Nova School of Business and Economics (reviews)

Overall, what strikes me about the uni is the intentionality. Although the race for higher rankings plays a huge part in this, Nova is generally obsessed with feedback. They want to make every little detail better, they want to ensure the students have the best time on campus, the best teaching experience, etc.

However, I think they should be more intentional about the number of charging outlets in uni. Far too few haha

Highly qualified professors, an international environment, a breathtaking campus, and a very customizable program. All of these features make Nova SBE the ideal place for ambitious students who want to grow both personally and professionally.

When I started the MSc in International Development & Public Policy (IDPP) at Nova SBE, I immediately felt the program’s dual focus: it’s academically rigorous, demanding strong analytical skills, but also intensely practical. I appreciated how the curriculum—from core economics to policy evaluation—is always framed around real-world application and impact, often through hands-on projects with partner institutions. It wasn’t just theory; it was training to be a doer.

Studying at Nova SBE’s campus is a fantastic experience. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art facility, and the fact that it’s located right next to Carcavelos beach gives the whole university a laid-back yet focused vibe. As an international student, I found the community incredibly welcoming. Everything is taught in English, and with students from all over the world, I quickly built a diverse network. The university’s high global ranking and dedicated Career Services team are a huge plus, giving me confidence that my degree will be recognized and valued as I look to start my career internationally. It’s a truly high-quality education combined with an unbeatable lifestyle in the Lisbon area.

NOVA SBE has consistently met and even surpassed my expectations, offering an educational experience that is both intellectually rigorous and globally oriented. The structure of the academic program is thoughtfully designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to become distinguished professionals upon completing their bachelor’s degree.

A defining feature of the institution is its strong international dimension. All courses are taught in English or not (you choose), and students are encouraged to engage in volunteer work as part of their academic journey — a practice that fosters social responsibility and personal growth. Moreover, the diverse community of international students enriches the learning environment, allowing us to embrace cultural differences, develop intercultural communication skills, and gain a truly global perspective.

The college’s infrastructure is exceptional, offering modern and comfortable spaces conducive to study, collaboration, and innovation. Faculty members play an instrumental role in our academic development, providing dedicated office hours for guidance and clarification. Additionally, the peer tutoring program — where top-performing students from previous semesters offer academic support to their colleagues — exemplifies the institution’s commitment to collaborative learning and academic excellence.

In essence, NOVA SBE represents a harmonious blend of academic quality, cultural diversity, and community engagement. It is an environment where students are not only educated but truly prepared to make a meaningful impact in a globalized world.

Nova SBE really surprised me in the best way. The professors are not just knowledgeable, they care. They challenge you, guide you, and treat you like someone capable of solving real problems. The infrastructure is top notch, modern, and actually makes you want to spend time on campus.

I also liked how hands-on the classes were. They throw you into the fire from day one. It’s intense, but it pushes you to grow and think critically under pressure.

Another thing I loved is the location. The school is literally a few minutes from the beach, and the whole vibe in Carcavelos is super laid back and chill. It’s a great place to study if you like a balance between focus and peace.

That said, making friends as an international student can be tough. The student body isn’t as diverse as it might seem on paper. A large part of the students are German, Portuguese, or Italian, so it takes a bit more effort to build connections if you’re from somewhere else.

Still, if you’re looking for a challenging and career-focused school where you’ll be pushed to grow, I’d definitely recommend it.

The classes are practical and the assessment requires alot of team work. You will have not choice but to learn but the classes ensure that you are involved. The approach to learning is customised to fit your personal preference and enhance maximum learning.

Nova SBE is one of the most highly ranked business schools in Europe and has been awarded the first place in Portugal. Here you can find the balance between studying and “life”. We are talking about going surfing after class, or simply working out in the gym located on campus, or participating in one of the thousands of activities organised in Lisbon or by the university. What’s more, it’s an international environment. You’ll meet people from all over the world, which will certainly enrich your experience abroad, and the quality of the professors is top class. You also have the opportunity to join clubs you are interested in, like the marketing club, innovation club or startup club. For all these reasons, I would recommend this university for your bachelor’s/master’s degree, choosing between a lot of different programmes, you can surely find the one that suits you the most.

The school is amazing and I would recommend it for sure!
The things I like the most are the landscape and the environment between students. The landscape is incredibly nice, which makes our days way better. The environment between students is super cool and we can make good friends and meet nice people.

Nova SBE offered me a perfectly organized experience from the application process up until the thesis hand-in. This really differentiates Nova: you get answers from responsible point of contacts in hours vs. days or weeks in other institutions. With that, Nova’s administration reminded me of a well managed multinational company. Studying in one of the greatest campuses (especially if you like to be close to the sea) gives you a special feeling day to day.
Having courses with experts on their fields and also from several high-positioned functionals gave me in a short time knowledge transfer insights of the status quo of my field and the tools how to develop those further in academia or private sector positions.
Even though the programme is pretty demanding (Masters in Economics) I am very thankful for the experience and the support Nova gave me with everything! I definitely recommend the school and the offered programs.