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Master's Programs

Am I eligible for a Master's at Nova SBE?

Before applying, make sure you understand the academic and language requirements for your chosen program.

Some programs also have additional requirements that must be fulfilled before graduation.

Explore the information below to understand what is required at each stage.

 

General Eligibility Criteria

Academic Recognition

Nova SBE reserves the right to admit only applicants from accredited and/or recognised institutions in their home countries.

English Language Proficiency

English is the official teaching language at Nova SBE. A minimum B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level of English is required for regular Master’s programmes, subject to applicable exemptions. Some programmes, including IMF, IMM, CEMS MIM and Double Degrees, have additional English language requirements.

For accepted certificates, required levels and exemption criteria, please refer to the English Language Requirements  document.

Portuguese proficiency is not required to study at Nova SBE.

Candidate Profile

Nova SBE’s Master’s programmes are pre-experience programmes designed primarily for candidates with up to two years of professional experience. However, candidates with more extensive professional experience are also welcome to apply if they fit the programme’s academic and professional profile.

Master's Programs 2027/28

Applications will open on November 11, 2026 at 10.00 am (Lisbon Time)  

For questions, contact +351 213 801 699 (Monday to Friday, valid working days, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) or email leadyourfuture@novasbe.pt.

What Do I Need to Qualify?

Eligibility requirements vary depending on your chosen programme.

Regular Master's Programmes

Eligibility requirements vary depending on your chosen programme. However, all applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor’s degree awarded by an institution officially recognised by the relevant authorities in its country of origin.

International Master's in Finance (IMF) & International Master's in Management (IMM)

Language Requirements

Language 1: English as mother tongue or a minimum C1 certificate. Please refer to the English Language Requirements

Language 2: Mother tongue, or an A2 certificate if English is the mother tongue.

Language 3: An additional language certificate is valued but not mandatory at admission.

Professional Experience:

  • Candidates must have completed a minimum of 12 cumulative weeks of professional experience or internships before submitting their application.
     
  • Only completed professional experiences will be considered. Ongoing internships or employment periods that have not yet reached the required minimum duration, as well as future or planned experiences, will not count towards this requirement.
     
  • Volunteering does not count towards the minimum professional experience requirement.
     
  • Candidates must provide official documentation confirming the nature and dates of their professional experience, in English.

International Career Ambition:

Candidates must demonstrate their motivation for an international career through the required motivation video.

For detailed application requirements, please refer to the Admissions section.

CEMS Master's in International Management

For all CEMS MIM admission requirements, including language requirements, required documents and selection criteria, please refer to the CEMS MIM application page.

Double Degrees

Candidates must meet the relevant requirements, including:

  • English proficiency at C1 level.Please refer to the English Language Requirements
  • A minimum of two consecutive months of qualifying international experience (international study, work or volunteering experience).
  • A programme-specific motivation letter in English.

Additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the partner institution.

Candidates applying for two Double Degree programmes must submit a separate motivation letter for each programme.

For detailed application requirements, please refer to the Admissions page and the Double Degrees programme page.

What Will I Need to Complete During a Master's at Nova SBE?

Admission requirements and graduation requirements are not always the same.

Certain programmes require students to obtain additional language certifications or complete an international experience before graduating.

Please check the specific programme page for full details of its graduation requirements before making your choice.

International Master's in Finance (IMF) & International Master's in Management (IMM)

Compulsory Internationalisation Requirement

Students must complete a qualifying international experience between the end of their Bachelor's degree and the end of their Master's programme.

This requirement can be fulfilled through one of the following options:

  • An international internship outside Portugal and outside the student's country of origin.
  • An exchange semester during the IMF/IMM programme, outside Portugal and the country where the Bachelor's degree was obtained. This option requires an additional semester.
  • A CEMS MIM exchange semester, for students also enrolled in CEMS.
  • A Master's programme at a partner institution, for students enrolled in a Double Degree.

 

Language Requirements upon Graduation

Language 1: English, validated upon admission.

Language 2: Mother tongue or a B1 certificate if English is the mother tongue.

Language 3: A2 certification in another language.

 

CEMS Master's in International Management

Language Requirements upon Graduation

Language 1: English C1.

Language 2: B1 or mother tongue.

Language 3: Elementary level in a third language.

International Internship

Students must complete a consecutive eight-week international internship between the end of their Bachelor's degree and the end of their CEMS MIM programme.

Double Degrees

Students enrolled in a Double Degree must fulfil the academic and graduation requirements established by Nova SBE and the relevant partner institution.

Specific requirements should be checked against the selected Double Degree programme.

For English language requirements, including accepted certificates, test formats, validity rules and exemptions, please consult the English Language Requirements document.

For CEMS MIM-specific English language requirements and other application requirements, please refer to the CEMS MIM page.

Ready to Apply?

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. Applications are subject to Nova SBE's competitive selection process.

For details about documentation, application rounds, selection, interviews and enrollment, visit the Master's Admissions page.