Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) achieved, for the first time, second place worldwide in the "Financial Times Masters in Management 2026" ranking, which represents a historic achievement for Portugal. The school, led by Pedro Oliveira, climbed two positions compared to the fourth place it held last year, surpassing institutions such as HEC Paris, INSEAD and London Business School. At the top of the ranking remains the University of St Gallen, from Switzerland. This result represents a rise of 21 positions in just five years, since in 2021 Nova SBE held the 23rd place.
Portugal is represented by five schools in the ranking of the 100 best Management master's programs. Besides Nova SBE, the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics holds the 25th position, improving five places compared to last year. ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management makes its debut in the ranking by reaching 59th place. Iscte Business School climbed 25 positions and reached 62nd place, while Católica Porto School of Business and Economics improved 29 positions, reaching 66th place, being the biggest progress among all schools present in the ranking.
Employability indicators and alumni satisfaction are some of the strengths of Portuguese schools. Nova SBE records a satisfaction of 9.53 out of ten and an employability rate of 100%, while Católica-Lisbon presents 97% employability and a satisfaction of 9.37 out of ten. ISEG stands out with an average salary increase of 48% and 100% employability, and Católica-Porto records a salary increase of 73% and has reached first place worldwide in the career progression indicator.
The Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto, which last year had achieved the 62nd position, did not appear in this year's edition of the ranking. João Pinto, dean of Católica-Porto, highlighted that the result "reflects the commitment of the entire school to academic excellence and to education that generates real impact on society and organizations".
