The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova reaffirms its distinguished standing in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2025, securing the 24th position in Europe and remaining the only Portuguese MBA featured in the international ranking since 2013.
The program stands out for its strong international dimension, ranking 3rd worldwide for International Experience, a result of its partnership with MIT Sloan, recognized as the 6th best MBA globally, along with collaborations with other top business schools. These partnerships provide students of The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova with exclusive exchange opportunities across five continents, enhancing global exposure and multicultural experiences.
The return on investment is substantial: graduates report an 87 % salary increase three years after completing the program, with an average annual gross salary of $135,825. Additionally, the program has achieved an impressive 97 % employment rate within six months of graduation.
Diversity is one of the key pillars of success for the International MBA, with 62 % international students and 42 % women representing 17 nationalities and bringing diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The faculty comprises internationally renowned faculty from Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics and Nova SBE, with 40 % of faculty members being international, further enriching the learning experience.
The program also excels in sustainability, ranking 19th globally in the carbon footprint criterion.
According to Maria José Amich, Executive Director of The Lisbon MBA, “We are extremely proud to once again be recognized as one of the best MBAs in the world, and the only one in Portugal, consistently present in the prestigious Financial Times ranking since 2013. We continue to expand our international partnerships, including new markets, and increase cohort diversity, which enhances classroom discussions and teamwork—fundamental aspects of action learning. Additionally, this approach is crucial for developing behavioral, relational, and leadership skills that foster adaptability, resilience, creativity, and execution agility in solving complex problems.”
For Filipe Santos, Dean of CATÓLICA-LISBON, and Pedro Oliveira, Dean of Nova SBE, “This top ranking of The Lisbon MBA reflects the program’s success and the outstanding career trajectories of its graduates. The results also demonstrate the success of this partnership, which brings together three globally renowned schools to position Portugal on the map of elite MBAs, attracting talent from around the world to Lisbon. The future is built through the development of talent and the nurturing of more human, innovative, and inclusive leaders capable of leading with purpose. CATÓLICA-LISBON and Nova SBE will continue working to strengthen their standing as globally prestigious business schools, collaborating with top talent to further develop a world-class MBA.”