The GMAT test is now more popular among potential masters students who are resident outside the US than it is among US students, according to the latest statistics from GMAC, originator of the test. The GMAT is largely seen as the entry test for business school and in particular to MBA programmes.

The countries which have seen the strongest growth are China, Germany, Canada, Switzerland and the UK, according to Dave Wilson, president of GMAC. “What we are seeing is incredible,” he says, but points out that some countries have seen a decline in applicant number.