Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Nova School of Business and Economics

Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), part of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, has established itself as one of Europe’s premier institutions for business education. Founded in 1978, Nova SBE has evolved over four decades into a globally recognized academic hub, most notably achieving the distinguished Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)—a status awarded to fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. Located on a cutting-edge coastal campus just minutes from Lisbon, the school merges rigorous academics with an inspiring lifestyle, making it a compelling choice for students from over 60 nations. Its academic offerings span 36 degree programs, including undergraduate courses in Economics and Management, a range of specialist master’s degrees such as Finance and Management, PhD programs, MBAs, and executive education paths tailored for professionals.

Nova SBE’s educational mission is to develop globally minded leaders equipped with critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical awareness. The institution fosters knowledge creation that addresses real-world challenges, with research at its core and social responsibility embedded into every program. With over 21,000 alumni worldwide, students benefit from an expansive and active network of professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The academic environment is shaped by an international faculty, diverse student body, and English-only instruction since 2010, ensuring cross-cultural exchange and accessibility to global learners. The curricula emphasize practical experience, with company projects, case studies, internships, and innovation-led teaching methods preparing students for dynamic sectors.

Nova SBE’s efforts have been validated by consistent top-tier rankings. According to the Financial Times, it is ranked #17 among European Business Schools, with its Master’s in Management ranked #4 globally and its Master’s in Finance at #6 worldwide. QS World University Rankings places it at #39 globally for management, affirming its competitive edge. Furthermore, it ranks #1 in Portugal for executive education. Coupled with its modern coastal infrastructure and a style of teaching that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary learning, Nova SBE offers a transformative experience for those aspiring to lead in international business landscapes.

Nova SBE's career ecosystem is recognized as one of the most comprehensive in Europe, offering students and graduates unmatched opportunities across industries. With a robust global alumni network of over 21,000 professionals across more than 60 countries, Nova SBE fosters impactful connections that extend well beyond graduation. Alumni excel across domains such as finance, consulting, technology, entrepreneurship, and policy. This network plays a pivotal role in mentoring, career guidance, and professional development through global events and regional chapters. Membership in the renowned CEMS Global Alliance further extends the school’s collaboration with top multinational corporations, enhancing hands-on learning through business projects and international internships embedded directly into program structures since 2007.

The career outcome metrics at Nova SBE are outstanding: 100% of graduates secure employment within three months, reflecting the strength of its dedicated Career Development Center. This unit delivers personalized coaching, CV and interview workshops, and direct access to recruitment pipelines with both domestic and international employers. Programs are designed in close collaboration with corporate partners to ensure real-world readiness, with curricula integrating contemporary skills such as fintech, AI, data analytics, and sustainable business practices. Nova SBE stands out not only for academic prestige but also as a strategic career launchpad, ensuring students engage with global markets from day one.

For senior professionals, the school’s executive education offerings rank with the world’s best: #15 globally for custom programs and #1 in Portugal. The Lisbon MBA, run in partnership with MIT Sloan and Católica Lisbon, enhances graduate credentials with global immersion and corporate exposure. Through initiatives like the Startup & Innovation Hub, students gain entrepreneurial support, accessing seed funding, incubation, and mentorship. Scholarships and excellence awards are frequently conferred at graduation ceremonies, solidifying Nova SBE’s position as not only a center of learning but a lifelong platform for advancement and industry impact.

Choosing Nova School of Business and Economics is an investment in global competitiveness, leadership, and social consciousness. As Portugal’s top business school and ranked #17 in Europe by the Financial Times, Nova SBE provides a fusion of academic vitality, international exposure, and practical impact. Accredited with the prestigious Triple Crown, its credentials include worldwide recognition for its #4-ranked Master’s in Management and #6 Finance Master’s. These exceptional results are backed by cutting-edge curricula that integrate real-world challenges, advanced analytics, sustainability, and digital transformation—skills that today’s global employers demand. Beyond rankings, Nova SBE’s identity is rooted in a transformative journey, preparing students not just for jobs but for influence and purpose in their careers.

The school’s participation in the CEMS Global Alliance ensures elite academic partnerships and hands-on projects with leading multinationals, giving students inside access to international business strategy and cross-cultural teamwork. Instruction in English opens the doors to a global student demographic, while the math-heavy focus in Economics and Management guarantees technical rigor. Simultaneously, emphasis on soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and ethical reasoning ensures that graduates are uniquely capable of navigating complex professional environments. Nova SBE’s affordability also makes it stand out: bachelor's programs are priced at just €7,500/year, and master's degrees at €11,900/year, with various scholarships available to high-achieving students.

The school’s prime location—just outside Lisbon on a beachfront campus—offers an inspiring and affordable European lifestyle combined with world-class education. An ecosystem pairing innovation labs, sustainability centers, and startup support with international recognition, Nova SBE transforms learners into responsible leaders. Eduniversal ranks Nova SBE as one of the most exciting rising forces in European education, and students are drawn to its ambition-fueling model that prioritizes integrated experience, global frameworks, and access to powerful alumni networks. With access to executive programs, entrepreneurial tools, and personalized career paths, Nova SBE consistently turns ambition into achievement for all who choose its rigorous and supportive environment.

Nova SBE has carved a reputation as a vanguard in research, sustainability, and innovation, shaping the future of business education and global policy. Through its specialized Knowledge Centers in economics, finance, public policy, and data science, the school advances research that influences both academic thought and practical decision-making. Nova SBE constantly modernizes its pedagogical approach, integrating emerging themes like AI, fintech, and digital analytics into curricula. These efforts contribute to high placements in Financial Times rankings related not just to education quality but also sustainability and carbon-conscious practices, marking the school as an institution acutely aware of its environmental and societal responsibilities.

The innovation ecosystem at Nova SBE features entrepreneurship incubators, accelerators, and labs that support early-stage ventures focused on retail, digital transformation, and lifestyle products. These platforms connect students and faculty to investors, mentors, and real-market testing environments, enabling ideas to evolve into impactful businesses. Within this framework, the school offers startup support, pitch events, and accelerator programs that position it as a creator of social and economic value. Nova’s entrepreneurial track record is complemented by its global alignment, as seen in collaborations such as The Lisbon MBA with MIT Sloan, which fuels international entrepreneurship and leadership training on a world-class scale.

Since its founding in 1978, Nova SBE has nurtured talent to become conscientious and capable changemakers. Recent success stories demonstrate how students leverage institutional tools—such as hackathons, market labs, and sustainability modules—to deliver innovation with purpose. Nova SBE’s campus has been redesigned to reflect this commitment: green infrastructure, ethical leadership workshops, and cross-disciplinary collaborations are part of daily academic life. The school’s efforts go beyond impact metrics; they create a mindset. Whether it's designing smart policy through research or mobilizing tech to tackle inequality, Nova SBE equips students with the tools to shape a better, more inclusive world through ethical, sustainable, and innovative business practice.

Q1: Why are Nova SBE's academic programs considered both rigorous and student-friendly?
Nova SBE’s Economics and Management degrees are known for their quantitative intensity, but students also benefit from accessible professors, peer support, and practical workshops. These elements ensure deep technical training while nurturing teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptive abilities essential for long-term success.

Q2: How international is the student experience at Nova SBE?
All Nova SBE programs have been taught in English since 2010, attracting a multicultural student population from across the globe. Its coastal campus near Lisbon adds lifestyle appeal, while CEMS Alliance participation brings global exposure through academic exchanges and collaborative projects with international companies.

Q3: What kind of career support is provided after graduation?
Graduates benefit from a highly proactive career services team offering internships, job pipelines, CV development, and employer networking. With a 100% employment rate within 3 months and a network of 21,000 alumni, students transition quickly into global roles across industries.

Q4: Are there funding options or scholarships available?
Yes, Nova SBE regularly awards merit-based scholarships and partner-sponsored financial aid, including grants given during graduation ceremonies. Affordable tuition and relatively low living costs in Lisbon make studying at Nova SBE a smart return on investment.

Q5: What is everyday life like on campus?
Campus life is engaging, with modern facilities, collaborative projects, and a vibrant social calendar. Activities range from leadership clubs to sustainability initiatives. Though academically demanding, students thrive within a supportive environment set along Portugal’s scenic coastline.

Admissions to Nova SBE vary by academic level. For bachelor’s degrees, students must submit national academic records or equivalent international qualifications. Master’s applicants apply online, including documents such as CV, academic transcripts, and language proficiency scores, with GMAT/GRE strongly recommended for competitive programs. Selected programs may require interviews. Application cycles align with semester start dates—fall intakes require spring/summer applications and spring intakes require applications in the prior fall. The most common tuition rates are €7,500 annually for bachelor's degrees and €11,900 for most master's programs. Joint and MBA programs carry higher costs. Early submission is encouraged, especially for those seeking scholarships or funding.

Nova SBE provides several financial aid avenues. Partner-sponsored scholarships and academic merit awards are announced during graduation events. Living costs are manageable, with student housing options ranging from university residences to private rentals near the Carcavelos campus. Typical monthly rent in the area ranges from €400–€700, providing economical choices within commuting distance to central Lisbon. International students must adhere to Portuguese visa requirements, and health insurance is mandatory. Visa support is provided by the school, alongside pre-arrival guidance, orientation weeks, and ongoing administrative assistance, ensuring smooth relocation and integration into student life.

Classes are structured using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), with a 30 ECTS minimum per semester for exchange students. The academic calendar runs from September to December and February to June. Nova SBE’s intimate, modern campus is fully equipped with smart classrooms, collaboration zones, and specialized hubs for entrepreneurship and career development. All international applicants receive tailored support services, including help with enrollment procedures, accommodation search, legal documentation, and academic advising. Applications are processed online, and strong candidates receive early offers, giving them ample time to prepare for this impactful academic experience in Portugal’s leading business education institution.