University of Fribourg

The University

The University of Fribourg is unique in Switzerland and Europe by virtue of its French and German bilingualism.

Approximately 50% of the student population speak German as their native language, 29% French, and 8% Italian. Compared to other universities in Switzerland, the proportion of students from outside the canton at the University of Fribourg is particularly high – a clear indication that its reputation transcends regional boundaries.

Both students and teachers have a wide choice of international teaching schemes and research projects. The University has signed some 40 conventions with foreign institutions and is involved in 150 Erasmus/Socrates projects. It also has numerous cooperation agreements with universities in Central and Eastern Europe. Although it remains a friendly and closely-knit community thanks to its relatively small size, the University of Fribourg has an unmistakably international atmosphere with approximately 10,000 students and over 200 professors representing more than 110 countries.

It is a truly international institution; as much as 20% of the student body and almost one third of its teaching staff hail from abroad.

The Law School

The Law School is one of the most renowned in Switzerland. It is the only Faculty in Switzerland which offers students the opportunity to complete their studies in French and German.

Faculty members include nationally and internationally renowned specialists in European law and Business law. It also hosts famous legal centers such as the Federalism Institute, the European Law Institute, the International Institute of Construction Law and the Economic Law Institute.

The faculty provides its 1700 students with a personalized context and guarantees them the individual support and attention they need. Since 2008, the Law School hosts a new Center for Advanced Studies in Transnational, International and European Business Law which is home to the Master of Laws in Cross-Cultural Business Practice Program and to an interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in European Studies.

This Center is administered together by the Universities of Fribourg and Bern, as part of their many cooperation schemes in the field of International Trade Law and European Law.

The Program

This new LL.M. program, with a prestigious faculty from all over the world, offers a unique opportunity for advanced legal studies in the field of business.

Crossing the traditional boundaries between Civil Law and Common Law, among others, this course of study addresses all pertinent areas of private and public law, preparing students for careers in the private sector as well as in government and international organizations. While resting on a strong theoretical background in European, international and comparative law, the teaching method is problem-based and draws on real cases. Clinics that run all year round and culminate in Moot Courts provide students with unparalleled experience in working with clients and communities of different cultural backgrounds and improve their effective capacity to solve difficult legal problems.

In addition to law, instruction in crucial aspects of ethics, sociology, psychology and anthropology is also provided, together with an introduction to core transnational and international economics for business lawyers. Through this comprehensive approach to business matters, the courses are designed to help students develop a better understanding of the strategic and cultural challenges arising in multi-national contexts. Optional courses with scientists and entrepreneurs provide trans-disciplinary insights indispensable to the practice of business law.

The Faculty

Over a full-time period of two semesters, high-profile university professors and law practitioners from a wide range of legal traditions, teach lawyers essential tools for the practice of business law in a multi-cultural world.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted in the program, applicants must have received a first complete law degree (such as a “Bologna” Master’s degree, a US J.D. or an LL.B.) or another academic qualification deemed equivalent by the program directors. Preference will be given to lawyers who have already practiced law.

A strong background in commercial law and interest in Business practice is essential.

In order to keep our faculty-student ratio low, we seek to enrol no more than 30 students each year, based on the strength of their record of academic or professional achievements.

Application Procedure

Applicants for admission to the MLCBP program may use the online application system (www.unifr.ch/mlcbp/pages.php?menu=OnlineApplicatio…)
Students are required to send a certain number of required documents for their application to be considered (www.unifr.ch/mlcbp/pages.php?menu=ConditionsAdmiss…).
The application is free of charge.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition fee for the MAS program is € 30,000.-- for the year.

The fee is payable in two installments due by the end of July and November of the year of admission. In case of withdrawal, paid installments are not refunded.

Tuition does not include any travel or living expenses in relation with the MLCBP program. A single student will typically need € 10,000.-- to € 15,000.-- to meet living expenses for the academic year.

Location

Situated in the heart of Switzerland and Europe, the Town of Fribourg, nestling at the foot of the Alps, lies on the linguistic border between the French- and German-speaking parts of the country. As a typical university town with a high quality of life particularly conducive to study and research, Fribourg is strategically located on a bend in the river Sarine, at the base of spectacularly steep cliffs formed by the passage of glaciers.

Accommodation

Students are welcome to use the facilities provided by the University of Fribourg.

Student Life

Fribourg has a predominant student population (1 inhabitant in 4 is a student) and it contributes to the lively atmosphere in Fribourg and its unique “town and gown” community. It is also a family-friendly city with excellent schools and pre-school day-care infrastructure.

A multitude of festivals and events contribute to Fribourg’s cultural life – the International Film Festival, the Bollwerk/Belluard Festival, the annual International Festival of Sacred Music, and the Medieval Weeks. There are also numerous events for smaller audiences, such as poetry readings and concerts. Many cosy cafés and restaurants offer first-class delicacies. Fribourg is also a fantastic starting point for excursions to The Way of St James, the Cistercian Abbey of Hauterive and the charming Lake of Gruyère, in the region of the world-famous cheese makers.

The area is a paradise for sports enthusiasts with more than 500 km of cycling routes and 2000 km of signposted hiking trails. Winter sports abound too, as there are hundreds of kilometres of ski trails less than an hour away.