UPF-BSM celebrates the 2025–2026 Graduation Ceremony

UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025–2026 this Thursday, marking the conclusion of an academic year defined by the institution's international momentum. More than 1,500 students from 130 countries completed their studies at the school this year, in a ceremony featuring Spain's Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, as the class patron.

"It is both an honour and a responsibility to serve as patron of the UPF-BSM graduation ceremony. Today, I would like to invite you to reflect on what public universities represent, because there are very few things comparable to what happens in a classroom," Bustinduy said during his graduation address.

"The university is a space that acts as a great equaliser, fostering collective thinking while upholding the right to make mistakes. Universities have helped reduce social inequalities and have become a driving force for progress and social mobility," he added.

"Whatever path you choose, remember that you are the heirs to a commitment to learning and teaching that is forged in the classroom. You now have the responsibility to preserve the legacy you have received at this school and to safeguard it for those who will come after you," Bustinduy told the graduates.

Held for the first time at Aribau Cinema and hosted by journalist Elena Busquets, the ceremony brought together students from 50 master's and postgraduate programmes and opened with welcoming remarks from José M. Martínez-Sierra, Director General of UPF-BSM.

"The 2025–2026 academic year marks the beginning of a new chapter for UPF Barcelona School of Management, focused on strengthening an increasingly international and diverse community while reinforcing the institution's position as a leading business school," said the school's Director General.

"This transformation is reflected in the steady growth of our international student body, which now represents nearly half of all students, while the school continues to consolidate a more focused and specialised academic portfolio. Today, we close the academic year as a more global institution, closely connected to the needs of talent and organisations around the world," Martínez-Sierra added.

An academic year shaped by internationalisation

The graduation ceremony brings to a close a particularly significant year for the school's international development. During the 2025–2026 academic year, UPF Barcelona School of Management entered the Financial Times Masters in Finance Ranking 2026 for the first time. This achievement adds to the school's strong presence in other prestigious international rankings, including the Financial Times Executive Education Custom Ranking, the QS Business Master's Rankings, the QS International Trade Rankings and the Positive Impact Rating.

In recent years, UPF Barcelona School of Management has also developed an accreditation framework aligned with the highest international quality standards for business schools. This process has enabled the school to consolidate its AMBA, EQUIS, BSIS and AQU Catalunya accreditations.

The school's main milestone during the 2025–2026 academic year was the renewal of its institutional accreditation by AQU Catalunya, making UPF-BSM the first institution affiliated with a public university to obtain reaccreditation, receiving a positive assessment in every evaluation category.

"At UPF-BSM, we educate leaders and professionals with the skills and tools to create a positive social impact through humanism, culture and ethical values. The impact you already have, and will continue to have, on society is our greatest calling card among business schools worldwide. You are the driving force that enables us to continue our journey towards academic excellence and international recognition," said Llorenç Bagur, Dean of UPF-BSM, during his closing remarks to the graduates.