MILE (MAS)

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

Applications for the MILE program are considered on a rolling basis. As places are limited, early application is strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for the assessment of application materials and, where applicable, visa arrangements.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree, preferably in law, economics, political science, international relations or a related field, and demonstrate proficiency in English. Previous experience in international trade or investment is an advantage but is not required.

The Master of International Law, Economics and Politics (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.

Get in touch with the World Trade Institute

Please note: Applications are accepted only through our online form. Email submissions cannot be considered.

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

More about MILE

MILE curriculum

Through rigorous academic training and a practical, interdisciplinary approach, students examine the legal, economic, political, and institutional foundations of international trade and investment. They explore how trade policy is shaped by governments, voters, interest groups, businesses, and other stakeholders, as well as how trade and investment affect issues such as climate change, labor standards, and consumer rights.

The curriculum includes a year-long Introduction to Political Economy course and a new political science course on regionalism. The regionalism course compares integration agreements in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, examining why these agreements are designed in different ways and assessing their effects.

Program

The 90-ECTS program comprises:

75 ECTS of coursework
15 ECTS for the mandatory master’s thesis

Closely connected to the WTI’s research, the curriculum emphasizes real-world application and prepares students for internships and international careers in international organizations, trade diplomacy, government, business, and civil society through mentoring and professional networking.

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.

MILE Regulations

Regulations governing the program of studies and examinations for the MILE program at the WTI from 22. Maz 2025

MILE Study Plan

This Study Plan applies to all students enrolled in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics (MILE) program at the World Trade Institute of the University of Bern. The MILE program is an interdisciplinary MAS, focusing on the law, economics and politics of international trade, investment, and sustainable development.

MILE Academic Offer

See more information about the available courses students must choose from in order to fulfill the requirements for the MILE program. In total, the MILE program requires students to obtain 90 ECTS.

Academic Calendar 2026-2027

Academic schedule for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Fall 2026 Schedule

See details regarding the academic schedules for Fall 2026.

Spring 2027 Schedule

See details regarding the academic schedules for Spring 2027.

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.

See questions and more details here.

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