Portugal flag

Lisbon, Portugal

Nova School of Business and Economics

#40 QS World RankingPrivateEurope

QS World Ranking

#40

Acceptance Rate

30%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$9,000

On-Campus Housing

Find Own

Application Deadline

May 31

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

4,000

students

International Students

45%

US Students

6%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

One of Europe's top business schools in Lisbon β€” Europe's sunniest capital and fastest-growing tech hub.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject β€” source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#101–150Business & Management#101–150Economics & Econometrics

Notes for US Students

All programs in English. Lisbon is Europe's hottest emerging tech hub. Relatively affordable for Western Europe.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Nova School of Business and Economics

Acceptance Rate

30%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

May 31

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Private

Annual Tuition

$9,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via Nova SBE portal by February 28
  • SAT 1300+ or ACT 29+ recommended
  • IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ (all programs taught in English)
  • Personal statement and motivation letter required
  • Strong high school GPA in business/math subjects
  • Interview for final selection round

Class Size

Avg. Lecture60 students
Avg. Seminar18 students
Student : Faculty8:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermMid-September – Mid-December
Spring TermEarly February – Late May
BreaksDec–Jan, Jun–Sep

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$9,000 / year
Application Deadline
May 31
Application System
Direct
School Type
Private
Acceptance Rate
30%

Programs Offered

BusinessEconomicsFinanceData ScienceManagement

Scholarships to Explore

  • βœ“Nova SBE Merit Scholarship
  • βœ“Nova SBE Social Mobility Scholarship

Cost of Living β€” Cascais, Portugal

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$950/mo
Groceries & dining$290/mo
Transportation$70/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$210/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,520

vs. avg US college student

20% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Cascais is a beautiful coastal town 30 min from Lisbon. Portugal has one of Europe's lowest costs of living. Year-round mild climate and Atlantic beaches.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Nova School of Business and Economics as a US Student

Nova School of Business and Economics is located in Lisbon, Portugal and is ranked #40in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Business, Economics, Finance, Data Science, Management. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$9,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 30%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of May 31. Scholarships available include the Nova SBE Merit Scholarship.