A Top 100 global debut that amplifies the University of Porto’s international reach
Porto Business School (PBS), the business school of the University of Porto, makes its debut in the Financial Times (FT) Global Executive MBA Ranking, with its Executive MBA entering directly at 95th place.
This historic achievement positions PBS among the top three business schools in Portugal and the first outside Lisbon to earn a place in this prestigious international ranking — a milestone that reinforces the school’s global reputation for quality and impact in executive education.
This success adds to the strong performance of the Global Online MBA, ranked 8th worldwide and 4th in Europe in the FT Online MBA Ranking 2025, confirming PBS as a leader in pedagogical innovation and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in leadership education.
Highlights from the FT Executive MBA Ranking 2025
According to the FT Executive MBA Ranking 2025, PBS’s Executive MBA is now ranked among the top three programs offered by business schools with campuses exclusively in the Iberian Peninsula, placing 34th among institutions based solely in Europe.
The ranking highlights PBS for its strong performance in “Career Progress”, with alumni reporting an average salary increase of 59% and an average annual salary of USD 157,000.
In the “School Diversity” category, PBS stands out for achieving gender balance among faculty (50/50) and strong results in environmental and ESG metrics – 23rd for carbon footprint and 46th for ESG performance.
Alumni satisfaction is also high, with an average score of 8.48 out of 10.
A historic milestone for Porto Business School and the University of Porto
The inclusion of Porto Business School in the Financial Times Global EMBA ranking marks a historic milestone in the international recognition of the quality and relevance of our program,” says José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School. “This result reflects PBS’s ongoing commitment to developing leaders capable of transforming organizations and society, combining academic rigor, real impact, and a global vision. It is also a clear sign that excellence does not have to be concentrated in Lisbon – the North of Portugal is establishing itself as a hub of talent and business innovation.”
António de Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University of Porto, adds:
“This international recognition reflects the quality of our executive education programs, built on decades of academic excellence in management and economics developed by the School of Economics and Porto Business School. The inclusion of PBS among the world’s top business schools strengthens the University’s global positioning and confirms its mission to prepare leaders ready to face the challenges of a constantly evolving world
Sustainability, Leadership, and AI: the pillars of the new Executive MBA
Recently redesigned, PBS’s Executive MBA develops leaders who combine strategic thinking, digital skills, and a sustainable vision.
Built around the concept of “Dynamic Learning: from exploration to impact”, the program integrates AI-driven management tools, strategic simulations, and leadership modules focused on ethical, social, and environmental impact.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the program, reflected in the Sustainability Certificate, ESG-oriented courses, and the “Leading with Nature” initiative developed in partnership with Biopolis, connecting leadership, biodiversity, and regenerative innovation.
The program also features a strong international dimension, with immersive learning weeks in cities such as Dubai, Madrid, and Berlin, and a Dual Diploma with Kozminski University — experiences that expand participants’ global outlook and deepen their understanding of diverse business ecosystems.
More than an academic experience, the Executive MBA is a transformational journey, empowering conscious leaders prepared to create real impact within their organizations and society.
Global recognition: Two PBS programs ranked by the Financial Times
In 2025, with both the Executive MBA and Global Online MBA featured in the Financial Times Rankings, PBS strengthens its position as a global reference in executive education, recognized for its pedagogical innovation, integration of artificial intelligence, and commitment to sustainability and positive social impact.
This double international recognition reflects Porto Business School’s mission: to develop leaders ready to shape the future with vision, ethics, and purpose, and to affirm its role as one of the most dynamic hubs of executive education in Portugal and Europe.