), Netherlands (14%), Switzerland (13%), Sweden (12%), Belgium (8%) and Denmark (7.5%).The top fi ve countries in Asia are Australia (32%), Singapore (14%), Japan (8%), Hong Kong (5%) and Malaysia (4%).

4.2 Reasons for choosing a country in which to study

The most important factor when deciding on a country in which to study is ensuring the qualifi cation is internationally recognised according to 71.9% of respondents, a slight decrease from 72.5% in 2007. It is interesting to note that this is still the most signifi cant reason for a prospective graduate student, despite the internationalization of higher education and the post-Bologna landscape of European international programs. Cultural interest and lifestyle is the second most important factor with 62.9%. Scholarship and fi nancial aid availability is the third at 54.8%. Improving language skills and the desire to work in a chosen country afterwards complete the top fi ve with 47.4% and 39.4% respectively.

Table 4.2: Reasons for choosing a country in which to study

Reason for choosing country Percentage

Would like to work there afterwards 39.95Scholarship/fi nancial aid is available 54.8International recognition of qualifi cations 71.98Improve language skills 47.41Cultural interest and lifestyle 62.9Target school 34.21Create network 33.98Family connection 13.62Visa situation 8.85It is (or near to) the country you currently live 8.03Other 4.5


Table 4.1: Desired country of study

Country of study Percentage of interest (%)

US 67UK 61.4Canada 32.4Australia 31.8France 21.04Spain 18.49Germany 17.42Italy 14.65Netherlands 14.4Singapore 14.17Switzerland 13.33Sweden 11.81New Zealand 9.15Belgium 8.23Japan 8.08Denmark 7.49Finland 6.94Ireland 6.53Hong Kong 5.94Norway 5.87

Table 4.2: Reasons for choosing a country in which to study

Reason for choosing country Percentage

Would like to work there afterwards 39.95Scholarship/fi nancial aid is available 54.8International recognition of qualifi cations 71.98Improve language skills 47.41Cultural interest and lifestyle 62.9Target school 34.21Create network 33.98Family connection 13.62Visa situation 8.85It is (or near to) the country you currently live 8.03Other 4.5



4.3 Preferred application method

The results of the survey on this particular question show, without a doubt, that prospective graduate candidates would prefer to apply online (93.9%). Only 6.1% favoured a paper application. This is shared by students in all regions.

Chart 4.3: Prefered application method

ONLINE94%

PAPER6%


15 www.qs.com

5.1 Course length preference

No comparable fi gures from 2007 or earlier are available for this section.

These results show that 81.7% of all prospective graduate candidates favour a program between 10 to 24 months in length. This is surprising considering the cost implications of studying for an extra year (both living costs and course fees are doubled – although one year programs are usually charged at a premium). However, it is worth noting that most graduate programs in the US and increasingly in Europe (due to the Bologna Accord) are two-year programs, which means for many candidates their only option is a two-year course of study .

Chart 5.1: Course length preference

Less than 10 months

10-18 months

19-24 months

More than 24 months

20%

30%

40%

0%

10%

50%


Only a very small number of prospective graduate candidates, 6%, favour a program of ten months or less in length. There are regional variations - Italian students in particular go against this trend with 17.2% interested in shorter programs. Meanwhile, a slightly higher number of respondents, 12%, indicated they would prefer a program to run for more than 24 months. However this too varies at regional level: Canada (23.1%), Romania (27.5%), China (21.6%) and South Africa (32%).

5.2 Study motivations

Measuring the complex nature of individuals in relation to their study motivations is extremely diffi cult. Respondents to this survey were presented with a number of probable motivations and asked to choose one or more that applied to them. The results showed 71.1% wished to continue their studies in order to improve their employment prospects, and 61.8% hoped their studies would enable them to progress in their current career path. An additional 61.3% wanted to study a Masters degree in order to progress to a higher level qualifi cation and 50.5% were motivated by personal interest.

Table 5.2: Study motivations (Masters)

Study motivations (Masters) Percentage

To enable me to progress to a higher 61.28level qualifi cation To improve my employment prospects 71.09To progress in my current career path 61.77For personal interest 50.52My employer required me to take it/ 1.67My employer required it Other 3.11As a requirement to enter a 16.07particular profession


These fi gures do not vary signifi cantly across regions. However, in North America 80% take a Masters degree to improve their employment prospects, compared to 41.7% who pursue a Masters degree to enable them to progress to a higher level qualifi cation. This would suggest that North American candidates are slightly more career minded than their contemporaries in the rest of the world.

In 2007, our research showed that 68.2% of prospective graduate applicants were motivated by a desire to improve their employment prospects (61.8% in 2009). Two years later and these fi gures show a minimal change (6.4%), suggesting that the current global fi nancial situation has had little effect on the factors that motivate prospective graduate students to continue their studies.

SeCtIon 5

MASteRS StUDentS’ StUDy PReFeRenCeS

Table 5.2: Study motivations (Masters)

Study motivations (Masters) Percentage

To enable me to progress to a higher 61.28level qualifi cation To improve my employment prospects 71.09To progress in my current career path 61.77For personal interest 50.52My employer required me to take it/ 1.67My employer required it Other 3.11As a requirement to enter a 16.07particular profession



5.3 Criteria for selecting a university (Masters)

The most important criteria for a prospective postgraduate candidate when choosing which university to apply to is the reputation of the program (55.3%) and the overall reputation of the university (51%). Reinforcing the importance of careers in the thinking of prospective students we can see that 39.8% state good career and employment prospects as being their main criteria for university selection. Funding is also a major criterion for 39.6% of prospective applicants as is the location of an institution, 27.5%.

Only 15.9% of prospective graduate candidates consider the cost of a program to be one of the main criteria for selecting a university.

Table 5.3: Criteria for selecting a university (Masters)

Criteria for selecting a university Percentage (Masters)

The institution’s reputation in my chosen subject 55.27The overall reputation of the institution 50.99Graduates from the institution have good 39.83 career and employment prospects Funding is available for me to study a 39.65particular program The location of the institution 27.45Institution offers specifi c details within the 21.51program that I am seeking The cost of the program compared to 15.89other institutions The reputation of the department 11.34The way the program is assessed 10.58It was recommended to me 5.31Other 1.4


Interesting variations across regional data arise from these fi gures. In North America, prospective graduate students are more interested in the university (64.7%) and the institution’s reputation within a specifi c subject area (70.7%) than India, where 53% consider the reputation of an institution in a specifi c subject area, and Europe, where only 46.7% of prospective graduate applicants consider the reputation of the institution as an important criterion.

Location is also much more important to North American candidates (45.5%), than Latin American candidates (27.8%) and Asian candidates (26.4%). However, in stark contrast to Latin America (20.7%), North America is the region where cost is of least importance (10.8%).

It would seem that Asia is the region most interested in the career prospects of graduates with 44.6% of prospective graduate applicants indicating this as a criterion for selecting a university, closely followed by Europe (39.8%). North American candidates are the least interested, 27.5%.

Table 5.3: Criteria for selecting a university (Masters)

Criteria for selecting a university Percentage (Masters)

The institution’s reputation in my chosen subject 55.27The overall reputation of the institution 50.99Graduates from the institution have good 39.83 career and employment prospects Funding is available for me to study a 39.65particular program The location of the institution 27.45Institution offers specifi c details within the 21.51program that I am seeking The cost of the program compared to 15.89other institutions The reputation of the department 11.34The way the program is assessed 10.58It was recommended to me 5.31Other 1.4

17 www.qs.com

SeCtIon 6

PhD StUDentS’ StUDy PReFeRenCeS

6.1 Study motivations

Although prospective PhD students are motivated by the impact such a degree can have on their career (55.6%) and the improvements a PhD can make to their employment prospects (51.6%), many also indicated a desire to pursue a career in academia as the biggest motivator (72.6%). An additional 53.5% of prospective PhD candidates are inspired by a personal interest to study for this graduate degree, similar in number to those interested in pursuing a Masters degree (50.5%).

Table 6.1: Study motivations (PhD)

Study motivations (PhD) Percentage

To enable me to pursue a career in academia 72.55To progress in my current career path 55.61For personal interest 53.46To improve my employment prospects 51.55As a requirement to enter a 14.8particular professionMy employer required me to obtain 3.82the qualifi cationOther 5.25


6.2 Criteria for selecting a PhD program

A prospective PhD applicant gives particular importance to an institution’s reputation on a chosen subject area (56.7%) above the level of funding available (47.6%) and the overall reputation of the institution (44.7%). Career and employment prospects seem to be less important for prospective PhD applicants when compared to those seeking Masters qualifi cations. Only 28.1% indicated this criterion as a motivating factor compared to 39.8% seeking a Masters degree.It is perhaps surprising to note that only 16.4% of prospective PhD candidates look at the reputation of the specifi c supervisor, and 9.4% at the cost of the program, when both of these criteria were generally considered a signifi cant factor.

Table 6.2: Criteria for selecting a PhD program

Criteria for selecting a PhD program Percentage

The institution’s reputation in my 56.73chosen subject areaFunding available for me to study 47.6this particular programThe overall reputation of the institution 44.71Graduates from the institution have good 28.13employment and career prospectsThe location of the institution 20.91The reputation of the department 17.55Offers specifi c details within the program 17.07that I am seekingThe reputation of the specifi c supervisor 16.35The provision of specifi c scientifi c or 9.86academic equipmentThe cost of the program compared to 9.38other institutionsThe way the program is assessed 6.97It was recommended to me 3.37

Source: Topgradschool.com Applicants Survey 2009 At a regional level the reputation of an institution is far more important to prospective PhD applicants in Asia - 62.5% indicate this as an important criterion compared to 34.1% in Europe and 34.7% in Latin America. Meanwhile, the cost of the program carries more signifi cance in Latin America, 22.2%, than Asia, 6.6% and Europe 8.1%. This compares to 9.4% overall.

Table 6.1: Study motivations (PhD)

Study motivations (PhD) Percentage

To enable me to pursue a career in academia 72.55To progress in my current career path 55.61For personal interest 53.46To improve my employment prospects 51.55As a requirement to enter a 14.8particular professionMy employer required me to obtain 3.82the qualifi cationOther 5.25

Table 6.2: Criteria for selecting a PhD program

Criteria for selecting a PhD program Percentage

The institution’s reputation in my 56.73chosen subject areaFunding available for me to study 47.6this particular programThe overall reputation of the institution 44.71Graduates from the institution have good 28.13employment and career prospectsThe location of the institution 20.91The reputation of the department 17.55Offers specifi c details within the program 17.07that I am seekingThe reputation of the specifi c supervisor 16.35The provision of specifi c scientifi c or 9.86academic equipmentThe cost of the program compared to 9.38other institutionsThe way the program is assessed 6.97It was recommended to me 3.37



No comparable fi gures from 2007 or earlier are available for this section.

7.1 Usefulness of research methods

overallThere are a wide variety of research methods available to prospective graduate applicants with varying degrees of importance and value.

University websites are by far the most popular research method, followed by search engines, printed university brochures and fairs. However, there is very little disparity between the remaining options. This indicates that prospective graduate applicants undertake indepth research using a diverse range of methods in a bid to choose the right university for their Masters or PhD study.

table 7.1: Research methods - overall

Research method number of Weight responses (out of 4)Contact with alumni 1625 2.78Direct discussion with institution 1607 2.99admissions offi cersFairs 1627 2.74Independent consultants/counsellors 1501 2.47Independent rankings 1576 2.64Interactive CD-ROMs 1403 2.17Specialist program/discipline websites 1541 2.76Printed directory/publication 1482 2.50Printed university/school brochure 1631 2.75University/school website 1847 3.22Search engines 1663 2.85


Contact with alumniThe vast majority of prospective graduate applicants, 93.1%, see value in contact with alumni from institutions when making their decision on where to study. Of the 93.1% who see value, 29.3% consider it very useful. Only 6.9% consider this research method not to be useful at all.

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.11: Contacting alumni

Not useful Useful Quite useful Very useful


At a regional level, 22.1% of candidates in the Middle East consider contacting alumni not to be useful. This is the only real variation from the overall fi gures.

Direct discussion with institution admissions offi cersAlmost 95% (94.6%) of prospective graduate candidates see value in direct discussion with institution admissions offi cers - 37.1% indicated it to be very useful.


40%

30%

20%

10%

0%Not useful Useful Quite useful Very useful

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.12: Direct discussions with institution admissions officers


Most regions place a similar importance on direct discussions with institution admissions offi cers. In Africa, 48.5% of prospective graduate applicants consider this research method to be very useful, as do 37.2% of European applicants and 38.2% of North American applicants. Only in Latin America does this research method hold little value at 9.5%.

table 7.1: Research methods - overall

Research method number of Weight responses (out of 4)Contact with alumni 1625 2.78Direct discussion with institution 1607 2.99admissions offi cersFairs 1627 2.74Independent consultants/counsellors 1501 2.47Independent rankings 1576 2.64Interactive CD-ROMs 1403 2.17Specialist program/discipline websites 1541 2.76Printed directory/publication 1482 2.50Printed university/school brochure 1631 2.75University/school website 1847 3.22Search engines 1663 2.85

SeCtIon 7

ReSeARCh MethoDS –ChooSInG A UnIVeRSIty

19 www.qs.com

education fairsEducation fairs continue to be a valuable tool for 94.4% of prospective graduate applicants researching their Masters and PhD degrees. Of this 94.4%, 22.6% believe them to be very useful, 35.1% quite useful and 36.7%, useful. Only 5.6% fail to see the value of education fairs. In 2007 only 2.6% of prospective graduate applicants saw no value in education fairs, with 81.5% indicating they found them to be either quite useful or very useful (compared to 57.7% in 2009). Although still important, there is a decline in the perceived usefulness of these events.


40%

30%

20%

10%


40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.13: Education fairs


At a regional level, Europe has the highest proportion of people (24.1%) who fi nd education fairs very useful. Latin America has the lowest amount of prospective graduate applicants who see no value in education fairs with 4.9%.

Independent consultants/counsellorsA total of 85.8% of prospective graduate applicants see some value in the use of independent consultants and counsellors. Another 16.4% see them as very useful and 14.2% see no value whatsoever.


50%

40%

30%

20%

10%


50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.14: Independent councellors/consultants


There are signifi cant regional differences as to the value placed on gaining postgraduate study advice from independent consultants and counsellors. In North America, only 10.9% see them as very useful and 27.3% of prospective graduate applicants see them as not useful. This compares to Asia where 24.2% of prospective graduate applicants consider independent counsellors and consultants to be very useful, and only 8.7% as not useful.

Independent rankings and assessmentsProspective graduate applicants also place value on independent rankings and assessments. Only 7% consider them to be not useful, but this has increased from 4.3% in 2007. Meanwhile, 18.7% consider them to be very useful.Overall, 52.5% found rankings to be quite useful or very useful in 2009, a decrease of 22.5% from 2007 (75%). The reason for this decrease is unknown. However, when we considered this alongside the increase in popularity of specifi c institution and program websites, it could be due to prospective graduate applicants becoming more focused and targeted in their planning, already having some idea of where they wish to study.


50%

40%

30%

20%

10%


50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.15: Independent rankings and assessments


There is not too much regional variation in relation to independent rankings and assessments as a research tool. Latin America fi nds this method to be most valuable, with 24.1% considering them very useful. The Middle East fi nds them to be the least valuable with 12% considering them not useful.



Interactive CD-RoMsInteractive CD-ROMs do not have quite the same value for prospective graduate applicants researching their Masters or PhD degree as other methods. Only 11.1% fi nd them very useful, with 26.5% of prospective graduate applicants considering interactive CD-ROMs to be not useful. Despite an overall 73.5% of candidates seeing some value in them, as graph 7.1 illustrates, interactive CD-ROMs are the least popular research method for prospective graduate applicants.


60%

40%

20%


60%

40%

20%

0%

Chart 7.16: Interactive CD-ROMS


Regionally, 50% of prospective graduate applicants in North America consider interactive CD-ROMs not useful - only 1.9% consider them to be very useful. In Europe, 41.7% of prospective graduate applicants consider this research method to be not useful; 6.8% see them as very useful.

Specialist program/discipline websitesOver 90% (92.9%) of prospective graduate applicants consider specialist websites to be of value - only 7.1% consider them to be not useful. This strengthens the argument that websites and online tools continue to play an increasingly important role in communicating with candidates. Indeed 25.6% consider them to be very useful.


40%

30%

20%

10%


40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.17: Special program/discipline websites


Regional analysis of the value prospective graduate candidates place on specialist program/discipline websites throws up one major surprise in North America - 21.4% consider them to be not useful and only 19.6% fi nd them very useful. These fi gures go against what are otherwise very solid global trends in favour of specialist websites. Indeed in Latin America, 27.5% fi nd them to be very useful, as do 22.2% of candidates in Europe, 23% in Asia and 21.7% in India.

Printed directories/publicationsThe importance of online materials has been well documented over the last few years, but it is interesting to note the continued importance of them - 89.4% of prospective graduate applicants fi nd printed materials to have value, of which 15.3% consider them to be very useful. Only 10.6% consider them to be not useful.


60%

40%

20%


60%

40%

20%

0%

Chart 7.18: Printed directories/publications


Although still of signifi cance to prospective graduate applicants it is worth noting that printed directories/publications have become slightly less important than in 2007, when 4% of prospective graduate applicants did not fi nd this research method to be useful. This fi gure has now risen to 10.6%. Regionally there are variations in North America - 23.2% fi nd printed directories/publications not useful, compared to the overall fi gure of 10.6%. Only 7.1% fi nd them very useful, compared to 15.3%.

University websitesProspective graduate applicants place a high level of importance on the website of a university or institution as a means of gathering information for future Masters and PhD study. Only 2.6% indicated that this method was not useful compared to the almost 50% (48.2%) of candidates who consider it to be very useful. In 2007, 8.1% of prospective graduate applicants found university websites not useful. This indicates that internet research is, possibly more than ever, one of the most important sources of information for prospective graduate applicants’ future study choices. Regionally these fi gures do not vary signifi cantly. For example, in Latin America only 4% see no value in university websites while 60.8% see them as very useful.


60%

40%

20%


60%

40%

20%

0%

Chart 7.19: University websites


21 www.qs.com

Search enginesOnline research is considered a very useful tool by 29.9% of prospective graduate candidates. This compares with only 6.3% of candidates who consider the method to be not useful. However, search engines do not hold as much value to the prospective candidate as university websites, 48.2%.In 2007, 77.4% of prospective graduate applicants considered search engines to be either quite useful or very useful compared to 60.5% in 2009. This trend suggests that search engines are increasingly being bypassed in favour of a more targeted use of the internet.

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.11: Contacting alumni



There are few notable variations on a regional level, but one particularly interesting fi nding is that in North America only 16.9% of prospective graduate applicants consider search engines to be very useful. This is by far the lowest in the survey and surprising when one considers the availability and importance of the internet in that region.

7.2 Most popular research methods

Search engines, networks and web toolsGoogle, as the clear market leader, is the most popular search engine used by prospective graduate applicants (81.9%). Yahoo is the second preferred search engine (30.2%) followed by Studyabroad.com (23.5%) and Business Week (21.9%). Social networking sites have increased signifi cantly in importance over the last two years. Facebook is the most popular (16.8%), with LinkedIn (5.9%) and MySpace (3.2%) also being used by prospective graduate applicants. In 2007 social networking sites did not feature in our research.

Table 7.21: What search engines and web tools do you use?

Percentage Google 81.71TopMBA.com/Topgradschool.com 43.36Yahoo 30.22Studyabroad.com 23.87BusinessWeek 21.57Facebook 16.94GMAT 16.41Economist.com 16.05FT.com 12.09Studylink.com 8.65MSN 8.6Timesonline.com 7.5LinkedIn 6.1Other 7.71WSJ.com 3.7MySpace 3.28Chasedream 2.34AMEInfo.com 1.35Bait.com 0.73Bebo 0.47


Google remains far and away the most signifi cant web tool across each of the regions. LinkedIn, as a social networking site, is considered more important (12.5%) in Asia than elsewhere in the world.

Table 7.21: What search engines and web tools do you use?

Percentage Google 81.71TopMBA.com/Topgradschool.com 43.36Yahoo 30.22Studyabroad.com 23.87BusinessWeek 21.57Facebook 16.94GMAT 16.41Economist.com 16.05FT.com 12.09Studylink.com 8.65MSN 8.6Timesonline.com 7.5LinkedIn 6.1Other 7.71WSJ.com 3.7MySpace 3.28Chasedream 2.34AMEInfo.com 1.35Bait.com 0.73Bebo 0.47



education fairs and eventsThe QS World MBA Tour and QS World Grad School Tour are the education fairs most favoured by prospective graduate applicants, although it should be noted that this survey was completed by candidates who attended a QS event.

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.22: Which education fairs do you use?

EHEFAMBA

Other

Linden Tours/

The MBA Tour

GMAC

IDP Educat

ion

Australi

a

World

Exec

MBA Tour

Online f

airs

British

Council

World

Grad

school T

our

World

MBA Tour


Study information sourcesProspective graduate applicants have already shown us the importance they place on online research and the university/institution website. It is therefore unsurprising to see that 51.4% consider the actual university of choice to be the best source of information for them. This is followed closely by the British Council at 44.5%.

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Chart 7.23: Study information sources

GATEUCIS

Other

EduFrance

Nuffic

IDP Educat

ion

Australi

aDAAD

Fulbright/US

Council fo

r Educat

ion

Local Educat

ional Agen

t/

Admissions C

onsulta

nt

British

Council

University

of choice


Research and rankingsThe THE - QS World University Rankings are the most signifi cant rankings used by prospective graduate applicants (41.1%), followed closely by the QS TopMBA Career Guide/Topmba.com (40.3%). Academic rankings of world universities is favoured by 38.5% of respondents, followed by the Financial Times, 32.3% and Business Week, 27.2%.

Table 7.24: Research and rankings

Percentage THE – QS World University Rankings 41.39QS TopMBA Career Guide/TopMBA.com 39.98Academic rankings of world universities 38.85Financial Times 31.68Business Week 26.76The Economist 20.05US News & World reports 15.98Wall Street Journal 13.95Other 5.08AmericaEconomia 2.37National rankings in chosen destination country 16.71Far East Economic Review 1.52


Table 7.24: Research and rankings

PercentageTHE – QS World University Rankings 41.39QS TopMBA Career Guide/TopMBA.com 39.98Academic rankings of world universities 38.85Financial Times 31.68Business Week 26.76The Economist 20.05US News & World reports 15.98Wall Street Journal 13.95Other 5.08AmericaEconomia 2.37National rankings in chosen destination country 16.71Far East Economic Review 1.52

23 www.qs.com

8.1 how do graduates expect to fund their studies?

Funding is a major consideration for prospective graduate applicants considering a Masters or PhD degree. Our research reveals that the majority of candidates hope to be able to fund their studies through scholarships and institutional fi nancial aid: 61.3% hope to support their studies with the help of a scholarship; 12% plan to cover the cost of their studies with help from parents/families; 11.3% through bank loans; and 9.8% with their own savings.

Findings were much the same in 2007 when 57.5% hoped to use scholarships, 15.7% a commercial loan, 10.5% through family sources and10.4% their own savings.

Company

sponso

rship Loan

Own savings

Parents/

Family

Scholar

ships

Other

70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%

Company

sponso

rship

Company

sponso

rship

Company

Loan

Own savings

Parents/

Family

Scholar

ships

Other

70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%

Chart 8.1: How do you intend to fund your study?


Scholarships are also the desired method of funding across regions, particularly in Latin America (77.3%), Asia (70%) and the Middle East (78.4%). However, in North America only 47.5% of prospective graduate applicants see scholarships as their preferred funding method; 43.2% see loans as a more appropriate option.

8.2 What is the maximum amount applicants would consider paying (over the full duration of the course)?

The results from this question shed some interesting light regarding the implications of the current fi nancial climate on the ability of prospective graduate applicants to fi nance their studies and to what degree they are prepared to do so.

Research shows that 12.1% of candidates can only contribute less than US$5k towards their Masters or PhD study. The most signifi cant group of candidates (18.3%) were prepared to pay US$5-10k; 14.4% were prepared to pay US$10-20k; and 17.4% were prepared to pay US$20-30k.

When we compare 2009 fi gures with those from 2007 only 20.5% of prospective graduate applicants were prepared to pay over US$50k compared to 19.5% this year. Meanwhile, 29.1% of applicants were willing to pay less than US$10k over the entire length of the course in 2007 compared to 30.4% in 2009. This leads to the conclusion that prospective graduate applicants of 2009 are in a similar, if not equal, fi nancial situation as their counterparts were two years ago. It seems the fi nancial crisis is yet to seriously affect the prospective student and their Masters or PhD funding.

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Chart 8.2: What is the maximum amount applicants would consider paying? (Over the duration of the course)

More than

80,00

0

£70,0

01 - £

80,00

0

£60,0

01 - £

70,00

0

£50,0

01 - £

60,00

0

£40,0

01 - £

50,00

0

£30,0

01 - £

40,00

0

£20,0

01 - £

30,00

0

£10,0

01 - £

20,00

0

£5,00

1 - £1

0,000

Less th

an 5,

000


From a regional perspective, North American applicants have higher budgets for their Masters and PhD studies. Only 1.2% had less than US$5k, and a substantial 27.2% were able to pay more than US$80k throughout the duration of their course.

SeCtIon 8

FInAnCIAL SUPPoRt



8.3 What percentage of course fees would be the minimum bank loan required to enable you to study overseas?

Due to a wide variety of funding options available to prospective graduate applicants, an increasing number are using loans to fund part, but not all, of their graduate education costs.

Only 12.9% indicated they would require loans for 100% of their studies; 20.8% would look for loans to cover 20% of their study costs; and 18% would look for funding to cover 40%.

Similar results occurred in 2007: 12.6% of respondents required 100%, 19.3% required 20% and 17.7% required 40%. This emphasizes the lack of impact the current global fi nancial crisis has had on prospective students and their fi nancial situation.

At the regional level, although North America has the lowest percentage of prospective graduate applicants that require no loan (5.6%) the region also has the largest proportion that require a loan to cover 100% of their fees (22.2%).

Table 8.3: What percentage of course fees would be the minimum bank loan required to enable you to study overseas?

Percentage200% 1.38180% 0.44160% 1.1140% 1.1120% 1.54100% 12.7680% 14.6360% 14.5840% 17.8820% 20.90% 13.7


8.4 Would prospective graduate applicants still consider taking a program if they received no scholarship?

The importance of funding on a prospective graduate applicant cannot be underestimated. As this research shows, 41.6% would not consider taking a program without fi nancial support and scholarships. In 2007 these fi gures were virtually identical with only 57.9% of applicants prepared to consider taking a program without a scholarship (58.4% in 2009).

Chart 8.4: Would prospective graduate applicants still consider taking a program if they received no scholarship?

YES58%

NO42%


Regionally, 46.6% of Europeans would not consider studying towards a Masters or PhD without a scholarship. Similar numbers can be found in the Middle East (60.5%) and Asia (42.6%). Only North America provides a different picture with a low 16.7% of prospective graduate applicants prepared to consider enrolling in a Masters or PhD without a scholarship.

Table 8.3: What percentage of course fees would be the minimum bank loan required to enable you to study overseas?

Percentage200% 1.38180% 0.44160% 1.1140% 1.1120% 1.54100% 12.7680% 14.6360% 14.5840% 17.8820% 20.90% 13.7

25 www.qs.com

9.1 Criteria for identifying a graduate employer

Prospective graduate applicants are focused more than ever on the impact of graduate education on their careers and employability.

When identifying a graduate employer, the three most important criteria are long term career prospects, salary and benefi ts, and fi nancial rewards. This indicates that graduate applicants take a long term view of their career and are motivated by fi nancial rewards.

Table 9.1: Criteria for identifying a graduate employer

number of Weight respondents (out of ten)Long term career prospects 1692 8.41Job type/function 1662 8.54Career progression 1652 8.80Industry sector 1624 7.44Leadership development 1645 8.52Salary and benefi ts 1672 8.47Working hours 1652 7.51Work-life balance 1652 8.16Job role/responsibilities 1651 8.59Corporate ethics 1638 8.47Prestige of organization 1636 7.91Diverse workforce 1617 7.49Commitment to ethical/fair trading 1610 8.10Geographic location 1631 6.93Professional status 1616 8.06Commitment to community investment 1619 7.73Commitment to sustainable 1635 8.09developmentCommitment to charitable aid 1621 7.54Job satisfaction 1661 9.12International opportunities 1656 8.79Job security 1643 8.53Training and development 1663 8.89Corporate culture 1638 8.39


The least popular criteria for identifying a graduate employer among respondents is commitment to ethical/fair trading followed by diverse workforce, professional status and commitment to the community. These results indicate that personal growth and fi nancial rewards are the most important issues for a prospective graduate applicant.

9.2 Most popular industry sector

The most popular industry sector for prospective graduate applicants is fi nancial services, banking, and accounting (24.3%). This is not particularly surprising given the proportion of applicants that wish to study a FAME (fi nance, accounting, management and economics) subject.. Consulting is the next most popular industry sector, with 15.7% of respondents indicating a desire to work in this area. Pharmaceuticals and healthcare are the least most popular industries at 4.2%.

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Chart 9.2: Most popular industry sector

Pharmace

uticals

& Hea

lthcar

eOther

Non-Profit &

Public Se

ctor IT &

Teleco

mmunicatio

ns

Academ

ia

Retail,

Consumer

Products &

Med

ia

Industry &

Engineerin

g

Consultin

g

Financia

l Serv

ices,

Banking &

Acco

unting


9.3 target salaryChart 9.3 shows there is a large group of highly ambitious prospective graduate applicants aiming for signifi cant salaries upon graduation - 16.2% are targeting a salary of over US$100,000 straight from graduation, with a further 17% targeting a salary of between US$70,000 and US$100,000.

Chart 9.3: Target salary ($)18%16%14%12%10%8%6%4%2%0%

> 100,0

00

£95,0

01 - £

100,0

00

£90,0

01 - £

95,00

0

£85,0

01 - £

90,00

0

£80,0

01 - £

85,00

0

£75,0

01 - £

80,00

0

£70,0

01 - £

75,00

0

£65,0

01 - £

70,00

0

£60,0

01 - £

65,00

0

£55,0

01 - 6

0,000

£50,0

01 - £

55,00

0

£45,0

01 - £

50,00

0

£40,0

01 - £

45,00

0

£35,0

01 - £

40,00

0

£30,0

01 - £

35,00

0

£25,0

01 - £

30,00

0

£20,0

01 - £

25,00

0

< £20,0

00


SeCtIon 9

CAReeR PRoSPeCtS

Table 9.1: Criteria for identifying a graduate employer

number of Weight respondents (out of ten)Long term career prospects 1692 8.41Job type/function 1662 8.54Career progression 1652 8.80Industry sector 1624 7.44Leadership development 1645 8.52Salary and benefi ts 1672 8.47Working hours 1652 7.51Work-life balance 1652 8.16Job role/responsibilities 1651 8.59Corporate ethics 1638 8.47Prestige of organization 1636 7.91Diverse workforce 1617 7.49Commitment to ethical/fair trading 1610 8.10Geographic location 1631 6.93Professional status 1616 8.06Commitment to community investment 1619 7.73Commitment to sustainable 1635 8.09developmentCommitment to charitable aid 1621 7.54Job satisfaction 1661 9.12International opportunities 1656 8.79Job security 1643 8.53Training and development 1663 8.89Corporate culture 1638 8.39



10.1 hours of work per week

Despite the prospective graduate applicant having high expectations regarding their graduate salaries, it seems they are also aware of the weekly hours of work this will take to achieve: 11.1% expect to work over 60 hours per week, 50.6% expect to work between 40 and 50 hours per week and only 15% see themselves working standard hours (a standard working week is between 37.5 and 40 hours).

Chart 10.1: Expected hours per week of work in first job

OVER 703% 60-70

8%

50-6023%

40-5051%

UP TO 4015%


10.2 Where prospective graduate applicants see themselves in ten years time

Research results show that the prospective graduate applicant is ambitious when it comes to their career. The current applicant is focused on their career above all else: 23% saw themselves running their own business in ten years time, 21% saw themselves as a director of a large corporate/public company, 16.4% saw themselves as a senior manager in a large corporate/public environment and 15.7% saw themselves as a CEO of a large company.

Down-shifti

ng for

work-life b

alance

Senior m

anag

er in

small

compan

y

Directo

r in

small

compan

y

Middle man

ager

Other

Self-

employed

consu

ltant

CEO of large c

ompany

Senior m

anag

er in la

rge

corp

orate e

nvironmen

t

Directo

r in la

rge corp

orate

compan

y

Running own business

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Down-shifti

ng for

work-life b

alance

Down-shifti

ng for

work-life b

alance

Down-shifti

ng for

Senior m

anag

er in

small

compan

y

Senior m

anag

er in

small

compan

y

Senior m

anag

er in

Directo

r in

small

compan

y

Middle man

ager

Other

Self-

employed

consu

ltant

CEO of large c

ompany

Senior m

anag

er in la

rge

corp

orate e

nvironmen

t

Directo

r in la

rge corp

orate

compan

y

Running own business

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Chart 10.2: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?


SeCtIon 10

eXPeCtAtIonS

27 www.qs.com

11.1 tests taken

It would seem that the most important test for the prospective graduate applicant to take before they can commence their Masters or PhD studies is the TOEFL - 64.9% have taken some form of this test. The internet based version of TOEFL is the most popular, with 36.4% of candidates sitting this.

Chart 11.1: Which tests have been completed?40%35%30%25%20%15%10%5%0%

GMAT GRE IELTS LSAT

TOEFL

(computer

-based)

TOEFL

(inter

net-base

d)TOEFL

(paper-

based)


Regionally, there is more demand for the paper based TOEFL test: 65% in Latin America, 40.5% in Europe and 51.1% in Asia. In North America the TOEFL is not necessary and as a result the GMAT and GRE tests are taken by almost half of all candidates, 43.2% and 44.2% respectively – the highest number of test takers across all regions.

11.2 test preparation materials

Physical materials have proved more popular with prospective graduate applicants than the online variety when it comes to preparing for a standardised test - 69% favour books and CD-ROMs compared with 31% for online. At a regional level, we do not see much variation to this – books and CD-ROMs are favoured by 77.9% of prospective graduate applicants in Europe and 71.6% in Asia.

Chart 11.2: Test preperation materials

ONLINE94%

BOOK/CD ROM69%

ONLINEMATERIALS

31%


11.3 Study methods

Results indicate that the prospective graduate applicant is more inclined to study for their standardised tests at home than to take a test preparation course – 76% favoured self-study. Cost and the availability of local centres with which to undertake such a course, is thought to infl uence this. Regionally we do not see much variation in this position either, although 38.5% of North American applicants are more inclined to take a test preparation course, mainly because they are readily available throughout the region but also perhaps because they have a greater level of income as shown in chart 3.4.

Chart 11.3: How did you study for tests?

ONLINE94%

SELF-STUDY77%

TEST PREPERATION

COURSE24%


SeCtIon 11

StAnDARDISeD teSt CoMPLetIon

Copyright © 2009 QS Intelligence Unit

Documents

Top Grad School Research 2009