Continuing Education at the WTI

Specialized courses of study for executives and experienced professionals

Continuing Education

The World Trade Institute offers flexible and high-quality continuing education opportunities through its Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) and Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) programs in International Law, Economics and Politics. The CAS and DAS programs are ideal for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in international trade and economic law through a flexible and practical learning format. These programs are designed for professionals working in government, international organizations, law, business, academia, and civil society who want to deepen their knowledge of international trade, law, and economics.

Courses are taught in English by leading experts from academia and practice. They cover a wide range of topics in trade, investment, and global economic governance. Each course is offered in a one-week intensive format, allowing participants to balance studies with work commitments.

The CAS in International Law, Economics and Politics requires students to complete three courses and submit a research paper. The DAS program builds on this structure and includes eight courses with a more extensive research paper.

To apply, one must hold a Bachelor degree in law, economics, international relations, or political science. At least one year of professional experience is strongly recommended. Non-native English speakers must submit a valid TOEFL or IELTS test score.

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Further questions? Please contact us

Tuition fees and other information

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Participants who earn 8 ECTS (~3 WTI Academy courses) in course work and 4 ECTS by writing a research paper are awarded a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics.

The tuition fee for a CAS is CHF 5200.

Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)

Participants who earn 22 ECTS (~8 WTI Academy courses) in course work and 8 ECTS by writing a research paper are awarded a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics.

The tuition fee for a DAS is CHF 12,500.

Regulations governing the CAS and DAS Study Programs in International Law, Economics and Politics

These regulations govern the Diploma of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (DAS ILE), and the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (CAS ILE) within the framework of the general study program in international law and economics at the World Trade Institute (WTI).

Study Plan for Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) and Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics

The requirements for the ILE are set out in the Regulations governing the Certificate of Advanced
Studies (CAS) and Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics of the
Faculty of Law of the University of Bern from 26 May 2016.

Qualifications

To be accepted for the CAS or DAS programs, you will to have completed an undergraduate degree.

English language requirements

Participants are expected to have a strong command of written and spoken English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the courses.

Special offer for WTI Alumni

Alumni qualify for a 50% discount on the CAS and DAS. In your application, please indicate that you are a MILE or TRAIL+ alumna or alumnus.

Special rates for students

Students registered at an Accredited Swiss Higher Education Institution can complete the CAS for CHF 800 and the DAS for CHF 1,800. Please contact us to find out more about this opportunity.

Flexible Learning, Real-World Trade Law

As a full-time professional based in Asia, I needed a strong foundation in international trade law but required flexibility. WTI’s format made that possible. I attended classes in person whenever I could and joined online when work or travel required it—the online experience worked seamlessly, and recordings ensured I never fell behind.

The program is thoughtfully designed, covering the key areas of trade law in sufficient depth to support both professional and academic ambitions, while offering well-chosen interdisciplinary options.

What truly sets WTI apart is its practical focus. Lecturers—often combining academic and practitioner perspectives—bring the law to life with concrete examples and real-world insights. They consistently bridge the gap between what WTO agreements say and how trade law operates in practice. For anyone seeking a rigorous yet applied understanding of international trade law, this program delivers.

I cannot count the times lecturers said something like 'Okay, this is what the WTO agreement says, but in practice you should know that…’.
— Edwin Vanderbruggen, Senior Partner at Andersen in Cambodia and Vietnam