LL.M. in Commodity Trading Law

Fribourg, located in the heart of Switzerland, is a natural choice for offering an LL.M. in this field. Switzerland is one of the world's leading trading centres for raw materials. According to recent press releases, Swiss traders control a third of the world's crude oil trade, around two-thirds of the world's metals trade and 35% to 60% of the world's agricultural commodities trade.

Lawyers and non-lawyers may consider obtaining a degree in commodity trading because it provides specialized knowledge crucial for navigating the complex regulations and practices unique to this sector. This expertise can significantly enhance career prospects, as the commodity trading industry is a major part of the global economy and demands highly knowledgeable professionals.

Such a degree also offers a deep understanding of global trade regulations, including international sales, shipping, insurance, and arbitration, which is invaluable for lawyers involved in international trade. Moreover, the program includes practical training through case studies, legal clinics, and negotiation exercises, equipping lawyers and non-lawyers with skills directly applicable to their work.

Expertise in commodity trading also enables the graduate to more effectively advise on risk management, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, thereby adding substantial value to their skill set.

The dynamic nature of the commodity trading sector means that graduates with specialized training are better equipped to adapt to regulatory changes and evolving market conditions, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness which can be crucial for career growth.

Please see the Program Structure, IBL Student Handbook and Code of Conduct and the IBL Student Guide for more information about studying at the Institute for International Business Law, University of Fribourg.

• Who is eligible for the Fribourg Law LL.M. Program?

  The Fribourg Law LL.M. program in Commodity Trading is designed to meet the demands of experienced lawyers and recent law graduates of proven ability.

  The program is also open to university graduates with degrees in disciplines other than law whose professional experience has prepared them for the study of commodities trading.

• Your career options

  The Fribourg Law LL.M. in Commodity Trading will prepare you for career opportunities in commodity trading companies, law- and consulting firms, national and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

• The curriculum

  The Fribourg Law LL.M. in Commodity Trading curriculum consists of both core and elective course units. Each successfully completed unit awards students the corresponding ECTS credits, reflecting the time and effort required. Depending on the selected unit, students may attend between 3 and 18 hours of lectures, which can be distributed across several sessions throughout the semester.

  Students have the flexibility to choose any combination of lectures from the semester's offerings, allowing them to tailor their pace of study to align with their individual interests and needs. In addition to attending lectures, students must complete a Master's Thesis, Internship, or Management Project.

  For details about the course units offered in the current academic year and the specific credit requirements (LL.M. and Dual LL.M.), please refer to the Program Structure.

• Program features - full-time & part-time

  The academic year lasts approximately nine months, divided into two semesters. Students may choose to start the LL.M. program in either the Fall or Spring semester each year. The fall semester runs from mid-September to mid-December while the spring semester runs from mid-February to mid-June. In addition to the inter-semester breaks, there are several official local holidays throughout the year as typically observed in Switzerland.

  Students planning to study in person who require an entry visa should ensure their start date aligns with their visa issuance date to facilitate timely entry into Switzerland.

  The program is conducted entirely in English. Lectures can be attended live in person or online via Zoom – there is also flexibility to take a hybrid approach combining both. Whether the student studies full-time or part-time, the program offers more course units than are needed to complete the degree, allowing for maximum flexibility and customization in building their study curriculum. Typically, each course unit is offered once a year, either in the fall or spring semester.

  Full-time

  The LL.M. program is designed to be fully completed within one year. The full-time LL.M. program has a minimum duration of two semesters (one year) and a maximum duration of four semesters (two years). After four semesters, additional tuition fees will apply. Students may pause their studies for valid reasons, such as maternity, illness, professional or family commitments, without incurring additional fees, provided written confirmation is received from the program director.

  Part-time

  The part-time LL.M. program offers a flexible duration ranging from two to six semesters. After the sixth semester, additional tuition fees will apply. Students have the flexibility to take each unit during their first, second, or third year. Alternatively, they can choose to complete the entire part-time LL.M. program within a single year.

  The option to study part-time is specifically tailored for candidates who are full-time professionals or those who, for various reasons, seek a flexible study schedule. The program allows students to progress at their own pace with the convenience of online attendance and access to recorded lectures (where available).

• Graduation

  To receive their LL.M. diploma, full- and part-time students must complete curriculum units to earn a minimum of 60 ECTS credits, including:

  • 50 ECTS credits for coursework;
  • 10 ECTS credits for the preparation of a master’s thesis, or completion of a management project or internship.

  For the dual LL.M. see the Program Structure.

  Graduation ceremonies are held twice a year, in July and February. The LL.M. diploma, issued by the University of Fribourg's Faculty of Law, certifies the completion of a Master’s in Law and includes the graduate's chosen specialization, name, age, and academic distinction. The diploma is accompanied by a transcript detailing the curriculum units completed, the corresponding ECTS credits, grades achieved, and the overall GPA.

• Tuition fees

  The full tuition fee for the LL.M. program is CHF 16,500 and for the Dual LL.M. it is CHF 24,900, which must be paid in full before graduation.

  Application Costs

  For successful applications, an administrative fee of CHF 150 and a registration fee of CHF 1,500 is charged. These non-refundable fees must be paid within 10 days and will be credited toward the total tuition.

  Payment Options

  A 10% discount is offered for full tuition payments made before the semester starts for students not eligible for scholarships. For students receiving a scholarship, a 5% discount is offered if the fees are paid in full before the semester begins.

  Other Fees

  An administration fee of CHF 75 will be charged for any changes to the program track or when switching between the LL.M. and Dual LL.M. programs.

  From fall 2024, as of the 70th credit, an additional charge of CHF 500 per ECTS credit earned will apply, payable before graduation.

  Additional tuition fees will apply for full-time students after the fourth semester, and for part-time students after the sixth semester.

  IBL Tuition Terms and Conditions: Click here

• LL.M. scholarships

  Excellence Scholarship Program

  The Excellence Scholarship Program offers a scholarship of CHF 8,500 to outstanding candidates. For the Dual LL.M., the Excellence Scholarship is CHF 13,150.

  The award and amount are based on demonstrated academic excellence, as evidenced by:

  • Results in bachelor's and master's degrees
  • Professional and academic achievements

  Regional Scholarship Program

  The Regional Scholarship of CHF 8,250 is available to applicants from developing countries, least developed countries, or countries in transition. Similarly, for the Dual LL.M., the Regional Scholarship is CHF 12,450.

  Click here to download the list of countries qualifying for the Regional Scholarship.

  How to Apply for a Scholarship

  To apply, simply complete the relevant section of the application form.

  Please Note: The number of scholarships is limited. The Regional Scholarship cannot be combined with the Excellence Scholarship.