The global MBA selection platform Unimy first launched in 2018 with the goal of creating the best matches between students and schools. The platform combines 20 years of orientation experience from its founding company Advent Group with state-of-the-art AI technology, offering a seamless school selection journey for candidates. In 2020, its scope was expanded with the introduction of Unimy Masters where prospective students looking for a Master’s degree can browse and get matched with hundreds of programmes according to their preferred field of study.

Unimy’s online toolset covers the whole candidate journey from school search to application and helps prospective students identify their best-matching study options all in one place. Finding the right fit increases candidates’ motivation and ultimately helps streamline the recruitment process for schools. The platform combines multiple tools and services, from AI-powered matching and cultural fit assessment to personalised rankings and expert consultations, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for business school selection. Through this integrated approach, candidates can explore their options, evaluate their fit, and make informed decisions about their educational future.

Culture Fit Tool

Among the defining features of the platform is the focus on cultural fit as an important – and often overlooked – way of matching schools and candidates. Based on original quantitative data from over 5,100 survey responses from 173 business schools across the world and a framework of analysis from organisational studies, Unimy created the School Culture Fit index. It maps accredited schools worldwide according to their distinguishing values and cultural norms using six dimensions – (1) structuredness within the business school, (2) communication style, (3) team spirit and personal achievement, (4) long-term orientation and planning, (5) roles within the school, and (6) established traditions.

Through the tool, universities can foster deeper connections and relate to candidates on a more personal level. They get to discover their institution’s cultural features from a new perspective and benchmark their place on the cultural map in comparison to other institutions.

A strong cultural fit with the school’s values can also contribute to the interest and motivation candidates experience. Upon registering on Unimy and completing a short survey, they can see how their individual cultural map overlaps with that of their preferred university.

360° MBA Ranking

Having these in-depth insights about school culture and reaffirming the importance of a good fit for both schools and candidates naturally led to the launch of Unimy’s own ranking tool. The 360° MBA Ranking was introduced in late 2023 as a personalised resource for prospective students enabling them to select the ranking criteria that matter most to them. Combining the latest data from the Financial Times and US News MBA rankings and building on it with Unimy’s proprietary Cultural Fit index, the result is a list of the top 100 international business schools generated according to each candidate’s preferences.

Prospective MBA students from 97 countries, 30 industries, and over 150 positions had generated their personalised rankings through Unimy as of August 2024. Notably, cultural fit emerged as the second most important factor for users, with 60% of candidates adding it to their criteria.

After compiling and analysing the results over the year, Unimy has now published the inaugural Global 360° MBA Ranking based on aggregate data from candidate preferences worldwide.

AI Matching

Leveraging Advent Group’s two decades of expertise in candidate orientation and strengthened by advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, Unimy offers users the opportunity to get matched to suitable business schools. While the Culture Fit index helps candidates and schools connect based on compatible values and behaviours, AI matching determines where prospects would apply based on their professional experience and preferences such as location and study format.

The platform’s automated algorithm analyses data from Unimy user-generated profiles, which are translated into more than 400 features. Through this AI-driven tool, prospective students receive their list of top 10 schools where they are most likely to apply. Users can further interact with schools in different ways, from comparing matches to enhancing their selection with the Culture Fit index. As a result, school admission teams can assess candidates with high levels of motivation and interest in their institution and programmes.

Consultations

The candidate selection journey on Unimy is complete with the addition of alumni webinars and individual admissions guidance available to prospects. Expert consultants experienced in MBA, EMBA, and Master’s advising provide attention to detail, human connection, and added value to candidates. From school selection to admissions consulting to guidance about the visa process, they help prospective students make an informed decision and navigate the lengthy road to an international MBA. Consultants are also available to evaluate an individual candidate’s profile and advise them on preparing a strong application package.

Regular online events with the participation of business school alumni offer yet another medium for schools to share their message. They further ensure that prospective students make an informed choice for their future by having access to practical advice and honest insights from professionals who are already successful in their post-graduation careers.

Since its beginning, Unimy has established itself as a comprehensive platform that streamlines the business school selection process for both candidates and universities. By combining cutting-edge AI, detailed cultural insights, and personalised guidance, Unimy empowers prospective students to find the best-fit programme while enabling schools to connect with highly motivated applicants.