Study International Management in Lisbon with Geneva Business School

Summary:
Geneva Business School has launched its first campus in Lisbon, Portugal, offering a hybrid international management degree. This article covers its double accreditation, flexible learning structure, global student mobility, and how GBS targets future career leaders with a mix of online and face-to-face education.

A Global Swiss Institution Expands to Portugal

Geneva Business School (GBS), a prestigious Swiss institution with a reputation for delivering internationally accredited business education, opened its fourth campus in Lisbon in September 2024.

With existing campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid, the Lisbon launch represents a strategic addition to GBS's European network. The new location makes it the first Swiss university to establish a physical presence in Portugal.

Discover the ranking of the best Master’s degrees in Switzerland for international students.

This move places GBS among a growing number of institutions expanding internationally, similar to how Sciences Po expanded into São Paulo.

The Lisbon campus offers a unique hybrid model: students pursue their Bachelor of International Management in English while receiving a double degree—from GBS and Universidad de Nebrija.

The program includes six career-oriented specializations and fosters hands-on learning through industry collaborations and international mobility between campuses.

Why Portugal? Capitalizing on a Booming Education Market

GBS's expansion taps directly into Portugal’s rising popularity among international students, thanks to its affordability, vibrant culture, and growing tech ecosystem. The hybrid nature of the degree mirrors demand trends seen across Europe, with more learners seeking flexibility and internships that align with future work models.

The Lisbon launch aligns GBS with global higher education trends seen in initiatives like the Corporate 100 initiative at London Business School, with the goal of preparing students for cross-border careers in dynamic, change-led industries.

The dual-degree program structure strengthens students’ resumes both academically and professionally, bolstering opportunities in areas like international management, strategic business development, and entrepreneurship.

The Bachelor of International Management: Dual Degree Advantage

The core offering at GBS Lisbon is a three-year Bachelor of International Management with six pathways: International Finance, International Relations, Sports Management, Digital Marketing, Entertainment Industry, and Entrepreneurship.

All tracks lead to a double diploma: a GBS official bachelor's degree, plus a Spanish título propio from Universidad de Nebrija.

This dual-certification approach increases student mobility and employability, bolstering applications in industries like sports management and digital marketing. The model has gained popularity among institutions pushing for curriculum innovation and better workforce alignment.

The commitment to tailored education reflects broader adoption of modular learning found in top programs such as those linked to entrepreneurship excellence and specialized business tracks.

Hybrid Learning Format: Online Flexibility Meets On-Campus Immersion

Unlike traditional full-time programs, GBS Lisbon uses a semi-remote structure. Most content is delivered online by active industry experts, while in-person sessions take place monthly.

For example, October’s hybrid format includes virtual courses like Micro & Neuroeconomics and an immersive, on-campus Sports Strategy seminar.

This format allows students to balance studies with internships, part-time work, or travel. The emphasis on real-world challenges and integrated curriculum helps GBS graduates match rapidly changing roles in sectors such as data analytics and business strategy.

The school supports this with intense project-based learning, echoed in evolving learning models like those in KEDGE Sport Community programs.

Global Campus Mobility: A Borderless Student Experience

One of GBS’s greatest assets is its intra-campus mobility model. Students enrolled in Lisbon can rotate to Geneva, Madrid, or Barcelona during any semester without incurring extra tuition fees.

This fosters exposure to different industries, languages, and business networks across Europe.

For students aspiring to enter global markets—from UN-related work in Geneva to startup communities in Barcelona—this mobility ensures cultural and professional breadth.

The concept of borderless education aligns with the priorities addressed in ESCP's recent reforms supporting accessibility and personalized learning journeys.

Career-Focused Internships and Specializations

GBS organizes internships tailored to students’ specialization fields, ensuring practical, industry-relevant experience.

Faculty who are also current industry professionals integrate simulations and challenges into the coursework—a method that resonates with best practices in business education around the world.

Whether it’s Sports Governance scheduled in November 2024, or Entrepreneurial Storytelling, the applied learning enhances not just resume strength, but also practical confidence.

It's particularly advantageous for fast-growing sectors like innovation and project management and corporate social responsibility.

Future Challenges and Opportunities: Transparency and Growth

Despite a successful launch, Geneva Business School’s Lisbon campus hasn't received extensive media attention post-opening.

With limited public data on enrollments or outcomes from 2025, the institution may need to enhance transparency and offer more public metrics to strengthen its global reputation and stakeholder trust.

Yet the expansion responds to clear demand: international student populations in Portugal hit 50,000+ by 2024, and Lisbon remains one of Europe’s most affordable education hubs.

Programs like GBS Lisbon are set to define the new standard: flexible, global, hands-on, and digitally native. Much like global initiatives tackling AI and education risk—such as those explored in AI in Higher Education—GBS is preparing students not just for careers, but evolving future ecosystems.

Seize the Opportunity: How to Join Geneva Business School Lisbon

Interested students can explore the revolutionary program by attending virtual open days or inquiring about scholarship opportunities.

With Lisbon as a launchpad and world-class faculty driving the experience, GBS offers a compelling alternative to traditional business programs in Europe. Applications for upcoming semesters remain competitive due to limited availability.

For business leaders of tomorrow, GBS Lisbon is more than a school—it’s a gateway to the international business world of the future.

Want to know more about similar international degree rankings? Explore the full International Management rankings today.