Head to head
Nova School of Business and Economics vs Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics
The Nova School of Business and Economics and Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.
| Metric | Nova School of Business and Economics | Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | #4 | #30 |
| QS ranking 2025 | #39 | — |
| Tuition | €11,650 (3-semester base) | €16,900 (standard three-semester programme) |
| Median salary | $123k | $101k |
| Employment rate | 94% | 95% |
| GMAT range | 620–710 (recommended, not mandatory) | — |
| Duration | 18 months | 3 semesters (4 with an exchange semester) |
| Class size | 69 | — |
| Average age | 23 | — |
| International | 93% | — |
| Female | 50% | — |
| Location | Lisbon (Carcavelos), Portugal | Lisbon, Portugal |
The short version
- On the Financial Times 2025 ranking, Nova School of Business and Economics (#4) sits ahead of Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics (#30).
- On graduate salary, Nova School of Business and Economics leads at $123k.
- On tuition, Nova School of Business and Economics is the more affordable option at €11,650 (3-semester base).
Rankings and salary are only part of the decision — fit with your target career, location, language, and cost of living usually matter more. Read each program in full before deciding.
Nova School of Business and Economics full profile → Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics full profile →
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Frequently asked
Is Nova School of Business and Economics or Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics ranked higher?
- On the Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking, Nova School of Business and Economics places #4 and Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics #30, so Nova School of Business and Economics ranks higher. A few places on one table rarely settle the decision, though — programme fit, location and cost usually matter more than the gap.
Which is more affordable, Nova School of Business and Economics or Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics?
- Tuition is €11,650 (3-semester base) at Nova School of Business and Economics and €16,900 (standard three-semester programme) at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Lisbon (Carcavelos) versus Lisbon, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Which has higher graduate salaries, Nova School of Business and Economics or Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics?
- Nova School of Business and Economics reports the higher graduate salary ($123k) against $101k at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. Treat headline salary figures as indicative: they reflect each cohort's industry mix and how the school surveys alumni as much as raw earning power.
Do you need the GMAT for Nova School of Business and Economics or Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics?
- Nova School of Business and Economics generally looks for around 620–710 (recommended, not mandatory); Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics generally expects a GMAT or GRE. Test policies change each cycle, so confirm the current requirement on each school's own admissions page before assuming you can skip it.
Should I choose Nova School of Business and Economics or Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics?
- There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Lisbon (Carcavelos), Portugal versus Lisbon, Portugal), the language of instruction, and your budget. Read both full profiles, weigh fit over a handful of ranking places, and if you are still torn, our admissions guide walks through building a shortlist you can defend.