International Trade Law and Compliance
Master of Advanced Studies' Degree in English
Fundamental Education
Tailored Career Guidance
Practice-Oriented Program

Embark on a transformative journey to the forefront of global commerce with our Master’s program in International Trade Law and Compliance. Designed for both legal professionals and those aiming to enter this dynamic field, this program offers a deep dive into the complexities of international trade, regulations, and compliance.

This advanced degree is meticulously designed to prepare future legal experts and compliance officers with a profound understanding of complex trade regulations in different areas, robust compliance enforcement, and foster sustainable international business operations.

Step into a world where classroom theory meets global practice!

About the Program

Transform Your Career with a Master of Advanced Studies in International Trade Law and Compliance

With globalization, new forms of international cooperation, interstate and corporate disputes, the need for highly qualified international trade lawyers naturally increases every year.

The Program provides Comprehensive Coverage: from trade agreements to dispute resolution, gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of international trade law.

The Program provides Industry-Relevant Curriculum: engage with a curriculum crafted and taught by leading academics, industry leaders and practitioners in the field of international trade law.

The Program ensures Hands-On Experience: engage in simulations, case studies, acquire real-world experience through internships at prestigious international organizations, leading NGOs, and top-tier law firms.

Leverage opportunities in a field that shapes economic policies and business strategies worldwide. Whether you aim to advise corporations, negotiate trade agreements, or advocate for fair trade practices, this program provides the foundation you need to excel.

Graduates of the Program are equipped to take on pivotal roles in multinational corporations, banking institutions, trading companies, government agencies etc.

Advantages

The Program Highlights:

1
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Lectures by leading professors of Swiss and European universities, experienced practicing lawyers, industry leaders and representatives of international organizations
2
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Option: 8 teaching hours per week of English and 8 teaching hours per week of French | German by native speaking language teachers up to the final level B2 / C1 / C2 and the possibility of continuous practice by immersion
3
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Internships with international organizations, law firms, trading companies and multinationals in Switzerland and Europe
4
+
An individual approach to each student and career guidance services
5
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A unique opportunity to live and study in the Lake Geneva region with an exceptional quality of life and a high density of global governance actors
6
+
Regular educational trips to Lausanne, Fribourg, Bern, Zurich, Paris, Vienna, etc.
7
+
Access to professionally-oriented courses developed by experts in the field of language training for international lawyers: Legal English and Français Juridique

Curriculum

Leading specialists from Switzerland and Europe, highly qualified lawyers and law firm partners, representatives of international organizations, top managers and entrepreneurs with vast practical experience (such as the United Nations, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the World Trade Organization, as well as practicing lawyers from Julius Baer banks, Credit Suisse) are involved in teaching. Students daily gain knowledge and communicate with outstanding professionals who have high qualifications and extensive practical experience.

The curriculum is organized on a modular basis with a study of a subject for a few weeks followed by a pass/fail or exam. Simultaneously with law subjects, students may have English (including Business and Legal English) and French (including Français Commercial et Juridique) | German languages lessons.

 

*The curriculum is subject to modifications. Below are some examples of disciplines.

Swiss Commercial and Banking Law
International Investments and Wealth Management
Dispute Resolution
Big Data and AI Regulation
International Commodity Trading
Law of International Organizations
International Sales of Goods
Trade and Export Finance and Transaction Documents
Sanctions Regulations and Trade Restrictions
Corporate Law, Finance and Taxation
Compliance
Intellectual Property Law
International Trade Law and WTO
M&A and Joint Ventures
Risk Management, Insurance and Logistics
INCOTERMS

Foreign Languages

An integral part of the professional training of any modern specialist is the study of foreign languages.

Foreign languages are taught according to the system, which combines both the best traditions accumulated by the old schools and new approaches developed by leading European specialists.

Alongside with the core subjects, students may study intensively English and French | German taught in Geneva by native speaking instructors, following the methods developed by the experts in the field of international specialists’ training.

The training system allows students to take international certification exams without additional preparation.

Our classrooms are kept small — with 6-8 students – to ensure an individual approach to each student and provide the best conditions for high-quality language training.  

English
Up to C1 / C2 Level
8 hours per week
IELTS Preparation
Option

Throughout their studies in Geneva, students study English intensively using methods developed by experts in the field of language training for international lawyers, leading professors of Swiss School, reaching the final C1 / C2 level. Students with initially high language level have the opportunity to study with native speakers in C1 / C2 groups.

Business and Legal English
Upon Reaching the B2 Level
240 hours
Access to the Online Platform
Option

Students take a unique, professionally-oriented course that includes legal concepts and categories, as well as a business correspondence course. The course lays the foundation of knowledge of international law and basic terminology of conventions and treaties for future professional activities.

Français
Up to the B2 / C1 Level
8 hours per week
Preparation for DELF / DALF / FIDE
Option

French is a must for anyone who wants to get involved in international law, because French is an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, and most international organizations.

Français Commercial et Juridique
Upon Reaching the B1 Level
240 hours
Preparing for DFP
Option

Once students reach B1 level, classes in business, legal French and basic translation (Français Commercial et Juridique) are introduced. The programs focus on international law, Swiss and French law, etc.

Deutsch
Up to the B2 / C1 Level
8 hours per week
Preparing for DAF
Option

The German Chair has extensive experience and tradition in training international specialists with a professional command of German. Students study using modern textbooks that preserve the achievements of the old school but reflect new trends.

Professional and Personal Development
Preparation of CVs, Letters, etc.
32 hours
Access to the Online Platform

The main purpose of this course is to teach you how to write the basic documents needed to find an internship or job (resume, cover letter), how to go through the various stages of the interview, the process of analyzing a potential employer.

Key Details of the Program

Duration of Studies: 12 months to 18 months (three semesters) / 90 ECTS Credits

Language of Study: Study in English

Possibility to study advanced English in the field of Studies (Law / Business etc.), possibility to study French / German / Italian etc.

Mode: Full Time | Part Time (On-Site | Blended Learning)

Place of Studies: Geneva, Switzerland

Accommodation in Switzerland

Variety of options available in the center of Geneva, as well as in the area of ​​​​international organizations: on campuses or in studios and apartments.

The Henri Dunant campus is located in the center of Geneva, a 7-minute walk from the Premises. The building houses a laundry, as well as a grocery store.

CityPop Apartments are 2 minutes from the Premises.

Visa Support and Residence Permit

To stay in Switzerland for studies lasting more than 90 days, a student non-resident of the EU is required to obtain an entry national study visa.

The presence of an entry study visa entitles the student to obtain a residence permit in Switzerland once in Geneva. 

Swiss School staff will assist you with paperwork regarding your visa request and book for you an appointment at the Swiss Embassy. 

Internships

Experience the World of International Trade Law First-Hand in Geneva!

Internships are not just about gaining work experience; they are integrated into your curriculum to enhance your learning. Each internship will contribute to your ECTS credits, combining academic rigor with practical expertise. By the time you graduate, you will not only have a MAS’ Degree but also real-world experience that positions you as a prime candidate in the competitive field of international trade law.

Geneva offers unparalleled opportunities to work alongside some of the world’s foremost legal experts, policymakers, and business leaders in World-Class Organizations.

■ Intern with leading international organizations, renowned NGOs, global law firms, and multinational corporations based in Geneva.

■ Apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience that will distinguish your professional profile.

■ Learn to understand negotiation dynamics in international setting, including mastering a foreign language, to plan and accompany various international projects, to defend their point of view and resolve differences, to be able to work in a team and to take a leading position.

■ Receive mentorship from industry leaders, develop professional skills, and build a robust network in the field of international trade law.

Our dedicated career services team will help match you with internships that align with your career aspirations.
Benefit from CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, and personalized career counseling.

 

Admission

The education process is carried out on a contractual basis.

Start Dates

Autumn Semester (15 September 2025)

Spring Semester (15 February 2026)

 

Duration of Studies: 12 months to 18 months (three semesters) / 90 ECTS Credits

 

Freshman Application Deadline / Apply Deadlines

In 1 month before start dates (EU or EFTA citizens)

For students needing a visa — in 3 months (Non-EU/EEA students)

 

Early Bird applications received before March 1, 2025 will benefit from a reduction upon acceptance and payment CHF 500.- Reduction

 

The number of Students is limited.

Note: Scholarships are not offered

Price

Contact

For more information about the Program, please contact us or fill out the form:

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Nataliya PONOMAREVA
Director of Educational Programs
welcome@ssir.swiss
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