Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute

Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute

Decisions on applications are made in June and December each year.

Welcome to the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute

The Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute (WTI), University of Bern, offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for doctoral research at the intersection of law, economics, and political science. As a leading academic hub for global economic governance, the WTI invites highly motivated doctoral candidates to engage with cutting-edge research topics in international trade, investment, intellectual property, sustainability, and public policy, among others.

The WTI’s structured PhD program is designed to support advanced scholarly development while fostering close collaboration between doctoral students and internationally renowned faculty. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to research and a stimulating academic setting that brings together perspectives from across the social sciences. The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, with strong records in disciplines such as law, economics, political science, or international relations. While the PhD in Law is one of the specializations available, the Graduate School also offers doctoral pathways focused on the economic and political dimensions of globalization and integration.

Doctoral candidates are fully integrated into the academic life of the institute and are encouraged to participate in international conferences, workshops, and the WTI’s extensive network of partner institutions and scholars. The doctoral curriculum combines independent research with coursework tailored to each student’s needs, including methodological training, topical seminars, and advanced tools such as Python, GIS, or computational trade policy analysis. PhD students must complete between 24 and 30 ECTS credits and are expected to submit their dissertation within three to five years.

Apply Now for Doctoral Courses at the World Trade Institute

Who can apply?

Both external and PhD candidates at the World Trade Institute’s Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration (University of Bern) can apply to a wide range of doctoral courses designed to deepen expertise in economics, law, and political science. Courses are offered in English, usually in intensive one-week formats, and award ECTS credits that count toward the doctoral degree.

Registration process

By registering, students gain access to cutting-edge training from leading international scholars and the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary academic community. Registration is open to University of Bern PhD candidates through KSL, while external applicants can apply using this form.

Space is limited, so early enrollment is strongly encouraged.

Contact the Doctoral Program Coordination Office here

For questions on course content, schedule, or funding, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute Coordination Office.

Contact us

Apply Now for Doctoral Courses at the World Trade Institute

Both external and PhD candidates at the World Trade Institute’s Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration (University of Bern) can apply to a wide range of doctoral courses designed to deepen expertise in economics, law, and political science. Courses are offered in English, usually in intensive one-week formats, and award ECTS credits that count toward the doctoral degree.

By registering, students gain access to cutting-edge training from leading international scholars and the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary academic community. Registration is open to University of Bern PhD candidates through KSL, while external applicants can apply using this form. Space is limited, so early enrollment is strongly encouraged.

For questions on course content, schedule, or funding, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration at the World Trade Institute Coordination Office.

Contact the Doctoral Program Coordination Office here

Student testimonial

"Over an intensive week, I gained substantial value from this course. The lecturers had a balance between practical relevance and conceptual rigor, delivering a high return in just a few days. In an era of increasing fragmentation in international law, the focus on unilateral acts felt especially timely: we were encouraged to identify their nature precisely and to map their legal consequences across jurisdiction, responsibility, and countermeasures. The discussions were lively, inclusive, and genuinely thought-provoking; colleagues and lecturers alike pushed our reasoning forward. I leave with sharper tools for research and practice, and strong appreciation for the course design." — Renru Ma, PhD candidate at the University of Bern

Upcoming Graduate courses for 2026

Information at a glance

Regulations and other information

Prospective applicants must hold a master’s degree with strong academic standing (minimum 4.75 on the Swiss grading scale for legal applicants), demonstrate proficiency in English (TOEFL iBT score of 100 or IELTS 7.0), and submit a complete application including a resume, statement of motivation, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of eligibility for doctoral studies, and two academic letters of recommendation. A clear funding plan must also be included, as the WTI does not offer general scholarships, though enrolled PhD students are exempt from course fees and benefit from tailored academic support throughout their doctoral journey.

Supervision, coordination and support

The thesis supervisor is responsible for ensuring that you carry out and report on your PhD research and that you skilfully apply theories and research methods to your thesis. Members of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Bern oversee the WTI's doctoral program. Please look closely at the research interests indicated by the professors on their personal web pages to learn more about the kinds of research topics that can be supervised at the WTI.

Specialized doctoral courses

All admitted doctoral students must register with the University of Bern, which confers the degree upon successful completion. The WTI works closely with each PhD student to identify suitable supervisors from within its network of scholars. Students also have access to a wide range of specialized doctoral courses, see the WTI Course Catalogue for additional details.

Fees

The University of Bern determines tuition and semester fees for all programs. Students who have paid registration fees to the University of Bern are not charged a fee for the doctoral program.

Joining the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration

We welcome your interest in joining the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration. If you are committed to advancing research that addresses today’s most pressing global challenges, we invite you to apply and become part of our international academic community.

The WTI currently hosts several funded and affiliated PhD positions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed twice a year, in June and December. Early applications are encouraged for candidates seeking external scholarships, including the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship or the Swiss National Science Foundation’s Doc.CH funding scheme.

Current PhD researchers at the WTI are exploring diverse topics such as WTO compliance and disaster law, national security in investment arbitration, cross-border data regulation, carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and the role of intellectual property in emerging economies. 

Apply here

Please note: applications to the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration are reviewed twice a year in June and December. 

Information for prospective PhD candidates

Find below the general lines of research pursued by the professors who are available to supervise new researchers:

  • Economics: International Trade Economics and Policy, International Migration, Climate Change, International Economics, International Macroeconomics and Finance
  • Law: International and European Economic Law, WTO Law, Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law and Media Law
  • Political Science: International Political Economy of Trade, International Organisations, International Economic Courts, Investment, Commodities

Students intending to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship or other external funding are strongly encouraged to submit their application by August 31 for admission in the following fall semester. Use the subject line: Early Application Doctoral Program – ‘Discipline’ (‘Law’ or ‘Economics’ or ‘Political Science’) to ensure early review. Early decisions will be provided to support timely scholarship applications. For any questions, reach out to the PhD program coordination office—we’re here to help guide you through the application process.

Contact the Doctoral Program Coordination Office here

University of Bern admission requirements

Key information below:

Research proposal template Regulations for the Graduate School of Economic Globalization and Integration For Economics PhD students: Information about the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bern For Political Science PhD students: Information about the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bern For Law PhD students: Information about the Faculty of Law at the University of Bern For Law PhD students: Information about the Faculty of Law at the University of Bern (Dec. 2025)