Admitted students - Next steps before arrival

    Welcome to the MIDS!

    The MAS-LLM MIDS programme will officially begin on 14 September 2026, with Welcome Day marking the formal start of the academic year. To support students ahead of the start of the programme, the MIDS will also offer an optional Foundations Week, taking place from Monday 7 September to Wednesday 9 September 2026. Further information regarding this optional week will be shared in due course.

    As you prepare to join the programme, please consult the Welcome Guide, which provides key information on administrative procedures, arrival planning, and student life in Geneva. 

    It covers visa and residence permit requirements, accommodation, health insurance, and practical aspects of settling in, and should be used to prepare ahead of the start of the academic year. Please review the guide carefully and complete the relevant steps in a timely manner. 

    This page will be updated regularly. Please consult it periodically for the latest information. 

    We look forward to your arrival in Geneva!

    Download MIDS Welcome Guide 2026-2027

    Visa application for non EU/EFTA citizens

    This page section contains essential information for incoming MIDS students who are NOT citizens of an EU or EFTA country and therefore require a Swiss student visa to enter Switzerland.

    The visa process involves both Swiss federal and cantonal (Geneva) authorities and can be complex and time‑consuming. For this reason, early preparation is critical since the process may take up to three months, and you should begin as soon as possible once admitted.

    The downloadable note below provides detailed guidance on how to apply for your visa, which documents to submit, where to find country‑specific requirements, and what to expect before travelling and upon arrival in Geneva. While we have taken care to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, rules and procedures may change. You should therefore always consult the official Swiss authorities' websites linked below and follow their instructions closely.

    Please note that immigration procedures are an individual responsibility, and entering Switzerland on a tourist visa is not permitted for MIDS studies.

    Accommodation

    The rental market in Geneva is highly competitive, with demand exceeding supply. Securing suitable and affordable accommodation can be challenging, particularly if arrangements are made late. Admitted students are therefore responsible for securing accommodation and are encouraged to plan early.

    All admitted students are invited to complete the Accommodation Application Form (external link)to indicate their housing preferences and interest in the available MIDS-arranged accommodation options. 

    Two main accommodation options are available:

    • IHEID student residences (Grand Morillon and Edgar & Danièle de Picciotto) 
      Applications must be submitted directly by you through the Graduate Institute Housing portal (external link) Please select IHEID (and not UNIGE) when completing your application. This will ensure that your application is correctly processed for the MIDS programme and allows it to be considered in priority.

    • RUI residences (Rothschild, Carlton, La Voie Creuse) 
      Admitted students interested in RUI accommodation will be contacted directly by RUI with further instructions in June 2026; applicants are therefore kindly asked not to contact the RUI residences directly.

      Please note that accommodation is subject to availability. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and preferences cannot be guaranteed. A no-pets policy applies to these student residences. Further details are provided in the housing emails.

      Health Insurance in Switzerland

      Health insurance is mandatory for anyone residing in Switzerland for more than three months. Incoming students are responsible for ensuring that they comply with the applicable Swiss health insurance requirements within the prescribed deadlines.

      To assist you with these procedures, we have prepared the following guidance note, which may be downloaded below.

      This document provides practical information on: 
      - The Swiss health insurance system (LAMal);  
      - Available options for international students; 
      - Exemption procedures and supporting documentation;
      - Key deadlines and administrative requirements;
      - Accessing healthcare services in Geneva.

      We encourage all students to review this document carefully before arriving in Geneva.

      Preparing for your career journey at the MIDS

      As you prepare to join the MAS-LLM MIDS, we invite you to reflect early on the professional realities of international dispute settlement.  This is a highly competitive field,  is a highly competitive field with varied career paths and timelines, shaped by factors such as prior experience, jurisdictional qualifications, language skills, and market conditions. There is no single "right" path - some students secure opportunities before the programme begins, others during the year, and many after graduation. All of these trajectories are normal and well represented within the MIDS alumni community.

      The MIDS equips students with a rigorous academic foundation, practical skills, and access to a truly global network of practitioners and alumni. At the same time, it is important to be clear about how careers in IDS develop. The MIDS is not a placement programme and does not place students into internships or jobs. Instead, our Career Services team works closely with each student to provide individualized guidance, training, feedback, and access to opportunities - helping students identify, pursue, and prepare for roles aligned with their goals.

      To support transparent and informed preparation, we share the Career Realities in International Dispute Settlement handout with all admitted students. This guide outlines what to expect in terms of recruitment timelines, application strategies, and the range of professional paths taken by MIDS alumni.

      We strongly encourage you to read it carefully and begin thinking early about how you would like to approach the year ahead. Your MIDS year is the foundation of a long-term career and understanding the landscape early will allow you to make the most of it.

      Download a career quick guide for admitted students

      The MIDS prepares students for the next step in their professional journey by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and network essential for navigating one of the most competitive fields of the legal industry. While many students secure internships or positions during or after the program, timelines and pathways vary widely depending on prior experience, jurisdictional qualifications, language skills, and market conditions. Our Career Services team supports students through individualized guidance, practical training, and access to a global community of practitioners and alumni. We do not place students in jobs or internships, but we work closely with each student to help them identify and pursue meaningful opportunities aligned with their goals.

      Internship applications: What's open now - and What's expected later

      As you begin thinking about internships for the period July 2027-July 2028, it is important to understand how recruitment timelines in international dispute settlement typically work. The absence of open postings at this stage is entirely normal and does not put you behind. 

      While only a limited number of organisations have begun advertising opportunities relevant to the July 2027-July 2028 internship period, some employers-particularly leading international arbitration practices and specialised dispute resolution firms-recruit exceptionally early or accept applications on a rolling basis. 

      What's Open Now (as of July 2026) 

      At this stage, only a small number of opportunities relevant to the July 2027-July 2028 period are available. We nevertheless share relevant openings as they arise, whether they form part of an early recruitment cycle or are offered on a rolling basis. 

      Early postings can provide useful insight into market expectations and recruitment trends. However, they remain the exception rather than the rule, and most opportunities for the July 2027-July 2028 period will become available later in the academic year.

      • Dechamps International Law - external link

        Dechamps International Law is seeking Arabic-English speaking LL.M. students or recent graduates based in Europe, the Americas, or Africa. Successful candidates will gain exposure to international arbitration matters, including legal research, drafting written submissions, and hearing preparation. Applications should include a CV, academic transcript, and cover letter (maximum 1 page) in English and be sent to info@dechampslaw.com. The firm also welcomes applications from talented lawyers and recent graduates interested in future opportunities.

      What to expect later

      For most law firms, arbitral institutions, and organisations, applications for July 2027-July 2028 internships are not yet open and will appear later according to well-established patterns. 

      Law Firms and Arbitration Boutiques

      Most international arbitration teams open applications between September 2026 and February 2027, often:

      • 9-12 months before the internship start date;
      • In rolling waves, sometimes for short periods only.

      This applies to firms such as LALIVE, Schellenberg Wittmer, Three Crowns, Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, White & Case, Clifford Chance, Debevoise & Plimpton, WilmerHale, Quinn Emanuel, Herbert Smith Freehills, Latham & Watkins, and similar firms across Europe, the UK, and beyond.

      Arbitral institutions: 

      Institutional internships usually open much closer to the start date:

      • PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) internships are offered quarterly, with applications due approximately four months before the relevant term (for a July start, typically March of that year).
      • ICC (International Chamber of Commerce - Arbitration) posts internships on a rolling basis, usually 3-6 months in advance of the start date.
      • Other organisations (CMAP, ASA, professional associations, corporate legal departments) follow similar or even shorter timelines.

      What you should take from this

      If you do not see open internships yet, that is entirely normal. The main recruitment period for July 2027 roles will occur during your MIDS year, not before it. 

      While a small number of opportunities may appear unusually early, they are the exception rather than the rule. The most effective approach is to prepare early (research, CV drafting, tracking employers) without feeling pressure to apply everywhere immediately. 

      The MIDS Career Services will share opportunities as they arise and help you interpret timing, expectations, and strategy throughout the year. Understanding the rhythm of recruitment now will allow you to approach the process calmly and realistically once applications begin to open.

      When can I expect information on

      As soon as you have confirmed admission (see above (external link) and in your emails once you have confirmed admission)

      March (see above (external link)  and in your emails)

      April  (see above  and in your emails)

      28 April 2026 (The recording has been shared by email.)

      May

      25 May 2026  (see above (external link) - The recording has been shared by email.)

      July (see above (external link)  and in your emails)

      July 

      July

      July

      July

      August

      August

      September

      Also check out

      • Tuition & Financial Planning

        Joining the MIDS is a valuable investment in your future, but it is also a significant commitment that requires careful consideration and planning.   

      • Life in Geneva

        The embodiment of a global city, a professional hub, and exceptionally comfortable to live in, Geneva is one of Europe's best kept secrets.

      • Campus

        Studying at the heart of Geneva, our students enjoy state-of-the-art teaching facilities with Lake Geneva and the Alps as a backdrop.

      • Services & Facilities

        By virtue of the joint nature of the MIDS, students can take advantage of the services and facilities of two universities at once.

      • Scholarships

        By offering scholarships, we strive to attract the most talented students, regardless of where they are from or what obstacles they face.

      We look forward to welcoming you in Geneva

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Due to the programme's intensity and full-time schedule, students are generally not advised to work during the academic year. However, some part-time research or internships may be possible depending on visa status and workload. In addition, kindly note that certain nationalities are not authorised to work in Switzerland with a student visa. Learn more (external link)

      The MIDS provides guidance and documentation to help admitted students obtain Swiss student visas. The admissions team supports applicants throughout the process. Learn more (external link) 

      While the MIDS does not offer on-campus housing, admitted students receive support in finding accommodation in Geneva, including access to university housing platforms and local resources. Learn more (external link) 

      No. These fees are considered personal administrative expenses and must be paid by the student, regardless of scholarship status.

      Yes. You may substitute one elective course with an internship (3-12 months) in Switzerland or abroad, provided it relates to international dispute settlement. This extends your student status and graduation date to September 2028.  In Geneva, with your student residence permit, you will need to apply for work authorization from OCPM before starting. Non-EU citizens must wait for approval before beginning the internship.

       Yes, through the Neirynck initiative. You may apply for a six-month residence permit extension to search for a job related to your MIDS degree. You must show financial means and housing, and you're limited to working 15 hours/week during this period. Your employer must still apply for a separate work permit, and Swiss authorities may reject the request. The Neirynck extension is only for job searching and cannot be prolonged.

       Yes, short-term travel is allowed between June and September 2026, but you must maintain your residence in Geneva and return within six months (three months for Permit L holders) to keep your residence permit valid.

      Typical profile of a student who thrives in the MIDS programme

      Students who excel at the MIDS tend to demonstrate:

      • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, enabling them to engage deeply with complex legal materials.
      • A solid foundation in dispute settlement, allowing them to benefit fully from advanced coursework.
      • Intellectual curiosity and academic maturity, contributing to a dynamic learning environment.
      • Professionalism, resilience, and effective time management, essential for navigating the programme's intensity.
      • A proactive and realistic approach to career planning.

      These characteristics are not strict requirements and do not define the only path to success. The MIDS values diversity in academic traditions, professional experiences, and personal backgrounds.

      Tips from MIDS 2024 and 2025 graduates to incoming students

      What MIDS graduates wish they had known before starting the programme
      Many graduates shared that the programme is largely as advertised-and that their own research prepared them well. Still, a few things consistently came up:

      "How hard and intense this programme is."
      "That we would wear formal clothes during classes."
      "The huge amount of reading required before each class."


      Below is a curated set of insights and advice from recent graduates to help incoming students make the most of their MIDS experience.

      1. Academic Preparation

      • Begin the thesis early: "Start thinking about and writing the thesis ASAP."
      • Brush up on foundational topics: "Read up on Private International Law and basics of domestic arbitration law before joining."
      • Be ready to study intensively from day one: "Don't come if you are not ready to study extremely hard for an entire year."

        2. Career planning

        • Start early-much earlier than you think: "Internship applications start early-often a year in advance." "Begin planning from day one."
        • The academic calendar matters: "The first semester is more loaded with grades and courses; the second focuses more on career opportunities."
        • Be proactive: "Hustle from the start."
        • Use your network: "Do not hesitate to network-it opens so many doors." "Your classmates will be one of your best resources."

        3. Programme intensity

        • Expect a demanding workload: "The programme is rigorous and demanding, but rewarding."
        • It's challenging, but manageable and worth it: "The MIDS programme is the pursuit of excellence." "It assures well‑rounded development and prepares you for the world."
        • But don't panic: "It's not as intense as some may depict it ;) Don't worry."
        • Pace yourself: "The MIDS year is a marathon, not a sprint."
        • Time management is crucial: "Plan your calendar early - deadlines cluster."
        • Avoid last‑minute studying: "Don't postpone readings. There is too much to cover and last‑minute reviews don't stick."
        • Stay on top of readings and note‑taking: "Read all of your assignments and take notes before class." "Consistent pre‑class preparation will help you get the most out of the programme."

        4. Well‑being & Mental resilience

        • The toughest months: "Stay mentally resilient during November and December; the pace eases later."
        • Geneva can feel isolating-plan for connection: "Make time for social activities and self‑care."

        5. Engagement

        • Participate actively: "Engage with professors and peers-ask questions, attend office hours, collaborate."
        • Lean on your cohort: "Your classmates will be one of your best resources."
        • Trust yourself and your peers: "Go with the flow, trust the process, and trust your classmates. Everyone is benevolent."

          6. Practical tips for life in Geneva

        • Expect variable weather: "Pack for variable weather; Geneva winters can be tough."
        • Budget wisely: "Groceries are expensive: consider cross border shopping."
        • Travel expectations: "Don't expect to travel too much."