The World Trade Institute's Summer Academy covers cutting-edge issues in trade and investment law and policy. It is designed for private and public sector and civil society professionals as well as higher-education students.
Elevate your expertise in international trade and investment law by joining the WTI Summer Academy. This summer program offers an intensive curriculum designed for professionals and students aiming to deepen their understanding of global economic governance.
The Summer Academy at WTI has it all - academic rigour, inspiring lecturers... and fellow participants who add both to the fun and your network.
Ingrid E. Persson, Manager Government Affairs International Trade and Customs, Nike
In lectures, discussions and case studies, renowned experts will teach you how to blend the policy aspects of trade and investment with thorough legal interpretation and economic analysis.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Engage with cutting-edge topics in trade and investment law and policy, including space law, geopolitics, and sustainable development.
Expert Instruction: Learn from distinguished academics and practitioners who bring both expertise and real-world insights into the classroom.
Flexible Learning Options: Participate on-site in Bern or online through live Zoom sessions, accommodating your professional commitments and location.
Accredited Courses: Earn ECTS credits that can be applied towards a Certificate or Diploma of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics.
Networking Opportunities: Join a diverse community of professionals and scholars, expanding your global network.
How does the Summer Academy work?
Summer Academy modules can be taken individually on an à la carte basis. All course are available on-site, in Bern, or online (in hybrid, live Zoom format). Students who take multiple courses in the Summer Academy can become eligible for a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) or a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics. Visit our CAS / DAS Programs page to learn more.
30 June - 17 July 2025
NOTE timetables may vary depending on whether the participant takes the assesment.
Course 1 | Econometric of Trade Policy (on-site only)
June 30 – 3 July 2025
Lecturer: Octavio Fernández-Amador
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 2 | Space Law: International and National Dimensions
30 June - 3 July 2025
Lecturers: Merve Erdem Burger, Riccardo Loschi, Ingo Baumann
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 3 | International Law and Litigation to Tackle Climate Change
30 June - 3 July 2025
Lecturers: Nicolas Lockhart, Dominic Coppens, Elena Cima
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 4 | International Contracts Regarding Cross-Border Trade and Investment
7-10 July 2025
Lecturers: Reka Papp, Benjamin Gottlieb
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 5 | Geopolitics and the Securitization of Global Trade
7-10 July 2025
Lecturers: Manfred Elsig, Iryna Bogdanova, Fernando Martin Espejo, Leandro Urbano, Cristian Rodriguez-Chiffelle
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 6 | Introduction to Input-Output and Applied General Equilibrium Models (on-site only)
7-11 July 2025
Lecturer: Patrick Tomberger
ECST: 3
Syllabus
Course 7 | Sustainable Development and Industrial Policy: Non-tariff Measures in the WTO and FTAs
14-17 July 2025
Lecturers: Arthur Appleton, Tetyana Payosava
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 8 | Trade Compliance
14-17 July 2025
Lecturers: Hevin Demir, Philipp Weber-Lortsch
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
Course 9 I General Equilibrium Modelling of Trade Policy (on-site only)
14–17 July 2025
Lecturer: Eddy Bekkers
ECTS: 3
Syllabus
IMPORTANT
APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (CAS)
Requirements
We accept individuals who have completed or are currently studying an undergraduate degree in law, economics or political science, or in an unrelated field supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the Summer Academy.
How to apply
Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the maximum number of participants per week is reached.
No scholarships for this academy are available. The tuition fee is due upon acceptance to the programme and must be made in Swiss francs (CHF) via bank transfer. Information on courses will not be provided until the tuition fee has been paid.
Financial aid
The WTI does not offer tuition waivers for the Winter and Summer Academies.
Discounts
Are you an alumna/alumnus of our MILE or TRAIL+ programmes? If so, you qualify for a 50% discount on the week-long courses offered in our Winter and Summer Academies. In your application, please indicate that you are a MILE or TRAIL+ alumna/alumnus.
Students at the University of Bern can take Summer Academy courses for CHF 200. Please provide a confirmation of matriculation at the University of Bern to register.
