The World Trade Institute (WTI) is a leading academic institution dedicated to teaching and research focused on international trade and investment regulation and 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.
The WTI combines graduate-level education, interdisciplinary research and specialised advisory services in a unique and dynamic institution. We recruit students, researchers, faculty and employees from around the world, creating a diverse culture and stimulating environment.
The WTI closely cooperates with the Institute of European and International Economic Law, which shares the same premises.
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. The financial crisis in 2008 showed the importance of not only a stable and open multilateral trading system under the auspices of the WTO but also organisations and agreements promoting regional integration.
Quality assurance and development is important to the World Trade Institute. Our efforts are based on the quality strategy of the University of Bern (Quality Strategy of the University of Bern). With internal course and related reviews and scientific reporting we aim to meet the university guidelines on quality. Selected courses offered by the World Trade Institute in the context of its Master programmes were subject to course evaluation by the faculties of the University of Bern, and have been very positively assessed. Besides quality in research and education, we are also promoting gender equality and sustainability.
Full tuition waiver
A full tuition waiver will be awarded to one person for outstanding performance during the Grand Final of the Final Oral Round of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition (formerly ELSA Moot Court).
Global Impact Association (GIA) Scholarships
The newly launched Global Impact Association (GIA) offers scholarships to talented students from least-developed and developing countries who wish to pursue advanced master's studies in international economic law and policy.
Bern, the capital of the Swiss Confederation, is home to the Swiss Government, the Swiss National Bank, Swiss Railways, Swiss Post, the University of Bern and a population of about 143,000. The city is a one-hour train ride away from Basel (home of many pharmaceutical multinationals), Zurich (one of the most important financial centres worldwide) and about two hours from Geneva, home of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and many other international organisations.
Most students choose to book a room with the Bernese Student Lodging Association or find a room in a shared apartment. The World Trade Institute, unfortunately, cannot provide accommodation.
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 are very limited.
If you are an international applicant to the WTI, you should ensure that you can provide evidence of adequate funding to Swiss visa/immigration authorities. The WTI will send confirmation of your admission to study to the Bernese Migration Office. Once you arrive in Switzerland, you are required to register with them within seven days. More details will be given on your arrival.
Hallerstrasse,6, 3012, Bern
