Master of Law (LL.M.) in International Trade and Investment Law and Diploma of Advanced Studies in International Law, Economics and Politics

Master of Law (LL.M.) in International Trade and Investment Law and Diploma of Advanced Studies in International Law, Economics and Politics

About the TRAIL+ program – LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law & Diploma in International Law, Economics and Politics

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Applications for the TRAIL+ 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 for the TRAIL+ program must hold a licentiate, master’s degree or equivalent qualification in law that entitles them to sit the bar examination—or its equivalent—in their country of origin. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English. Previous experience in international trade or investment is an advantage but is not required.

The TRAIL+ Program is an intensive, one-year graduate program that merges an LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics. The TRAIL+ is an advanced program that combines an LL.M. in Trade and Investment law with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law, Economics and Politics. 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”). It is specifically designed for legal professionals and law graduates looking to deepen their expertise in global trade, investment, and regulatory frameworks.

Get in touch with the World Trade Institute

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

More about TRAIL+

TRAIL+ curriculum

The TRAIL+ provides a rigorous curriculum combining lectures, case studies, and research-based learning. You’ll explore the legal, economic, and institutional foundations that govern international trade and investment, while gaining hands-on insights into how multinational enterprises and stakeholders interact within these systems. The program features top-tier instruction from globally recognized scholars, practitioners, and experts from leading universities, law firms, international organizations, and think tanks.

Program

The 90-ECTS program comprises of:

  • 50 ECTS of coursework for the LL.M.
  • 22 ECTS of coursework for the DAS
  • 10 ECTS for the LL.M. thesis
  • 8 ECTS for the DAS research paper

Courses are taught by internationally recognized scholars, legal practitioners and experts from leading universities, law firms, international organisations and think tanks.

Key information

Who is eligible to apply?

Spots are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To be eligible, you must hold a licentiate or master’s in law or equivalent degree, i.e. a degree in law which entitles you to sit for the bar exam or equivalent in your country of origin. TRAIL+ is ideal for law graduates, junior attorneys, and professionals seeking advanced specialization in international economic law. Gain access to cutting-edge research, build real-world skills, and join a global alumni network of over 600 professionals.

Length of Studies

The TRAIL+ coursework is completed in a one-year intensive program organized in Bern. Courses start mid-September and final exams are scheduled in June.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the TRAIL+ program at the World Trade Institute, you are required to have completed a licentiate or master’s in law or equivalent degree, i.e. a degree in law which entitles you to sit for the bar exam or equivalent in your country of origin.

Tuition and fees

Tuition for the TRAIL+ 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. 

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TRAIL+ Regulations

The University of Bern's regulations for the LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law & Diploma in International Law and Economics (In German).

TRAIL+ Study Plan

This Study Plan applies to all students enrolled in the joint LL.M./DAS programme at the World Trade Institute. This program, which is also referred to as the TRAIL+ program, is interdisciplinary and focusses on the rules, regulations, and institutions, both domestic and international, that govern foreign trade, investment, the operations of multinational enterprises, and the interests and role of other stakeholders.

TRAIL+ Academic Offer

See more information about the available courses students must choose from in order to fulfill both the LLM and DAS ECTS requirements, 60 and 30 ECTS respectively. In total, the TRAIL+ 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 TRAIL+ program is taught exclusively in English and requires a high level of English to be able to successfully engage with the material. In particular, the level of English needs to allow you to express yourself effectively in and outside of the classroom, work on writing assignments and adequately cover weekly readings. 

Letter of motivation

Highlight your academic and professional achievements and explain how the TRAIL+ 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

Courses at the World Trade Institute

Foundations of Economics

14 Sep 2026 - 18 Dec 2026

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

ECTS: 8
MILE, TRAIL+

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