Applications open for the LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (MIDS) 2027–2028

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Applications are now open for the 2027-2028 edition of the LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (MIDS), one of the world's leading specialised postgraduate programmes in international arbitration, international litigation, public international law and dispute settlement. Jointly offered by the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, the MIDS brings together outstanding students, leading academics, judges, arbitrators, counsel and dispute settlement practitioners for an intensive year of academic and professional development in Geneva.

Located at the heart of the international legal community, the programme offers direct exposure to international organisations, arbitral institutions, governments, law firms and practitioners active across the full spectrum of international dispute settlement.

Academic Excellence. Dispute Settlement. Professional Development.

The MIDS is designed for candidates who have already begun building a serious interest in dispute settlement and who are seeking to enter or accelerate a career in the field. Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

  • Strong academic achievement;
  • Prior engagement with dispute resolution, arbitration, litigation, negotiation, international adjudication, or related fields;
  • A clear professional objective;
  • The ability to contribute to an internationally diverse cohort.

Applicants often bring relevant experience through internships, professional practice, research, publications, government service, participation in international moot courts, leadership and extracurricular initiatives.

    Participation in moots is highly valued as evidence of engagement with advocacy, international law and dispute settlement, particularly when combined with broader academic, professional, or leadership experience.

    Why the MIDS?

    The MIDS offers a highly specialised alternative to a traditional generalist LL.M. Students benefit from:

    - An academically rigorous curriculum combining theory and practice;

    - Courses taught by leading practitioners and scholars;

    - Workshops and simulations focused on advocacy, strategy and dispute settlement practice;

    - Direct interaction with institutions and practitioners at the centre of international dispute settlement;

    - A uniquely international learning environment bringing together participants from a wide range of jurisdictions, professional backgrounds and legal traditions;

    Dedicated career support and networking opportunities throughout the year.

    The programme is specifically designed for candidates seeking to develop both substantive expertise and professional readiness for careers in arbitration, international litigation, public international law, investment arbitration, trade disputes and related fields. MIDS graduates have gone on to careers in leading international law firms, arbitral institutions, international organisations, governments, courts and tribunals, academia and the private sector across the world.

    Why Geneva?

     Geneva offers a unique environment for the study and practice of international dispute settlement. Home to international organisations, diplomatic missions, arbitral institutions, NGOs and leading law firms, the city provides students with unparalleled opportunities to engage with the international legal community throughout the year. Studying in Geneva allows MIDS students to develop their expertise in a setting where international law, diplomacy and dispute settlement are part of everyday professional life.

    Voices from the MIDS Community

    • "I applied to the MIDS hoping it would help me start a career in international dispute settlement. The reality far exceeded my expectations; it changed my life. I recommend it without reservation."

      Ndanga KamauMIDS'10, Independent arbitrator and former Vice President, ICC International Court of Arbitration

    • "I not only gained invaluable knowledge and laid the basis for a professional network at the MIDS: it also opened doors to a truly international career and changed my life."

      Anna KozmenkoMIDS'09, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle

    • "The MIDS was an extremely valuable addition to my CV. It's a degree that carries a lot of weight with law firms and practitioners."

      Vamika PuriMIDS'21, Associate, Three Crowns

    • "I had learnt from leading academics and practitioners alongside classmates from across the world, in a city at the heart of international dispute settlement, which sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of how international disputes are resolved in practice."

      Ahmad OmarMIDS Graduate, 2025-26

    • "The MIDS is a life-changing experience in so many ways. Beyond the academic training, it opens up new professional possibilities, challenges the way one thinks, and brings together a community of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences."

      Oiswarjya BasuMIDS Graduate, 2025-26 & WIPO AMD Fellow

    • "The MIDS put me in rooms which I definitely would never have been able to enter myself." 

      Adeyemi Eustace GomesMIDS Graduate, 2025-26

    Is the MIDS right for you?

      A strong MIDS application typically answers four questions:

    • Why dispute settlement?
    • Why the MIDS?
    • Why now?
    • How does the programme fit within your professional trajectory?

    Applicants who already hold an LL.M. in arbitration or dispute resolution are welcome to apply. However, they should clearly explain the additional academic or professional value they expect to derive from the MIDS in light of their prior studies and experience.

    Check out our applications requirements (external link)

    Application process

    1. Round 1 Deadline: 1 December 2026

    2. Round 2 Deadline: 28 February 2027

    3. Programme Start: September 2027

    Scholarships

     A limited number of scholarships are available to support outstanding applicants who require financial assistance. Candidates interested in scholarship opportunities are encouraged to review available funding options and application deadlines at an early stage of the admissions process.

    Learn more about our scholarships

    How to Apply

    Visit the MIDS Application section for full details on eligibility requirements, admissions criteria, scholarships, and application procedures.

    Visit the MIDS Application sectionVisit the MIDS Application section

    Join a global community of Dispute Settlement Practitioners

    MIDS graduates have gone on to work at leading international courts andinstitutions, arbitral institutions, international organisations, governments,and law firms around the world (external link). The programme's greatest strength lies not only in what students learn, but in the professional community they join.

    If you are academically ambitious, committed to dispute settlement, and ready to take the next step in your professional development, we invite you to apply. Applications for the 2027-2028 MIDS are now open (external link).