STEP ONE - ONLINE APPLICATION:
The admissions process starts with an online application submission, with all relevant documents, including motivation letters and videos. It is recommended that applications are submitted in the early months of the application period since Nova SBE works on a rolling admission basis
Some considerations:
A Motivation Letter is required for all applicants - this is a candidate’s opportunity to tell us more about their motivation and detail interests, values, and ambitions. We will be looking for evidence of extra-curricular activities, examples of leadership and teamwork, reasons to pursue a Master’s at Nova SBE and what you will bring to our community. This Motivation Letter is a vital part of your application, and we recommend you spend some time in its preparation. It must be specific to the current application you are doing. Personal statements instead of a Motivation Letter will not be accept.
Videos
Mandatory for the IMF/IMM candidates: 3-minute video discussing your personal motivation for applying to the IMM and/or IMF. In your video, along with outlining your personal goals for the program, share a personal o experience from your professional or non-professional background that can demonstrate you are well prepared for the International master’s program.
Mandatory for the CEMS MIM candidates: See specific application requirements here.
International Applicant/Student: If you are applying from outside of the European Union, please consider that visa processing times can take longer than three months after your first interview with the Consulate. We recommend that you start the visa application process as soon as you receive confirmation of your acceptance at Nova SBE. Remember that the responsibility for initiating and following the visa application process is entirely yours. Nova SBE does not influence the issuing time to process the visa.
STEP TWO - INTERVIEW:
General Admission: Candidates may have to attend an interview with either Alumni or Nova SBE’s Faculty assigned to examine the information provided in the application and evaluate the applicant’s eligibility and suitability for the program. The interview is required by the Master’s Admissions Committee in case of need.
IMF and IMM: A pre-screening of the candidates’ CV and application form is done, followed by the evaluation of the videos. Given the limited number of slots and high number of applications in the program, not all applications will go through the video review.Candidates may have to attend an interview with the International Master’s Team to assess the provided information about academic potential and professional international orientation. Early applications for these programs are recommended as slots in the last month will be limited.
Double Degrees: Candidates already accepted into a Nova SBE Master’s program and successfully pre-screened for the Double Degree are invited to an interview between January and May with the Double Degree Team (sometimes also with the Partner School). Slots per Double Degree are very limited which means that by March only a limited number of options might be available.
CEMS MIM: Candidates accepted into a Nova SBE Master’s degree will go through a specific selection process for the CEMS MIM. This process starts with a pre-screening of the candidates’ CV and application form, and is then followed by the evaluation of the videos. Given the limited number of slots and high number of applications in the program, not all applications will go through the video review. Those successfully screened will be invited for an assessment interview scheduled between January and May.
STEP THREE - DECISION:
After evaluating the application, the Admissions Committee will make the final decisions based on all the information at its disposal.
The Admissions Committee is chaired by the Deputy Dean, responsible for Pre-Experience Programs, and includes, among other operational members, the Academic Director of each Master's program, the Executive Director of Pre-Experience Programs, the Director of Student Affairs, the Head of Admissions, the Director of Institutional Relations and International Development and the Director of the Quality Department.
When assessing applications, the following elements are considered: final classification of the degree (or previous degree held, or classification at the date of submission of the application for the degree attending), school of origin, curriculum vitae, internship or other experiences (national or international), extracurricular and volunteering experiences, GMAT/GRE, language proficiency, letter of motivation/objectives and profile of the candidate for the specific program to which one is applying.
For the ranking of candidates, a general algorithm is applied.
Occasionally, for each program, and/or intake, and/or for each application phase, the ranking algorithm may be reviewed.
When reviewing an application, the Admission Jury will make one of the following decisions:
- Accept
- Not Accept
- Waiting list: In this case we need more time before making a final decision. Applicants can expect to remain on the waiting list until the following period of evaluations, which can be extended for more 8 weeks. No further documentation or updated information is required while on the waiting list.
After a final decision on all candidates, the Admissions Committee will produce a final report with the list of accepted and rejected candidates.
Decisions are communicated individually to each candidate by email. Candidates are responsible for checking their emails regularly during this process (including spam and the trash folder).
If candidates do not receive any communication from the School, they should send an email or call the Admissions Team. Admitted candidates who do not confirm their acceptance by the stipulated deadline will miss their place.
If you applied for the CEMS MIM or Double Degree, you will receive feedback directly from that team regarding the Assessment/Interview date and time.
Candidates may request information about their ranking position by submitting a written request, by email to the Admissions Team, detailing the reasons for their enquiry within the period from August 1 to August 8, 2025.
STEP FOUR - ENROLLMENT:
Accepted candidates will have to pay a 1499€ fee. This fee includes a non-refundable enrollment fee (1250€), and a donation for Nova SBE’s scholarship fund (249€). If you do not wish to include the donation, you must opt-out when completing the enrollment form (you may find more information regarding the donation here). The non-refundable enrollment fee will be deducted from the total tuition fee.
No exceptions or late payments will be accepted.
Enrollment in the CEMS MIM and Double Degree programs becomes effective after payment of an additional 1500€ non-refundable fee (on top of the 1250€ Master’s enrollment fee), to be deducted from the total tuition fee.
Postponements
Accepted students must pay the enrollment fee to secure their place and send an email requesting the postponement, before the deadline of the 2nd tuition installment, to leadyourfuture@novasbe.pt. The request will be submitted through a form, along with a valid reason and proof (in English or Portuguese) for requesting this deferral. Not complying with the deadline, or making an unsuccessful request to postpone, will require a new application submission.
The postponement may be subject to a re-entry fee.
For any inquiries, contact the Admissions Team at leadyourfuture@novasbe.pt.