Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE)

Established in 1999, MILE is the flagship program of the World Trade Institute. It is one of the world’s leading programs of advanced studies in the fields of international trade and investment regulation and has close ties to the WTI’s research portfolio.

The program uniquely combines a multidisciplinary perspective with a strong applied focus. In addition to our resident faculty, we bring in the world’s leading trade and investment experts from law firms, international organizations, policy research institutes and top universities.

• One year course that covers highly relevant real-world knowledge and the latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, and economics
• Teaching and guidance from world-class scholars and practitioners from leading universities, international organizations, think tanks and law firms
• Small class sizes
• A vibrant alumni network with over 600 members worldwide
• Strong networks and mentoring programs to help students secure internships and entry-level positions

Requirements: An undergraduate university degree, ideally in law, economics, international relations, or political science, and evidence of English proficiency. A degree and/or work experience in international trade or investment is desirable but not compulsory.

Information about the MILE program

Deadlines

Early bird deadline: 1 December (applications submitted before this deadline will be given priority)

Regular deadline: 31 January

What we offer

• Highly applicable real-world knowledge and the latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, and economics
• A vibrant alumni network with over 600 members worldwide
• Strong networks and mentoring programs to help students secure internships and entry-level positions

What you bring

The MILE is designed for students and professionals with a background in law, economics, international relations or political science, who wish to embark on a career in international trade and investment.

For information about living and studying in Switzerland, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MILE is a non-consecutive Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) counting for 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System Points). Course work accounts for 75 ECTS and the mandatory master’s thesis is awarded 15 ECTS. 

Length of Studies: The MILE coursework is completed in a one-year intensive program organized in Bern. Regular course attendance is required from mid-September until the end of June. Writing requirements (MILE Master's thesis) and additional credits are usually completed outside the regular fall and spring semesters and do not require presence in Bern. The program can also be taken on a part-time basis for three years.

The MILE begins with a foundational semester during which students are given a solid basis in international economic law, international micro- and macroeconomics and global political economy. The second semester consists of courses based on lectures and case studies that deliver an in-depth analysis of relevant topics in international trade and investment. 

As part of many of the MILE courses, students are regularly given writing assignments to be completed within a short time frame. These assignments are designed to prepare students for real world scenarios, and reflect what is expected of professionals working in the fields of international trade and investment.

The MILE programme culminates in a challenging yet rewarding moot court exercise – a simulation of a fictitious trade dispute between two countries in front of a panel composed of top WTO law experts.

For questions about the curriculum, please contact the Academic Coordinator

Contact the academic coordinator

We require you to have completed, at least, an undergraduate degree to be considered for admission to the Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE) program at the WTI.

The majority of our students have a background in law, economics or political sciences. However, we also accept applications from individuals having backgrounds in other fields of expertise. Graduate degrees in a related field and/or work experience in the fields of international trade and investment give you a bonus when the selection committee evaluates your application.

To be considered for the MILE program, please make sure to upload in the online application all the documents below.

Please upload electronic copies of your documents, preferably in PDF format (jpg/png/gif are accepted), limited to 20MB:

• Detailed CV
• Letter of motivation (write about your academic & professional accomplishments, and explain why you believe the MILE will be beneficial to you and your career)
• Transcripts and degrees of all completed college/university courses
• Two letters of recommendation
• Evidence of English proficiency for non-native speakers (see below additional information)
• A two-page essay in English (instructions can be found here)

How to apply

Please use our online application form to apply for the MILE program and to view details of our requirements.

About the English language requirements

The MILE program is taught exclusively in English. Therefore, you need to arrive at the WTI with a level of English. In particular, the level of English needs to allow you to express yourself effectively in and outside the classroom, deliver on weekly writing assignments and adequately cover weekly readings.

You are required to submit objective test scores of one of the accepted tests listed below:

Test                         

Minimum Score 

TOEFL ibT 100 points or above  

TOEFL Paper 600 points or above  

IELTS 7.0 or above  

Cambridge CAE    A    

Cambridge CPE    C or higher  

Exemptions

The following applicants are exempt from submitting test scores:

• A student with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, and the degree was awarded no longer than five years ago
• A student who has completed at least one year of study in an English-speaking country and at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction immediately prior to joining the MILE program
• Native English speakers: Students with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from an institution in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, where English was the primary language of instruction, and the degree was awarded no longer than five years ago.

Important: If you believe you are exempt from submitting an English test score, please state the relevant reasons in the comment box in the online application form.

How to apply

Please use our online application form to apply for the MILE program and to view details of our requirements.

Apply for MILE

Tuition for the MILE program is CHF 21,000 for both full and part-time studies.

You may benefit from either one of the following two payment methods:

• A 2% discount is applied if you pay your entire tuition fee prior to the first day of the program.
• If you are unable to pay in full, you can pay in installments. Please contact us to discuss this.

A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of CHF 200 is required upon admission to the program. Once we confirm your admission to the MILE program, we will provide you with bank details. The applicant must bear any charges incurred during the transfer of the tuition fee or registration fee.

Financial aid

Opportunities for financial aid are available here