Master in International Business Law

•    Programme duration: 2 years
•    Delivery language: English
•    Degree awarded: Master in International Business Law
•    Accreditation: The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Université Paris Cité. This programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation and the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) in France.
Admission deadline: 29 August 2025
Interview dates: TBA

The Master in International Business Law prepares students for careers in the legal and commercial fields governing international business.

In today’s dynamic business environment, skilled experts well versed in a multitude of legal principles and international governance play a vital role. Traditional legal systems are becoming gradually complex owing to rapid globalisation that demands proficient lawyers with an international perspective. This degree will enhance student’s international outlook and provide a substantial analysis of business issues, multi-jurisdictional and regulation of trade in goods, services and capital. Students will learn the fundamentals of International Business including arbitration, contracts, finance,comparative law, intellectual property law, taxation and competition law. The unique curriculum combines theoretical and practical approaches to ensure that students will emerge as accomplished thinkers and problem solvers who will add value in complex international business transactions.

The first year of the curriculum focuses on the integral aspects of business law including corporate law, international tax law, banking law, intellectual property, international trade law and the European market. The second year focuses on the interplay of economic, financial and social forces. Students will gain insight into international business practice including arbitration, contracts, finance, commercial law and legal business English. Students will master legal reasoning and hone their ability to sustain a debate as well as refine public speaking skills, evaluation, negotiations and decision-making. Students will sharpen their expertise in litigation,particularly those related to international arbitration proceedings. Through constant interaction with peers, students will boost their network and ability to work as part of a team.

Our faculty is composed of professors and law professionals from University of Paris who have achieved worldwideacclaim and impart a thorough knowledge of International Business Law through lectures, teamwork, case studies, individual assignments, research studies and workshops. To expand our academic offerings, we frequently recruit renowned personalities from the legal and diplomatic spheres as visiting lecturers.

Aligning individual & national development

Within the next decade, the UAE is poised to dedicate its focus towards socio-economic sustainability. The curriculum at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be crucial in creating and encouraging a new generation passionate about global business initiatives to complement the country’s rapid and ambitious progress.

International recognition

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides the combined experience of Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité. This rich heritage of joint excellence is now available in Abu Dhabi under the Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide.

Networking

Each class will have a reduced number of students from different countries. A strict entry selection procedure will guarantee the quality of the degree and will allow you to expand your personal network with high potential peers.

Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2

Day Evening
Monday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Thursday 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Friday 4:30pm – 8:00pm

*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.

The degree in International Business Law is taught in English and covers a total of four semesters across two years. The exclusively designed course schedule includes evening classes in consideration of students who intend to combine their studies with work.

Year 1 – Semester 1

Modules Courses
Core Courses
  • Company Law – General Principles and UAE Practice
  • Advanced Contract Law
Specialisation Courses
  • Insolvency Law
  • Law of the EU Internal Market
Additional Courses
  • Common Law – Contract, Tort and Trust
  • International and EU Tax Law

Year 1 – Semester 2

Modules Courses
Core Courses
  • Private International Law
  • Banking Law
Specialisation Courses
  • International Trade Law
  • European Business Law
Additional Courses
  • Public Business Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

Year 2 – Semester 3

Modules Courses
Core courses
  • The Law of International Contracts
  • International Commercial Arbitration
  • Specialisation Courses
  • International Tax Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Additional Courses
  • Business Law in the Middle East
  • Moot Court, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Year 2 – Semester 4

Modules Courses
Core courses
  • International Financial Law
  • ADGM Regulations
  • Investment Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Specialisation Courses
  • Competition Law
  • Comparative Commercial Law
  • Additional Courses
  • International Transportation Law
  • Master Thesis or Internship

Master’s thesis

Students have a choice to submit an extended essay based on their internship or a research based thesis

Internship

For nonworking students, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi recommends to complete an internship in the second year. The internship will encourage critical thinking and improve students’ reasoning abilities by blending academic theory with real life work experience. Students will benefit from a greater depth of experience working in a professional environment.
The internship also provides an excellent opportunity to gain crucial insights and improve access to various career opportunities in the region and beyond. Students will discover that this collaborative learning process can lead to enduring professional relationships, which will open doors and forge new career paths.

    Admission to our master’s programmes is selective and competitive and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit. Our admissions process ensures that every course has an ideal mix of people with talent, impressive interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.

    General entry requirements

  • Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent.
    Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (or equivalent scores as per the equivalency table) may be conditionally admitted under probation during the first semester. The student will be authorized to continue in the program only if they secure an average of at least 12 out of 20 which is obtained by the end of the first semester. The decision is based on academic performance and will be made official after the completion of the first semester
    or Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
    or Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20
    • Bachelor students with a GPA below 3 may be admitted on the ground of their professional and/or personal experience, in case they are granted a VAPP by SU’s or UP’s VAPP commission
  • IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79 (or equivalent) with a validity of 2 years or, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years or equivalent

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview to assess the candidate’s motivation, career expectations and relevant professional experience in the degree area.

Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees from universities outside the UAE must present a Certificate of Equivalency for their graduation certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants, who are holders of undergraduate degrees issued by a licensed higher education institution in the UAE, are required to submit a copy of their degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website: Ministry of Education.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.

Assessment & graduation requirements

Throughout the year, there will be frequent assessment and evaluations. Students will be evaluated on individual assignments, internships presentations, reports and examinations, which usually take place towards the end of every semester. Attendance to all classes is mandatory and it is important that students are punctual and observe university regulations at all times.

•    Programme tuition fees (over 2 years):
AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344)
•    Payment of fees:
Click here

Scholarships*

25% academic excellence scholarship

New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester. To be eligible, applicants are required to meet one of the below criteria:

  • Bachelor CGPA average of 3.6/4.0 and above, or equivalent
  • Bachelor with Final Average of 15/20 above
  • Bachelor with first class honors
  • Candidates graduating as the top of class, despite the average

A minimum average of 14/20 is required to maintain the scholarship for the following semesters.

For programmes taught in English: an English Proficiency level with a minimum of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOELF IB

Preferential rates

20% Alumni preferential rate

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee.

25% preferential rate upon enrolment on a second master’s degree

Applicants holding a master degree from SUAD and enrolling for a second master degree at SUAD are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition.

5%-15% corporate rate

Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact +971(0) 2-6569311

10% Family discount

Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programmes are eligible for a 10% discount.

*Conditions apply

Employment opportunities within the government,political, media, and business law fields are lucrative and competitive as graduates with a specialisation in International Business Law are highly sought after.For emerging and experienced professionals, career prospects are remarkably high and vary from Senior Positions in government, legal, and diplomatic institutions, NGOs, legal advisors in the private sector or as Consultants for major multinational corporations.At the end of their studies at SUAD (Master 1 required), students have the opportunity to present the Bar exam at the Université Paris Cité. The courses of the Institute of Judicial Studies (IEJ) are now also given in a dematerialized way and can thus be followed in addition to the completion of their Master.