Shaping the next generation of global trade and governance experts

Shaping the next generation of global trade and governance experts

Studying at the WTI offers a unique opportunity to learn from world class lecturers. The interdisciplinary WTI programs prepare students to take a leading role in government, international organisations, private practice and industry, and academia.

Prof. Isabelle Van Damme, Director of Studies

About the MILE – Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MAS)

Apply now 

The Master of International Law and Economics (MILE), established in 1999, is the flagship program of the World Trade Institute (WTI) and a global leader in graduate education on international trade and investment regulation. Designed for aspiring professionals in law, economics, political science, or international relations, the MILE program equips students with the critical knowledge and skills needed to launch successful careers in international trade, investment, and policy. With its strong connection to WTI’s research and a dynamic global alumni network of over 600 members, MILE offers unparalleled academic and career opportunities.

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. It is offered at the World Trade Institute in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern, as part of their Continuing Legal Education (“Weiterbildungsprogramm in Rechtswissenschaft”).

This intensive one-year program blends rigorous academic training with a practical, interdisciplinary approach. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized guidance from world-class faculty, including leading experts from top universities, international organizations (like the WTO and UN), major law firms, and global policy think tanks. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, offering insights into current global trade challenges and preparing students for internships and entry-level roles through strong mentoring and professional networks.

Admissions are open on a rolling basis, but space is limited—early applications are encouraged. Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree—ideally in law, economics, international relations, or political science—and demonstrate proficiency in English. While prior experience in trade or investment is an advantage, it is not required. 

Get in touch with the World Trade Institute

Key information

Admission requirements

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.

Length of Studies

Courses start mid-September and final exams are scheduled in June.

Tuition and fees

Tuition for the MILE program is CHF 21,000 for both full and part-time studies. A 2% discount is applied if you pay your entire tuition fee prior to the first day of the program. If full payment upfront is not feasible, a payment plan in installments is available. Please contact us to discuss tailored options.

Contact us

Application requirements in detail

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, work on writing assignments and adequately cover weekly readings.

Letter of motivation

Highlight your academic and professional achievements and explain how the MILE program aligns with your career goals. 

Please note that all submitted materials, including essays and letters of motivation, are subject to review using plagiarism detection and AI-assisted analysis tools. This ensures the originality, authenticity, and integrity of your application.

Academic essay in English

Select one of the three questions to address in an academic essay (maximum 1,000 words) written in English. Your essay should follow a clear deductive structure and include proper citations for any sources you reference. 

Summary of required documents

- Academic essay in English
- Letter of motivation 
- Detailed CV
- Transcripts and degrees of all completed college/university courses
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language requirements

Courses at the World Trade Institute

Foundations of Economics

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturers: David Baumann, Octavio Fernández-Amador, Kirti Jhunjhunwala

International Trade Regulation

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturers: Michael Hahn, Isabelle Van Damme

Global Political Economy

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturers: Manfred Elsig, Kirthana Ganeson, Patrick Wagner

International Economic Dispute Resolution

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturer: Isabelle Van Damme

Econometrics

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturer: Octavio Fernández-Amador

International Investment Law

15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Lecturer: Rodrigo Polanco

International Economics

16 Feb 2026 - 29 May 2026

Lecturer: Octavio Fernández-Amador

Development Economics and Environmental Sustainability

16 Feb 2026 - 29 May 2026

Lecturers: Jesús Crespo Cuaresma, Patrick Tomberger

Latest news and research from the World Trade Institute

WTI Moot Court 2025

Nineteen students from the MILE and TRAIL+ master’s program took part in this exercise coached by Ms Viktoriia Mykuliak and Mr Akhil Raina. Four groups presented their allegations as complaints and respondents to the distinguished panellists: Mr Werner Zdouc, Ms Kholofelo Kugler, Ms Maryam AlDoseri, Mr Jan Bohanes, Ms Jenya Grigorova, Mr Vitaliy Pogoretskyy, Ms Sybilla Fries and Mr. Deepak Raj. Read more...

The end of the Pax Americana?

The United States is undergoing a fundamental shift in trade policy. The era of open markets is coming to an end, replaced by a new strategy centered on import substitution. These changes are essentially designed to fulfill the promise of rebuilding industry in the rust belt of fly-over states in the US Midwest. Read more from Prof. Em. Thomas Cottier...

In Search of Consensus on WTO Consensus Decision-Making

The paper by Peter Van den Bossche critiques how the WTO’s consensus-based decision-making—intended to ensure all members “have a say”—has often been misused. Read more...

Use of the immobilized Russian Central Bank assets to rebuild Ukraine: between political will and legal hurdle

Given that these sanctions resulted in the assets of the Russian Central Bank and entities under its control being immobilized, the question that immediately springs to one’s mind is whether and how can these resources be used to rebuild Ukraine. Read more from Dr Iryna Bogdanova in the European Central Bank Legal Conference Book...