The World Trade Institute is the leading interdisciplinary academic institution dedicated to teaching and research on international trade and investment regulation, economic globalisation and sustainability. As a centre of excellence at the University of Bern with an international, interdisciplinary focus, we explore the interconnections between the fields of law, economics and political science.
Master's Programmes
Law (2)
Social Sciences (2)
About
History
The institute was founded upon the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the advent of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. It was established in 1999 to train future practitioners and researchers from all over the world and to strengthen research capacities in areas that have an increasing impact on people's lives.
Education
The WTI offers a wide range of study options and degrees for graduates looking to further their knowledge of international trade law and economics. Degree options include:
- Master of Advanced Studies,
- LL.M.,
- PhD,
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
- Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)
Research
Research is one of the three pillars of WTI's work. Our research projects evolve around three main thematic areas of trade, investment and sustainability.
Career
Upon graduation, you join a vibrant alumni network with over 600 members worldwide. Our alumni have launched highly successful careers in a number of different sectors:
- International organisations including WTO, World Bank, UNCTAD, WIPO, UNEP, ITC, and regional development banks
- National ministries of trade, investment, finance and foreign affairs
- Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs
- European Commission
- Private sector including PwC, JP Morgan, Audi Forum Ingolstadt, Syngenta, Novartis, Japan Tobacco International
- Leading law firms with a trade and investment practice, including the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL)
- Industry associations
- Non-governmental organisations
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
Services
Student services
The WTI Administration is comprised of 11 support staff. For example: IT support, Head of Administration, Librarian, Head of Communications, Programme Administrator, Outreach Associate
Housing services
The World Trade Institute does not provide its own accommodation. The majority of students choose to book a room with the Bernese Student Lodging Association or find a room in a shared apartment.
We encourage you to start looking for accommodation well in advance. The number of rooms available at the student residences and the number of rooms/apartments for rent in the Bern region is very limited.
Detailed information and links to housing options are available on our website.
Library services
As part of the University Library Bern, the WTI Library provides an excellent collection of literature on international trade issues, online journals, trade-related law sources and databases. In addition, it houses a collection of reports and decisions by the European Court of Justice and a wide variety of WTO-related materials.
Medical services
Swiss law mandates that you have health insurance during your stay in Switzerland. It is compulsory.
We strongly recommend the health insurance provide Swisscare, specialised for students. Alternatively, you can find and compare different health insurances here at Comparis.
Student Life
Campus life
The World Trade Institute occupies one building of the University of Bern, in Hallerstrasse 6. The building is right in the city of Bern, in the lively student neighbourhood of "Länggasse", and only a few minutes from the main train station and the UNESCO World Heritage-protected historical city centre.
Sports facilities
As part of the University of Bern, our students have full access to "UniSport": all sport facilities, courses and teams of the wider university in the city of Bern.
Student clubs
The WTI Alumni Association (WTIAA) promotes cooperation and networking opportunities for the WTI’s more than 600 alumni and students from across 100 countries. There are events and activities in which alumni discuss their research and publications; participate in events and initiatives such as workshops, webinars and social gatherings; and share guidance.
Student Reviews
In search of a dream, blazing trails
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
It was organized and the curses were attractive as well as the teachers.
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