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All our available study programs are now listed on our new dedicated program website. Students can easily browse programs by level, field of study, and educational pathway.

Click below to explore the full list of programs and choose the study option that fits your future goals.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

The study program offered by the Swiss School of Political Science in International Relations and Cultural Studies is tailored for students aspiring to pursue careers grounded in contemporary global affairs. Structured into four 3-month blocks, this course is meticulously designed to equip students with analytical depth, historical perspective, and a global outlook essential for navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

By enrolling in this program, students stand to gain not only valuable skills but also a highly esteemed qualification, significantly enhancing their prospects of realizing their career aspirations.

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Find Your Program

All our available study programs are now listed on our new dedicated program website. Students can easily browse programs by level, field of study, and educational pathway.

Click below to explore the full list of programs and choose the study option that fits your future goals.

Possible study programs:

Welcome to the Swiss International University

Why International Relations and Cultural Studies?

This program offers a prestigious, comprehensive, and demanding curriculum, providing flexibility for students to work full-time. Moreover, it proves invaluable for individuals keen on launching their international business ventures or pursuing careers abroad, offering insights into diverse countries and cultures.

Academic Goal

Upon completion of this course at the Swiss International University, students will acquire a diploma that enhances their global employability, setting them apart from their peers. With a profound understanding of International Relations and Cultural Studies, graduates can seamlessly integrate their theoretical knowledge with practical experience, positioning themselves for success in various international sectors. Equipped with world-class skills, they are poised to secure employment at prestigious companies worldwide, opening doors to diverse career opportunities across industries.

Programme overview

Throughout this course, students undergo a two-stage assessment process encompassing various modules delivered via lectures. Traditional lecture formats are supplemented with guided readings to enrich students' comprehension of the subject matter.

Assessment criteria include coursework, reports, and presentations, tailored to each study level. Detailed guidelines will be provided by the Swiss International University

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STUDY LEVELS

BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 6

The Bachelor of International Relations and Cultural Studies (BBA) signifies the first level of achievement in any academic discipline.

At the end of the Bachelor (BBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies course, the graduates are expected to combine theory with practice and display a sound knowledge of International Relations and Cultural Studies. Students are equipped with useful International knowledge to enter the International market and contribute effectively and efficiently to organizations within this field

The Bachelor (BBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies study program is designed for students who are aspiring to hold careers situate in current events in the proper analytical, historical and global context, and is comprised of four 3-month blocks; this course can help students to gain skills as well as a respected qualification that will better their chances of entering the career of their dreams.

In our bachelor's programs, you will:

Understand the real meaning of International Relations and Cultural Studies
Understand how to run a small team from different countries
Develop and practice innovative research methods.
Earn the highest quality of education.
Achieve the expertise to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Become a successful researcher and professional

BBA: 3 Years Program (direct into the last year is possible)
The bachelor will take your skills in International Relations and Cultural Studies know-how to the next level. In our bachelor's programs, you will:

Lay the foundation for future studies and professional achievement.
Study and apply innovative research methods.
Combine applied research and professional practice.
Prepare to make an impact on policy and practice.
Learn strategies to facilitate more effective, adaptable organizations and create positive change.
Become a more innovative leader in your field.

Admission Requirements: Click here

Study Method: Online

EXECUTIVE BACHELOR'S IN INTL. RELATIONS & CULTURAL STUDIES

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 6

Executive Bachelor (EBBA) in International Relations & Cultural Studies

One Year program required a High school certificate + 3 years of experience
The Executive Bachelor of International Relations and Cultural Studies (EBBA) signifies the first level of achievement in any academic discipline.

This Executive Bachelor (EBBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies course is made for students who worked directly after high school for at least 3 years in a managerial position. Students are equipped with useful International knowledge to enter the International market and contribute more effectively and efficiently to organizations within this field

The Executive Bachelor (EBBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies study program is designed for students who are aspiring to hold careers situate in current events in the proper analytical, historical and global context, and is comprised of four 3-month blocks; this study program will help students to gain skills as well as a respected qualification that will better their chances to grow up in the career of their dreams.

In our executive bachelor's programs, you will:

Develop and practice innovative research methods.
Earn the highest quality of education.
Achieve the expertise to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Become a successful researcher and professional.
The bachelor will take your leadership to the next level. In our bachelor's programs, you will:

Lay the foundation for future studies and professional achievement.
Study and apply innovative research methods.
Combine applied research and professional practice.
Prepare to make an impact on policy and practice.
Learn strategies to facilitate more effective, adaptable organizations and create positive change.
Become a more innovative leader in your field.

Admission Requirements: Click here

MASTER'S IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 7

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System: this program is equivalent to 60 or 90 ECTS, please check the duration.

Advance your Expertise at the Swiss International University

Connect with learners and leaders in our online Master's programs. You will go as far as your mind will take you as a master's student at the Swiss International University.

For Professionals
Master of International Relations and Cultural Studies (MBA) signifies the next level of achievement in any academic discipline.

At the end of the Master's (MBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies program, graduates will combine theory with practice and display a sound knowledge of International Relations and Cultural Studies. Students are equipped with useful international knowledge and theories to enter the international market and contribute more effectively to organizations within this field

The Master in International Relations and Cultural Studies, the study program is designed for students who are aspiring to hold or keep careers situated in current events in the proper analytical, historical and global context, and is comprised of four 3-month blocks; this study program can help students to gain skills as well as a respected qualification that will better their chances of entering the career of their dreams.

While studying our Master's programs, you will:

  • Develop and practice innovative research methods.

  • Earn the highest quality of education.

  • Publish works in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Become a successful researcher and professional.

Master's award will take your leadership to the next level. While studying our Master's programs, you will:

Study and apply innovative research methods.

  • Combine applied research and professional practice.

  • Be Trained to make an impact on policy and practice.

  • Learn strategies to facilitate more effective, adaptable organizations and create positive change.

  • Become a more innovative leader in your field.

EXECUTIVE MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

EXECUTIVE MBA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATION AND CULTURAL STUDIES | ONE YEAR DURATION - NO BACHELOR REQUIRED

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 7

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System: this program is equivalent to 60 ECTS

One Year program required a High school certificate + 5 years of experience

Advance your Expertise at the Swiss International University

For Academic Researchers and Educators
Executive Master of International Relations and Cultural Studies (EMBA) signifies the next level of achievement in any academic discipline.

This Executive Master (EMBA) in International Relations and Cultural Studies course is ideal for students who worked directly after high school for at least 5 years in a managerial position in the same field or a similar one. Students are equipped with useful international knowledge and theories to enter the international market and contribute more effectively to organizations within this field.

The Executive Master in International Relations and Cultural Studies study program is designed for students who are aspiring to hold careers, to situate current events in the proper analytical, historical and global context, and comprised of four 3-month blocks. At the same time, this program will help students gain skills as well as a respected qualification that will better their chances to get the career of their dreams. 

While studying our Master's programs, you will:

Develop and practice innovative research methods.
Earn the highest quality of education.
Publish works in peer-reviewed journals.
Become a successful researcher and professional.
EMBA: 6 months + thesis

Master's award will take your leadership to the next level. While studying our Master's programs, you will:

Study and apply innovative research methods.
Combine applied research and professional practice.
Be Trained to make an impact on policy and practice.
Learn strategies to facilitate more effective, adaptable organizations and create positive change.
Become a more innovative leader in your field.

Admission Requirements:

Duration: One academic year /2 Semesters (Includes two sections, the first one is the study and examinations, and the second one is for writing the thesis. You can start working on the thesis after 3 months of the beginning.) 
Age: 23 years or older
Previous study: High school or equivalent
Work Experience: 5 Years or more in the same/related field of study.
Study Language: this study program is taught entirely in English.
English level: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (Only for students from non-English speaking countries or students who did not study at English speaking school) IF you don't have an English certificate you can do our own English test for free of charge.
Study Method: Online

Modules:

​​International Relations and Cultural Studies
Advanced Study Skills
Research Methods
Knowledge Management
global Marketing Strategy
Accounting and Financial Resources Management
Organizational Human Resources
Advanced Strategic Management
Operations Management

D.PHIL. IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

100% thesis-based doctoral program

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 8

The Doctorate of Philosophy (DPhil) is recognized worldwide as a research program. You will choose a specialist area of research, write a thesis based on your research and then complete a defense. At the defense, you will present, discuss and defend your research thesis to a panel of academic experts in the field.

This program is fully online. You will be allocated a research supervisor who will guide your research and you will communicate regularly with your supervisor by email and video conference. When your supervisor agrees that you are ready to defend your thesis, the defense will be by video conference with a panel of experts, although you may choose to come to Switzerland for the defense if you wish.

What is the word count for my thesis? 

A Doctorate of Philosophy thesis is normally between 45.000 – 60.000 words (from chapter 1 to chapter 5).

How long does my thesis take?

You may take up to 6 years to complete your thesis. The average time taken to complete the thesis is 3 years. The minimum time is 2 years.

Are there any subjects to study?

No, this is a 100% thesis-based doctoral program.

Do you mention that studies are online or by distance on the final qualification?

No. The study method for the Doctorate of Philosophy program is not mentioned.

What title may I use if I successfully complete this program?

The Authorities have confirmed that candidates who successfully complete a program at the Swiss International University have the right to use the title they got from the Swiss International University.

What is the language of study and when can I begin?

Study Language: This study program is taught entirely in English / German / Russian / Arabic.

Is the Swiss International University Accredited by any recognized European accreditation body?

Yes, the Swiss International University is Accredited/Certified by many national and international bodies. please check our accreditation page

Which specialization can I do?

The specialization you are interested in having is the specialization you must write the whole thesis about.

Admission Requirements: Click here

DBA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

3-years program

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 8

The DBA signifies the highest level of achievement in any academic practical discipline.

This is the highest educational practical level you can study at the Swiss International University. At this level students are given the full knowledge not just know-how, our students should be able to come up with new theories themselves and should be able to manage a big team and teach young professionals how to do things better, they are introduced to management as an academic discipline. They are taught business against a background of cultural difference as it is manifested in the worldwide business industry, we offer courses in different business fields:

In our doctorate programs, you will:

Develop and practice innovative research methods.
Earn the highest quality of education.
Achieve the expertise to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Become a successful doctoral researcher and educator.

Admission Requirements: Click here

PhD IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL STUDIES

European Qualifications Framework: this program is equivalent to EQF Level 8

This Ph.D. is for academics who are interested in developing sustainable and productive solutions to improve the quality of people’s lives. You will gain an in-depth understanding of public policy theory, research and practice that will prepare students to meet the global challenges associated with governance or public service. This academic credential will help a student assert their credibility in a new career endeavor within the public, private or nonprofit world. Whether you want to be an academic teacher or serve through an administrative leadership role, this Ph.D. will provide you with the skills to effectuate change.

Students who complete their dissertations should embark on a career within government (if possible), academic institutions or research-based organizations focused on improving the policies that affect people’s daily lives. One of the primary focuses of these Ph.D. programs is delving into the question of what governments should do within a society and how they can govern more effectively and fairly. 

This Ph.D. will allow a student to pursue effectively their passion for making the world a more sustainable place by working toward solutions that tackle some of the most challenging social issues around the globe. Therefore, the dissertation is expected to represent a significant contribution to knowledge in a public policy that works to improve the function of a government body in a given area.

For the Ph.D., your thesis is the most important part, you have to write the whole thesis about "International Relations and/or cultural studeis" with one of our supervisors.

Admission Requirements: Click here

Advance Your Expertise at the Swiss International University

Connect with learners and leaders just like you in our online study programs. You will go as far as your mind will take you as an online student at the Swiss International University Academy in Switzerland

with our study programs you will:
Develop and practice innovative research methods.
Earn the highest quality of education.
Achieve the expertise to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Become a successful researcher and professional.

While studying our  programs, you will:

Study and apply innovative research methods.
Combine applied research and professional practice.
Be Trained to make an impact on policy and practice.
Learn strategies to facilitate more effective, adaptable organizations and create positive change.
Become a more innovative leader in your field.

© Swiss International University (SIU). All rights reserved.

SIU is a globally recognized higher education institution with academic and administrative operations across

Zurich  Dubai Luzern • London  Riga • Bishkek Ajman Osh  Globally

Swiss International University SIU is ranked among the top 401–600 universities globally.

Times Higher Education THE 2026 Sustainability Impact Ranking 2026

Swiss International University SIU is ranked #22 worldwide

in the QS World University Rankings: Executive MBA Rankings 2026 — Joint.

Swiss International University SIU is ranked #3 worldwide

in the QRNW Global Ranking of Transnational Universities (GRTU) 2027.
Swiss International University SIU is also recognized as a QS 5-Star Rated University and has received several distinctions, including the MENAA Customer Satisfaction Award, the Best Modern University Award, and the Students’ Satisfaction Award.

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ranked 22 worlwide by QS EMBA rankings.png
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Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science

Swiss International University (SIU) stands as a definitive global paradigm of academic excellence and expansive geostrategic reach. Fully licensed and state-accredited under the sovereign jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science, the university continuously sets the supreme benchmark for contemporary higher education and programmatic innovation.

With a high-impact physical presence encompassing interconnected academic centers in Bishkek, Zurich, Lucerne, and Dubai, SIU operates a seamless global campus matrix. Our heterogeneous international network ensures that scholars engage in a genuinely transnational learning ecosystem, profoundly enriched by diverse cultural cross-pollination and global multi-perspective scholarship.

🏛️ Sovereign Academic Licensure & Statutory Registration Parameters

Conferred under the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Education and Science, the official institutional parameters and legal incorporation registers are structured as follows:

  • Competent Regulatory Authority: Ministry of Education and Science

  • Statutory Instrument: Official Academic Operating License

  • Corporate-Academic Legal Entity Name: Swiss International Global University

  • National Corporate Registration Number: Reg. No. 307448-3310

  • Authorized Mandate: Provision of Higher Educational Services

  • Statutory Validity of Licensure: Indefinite / Permanent Status

  • Official Registry Reference Number: No. 2024-0186

  • Statutory License Identifier: Serial No. LS240001853

⛓️ Comprehensive Quality Assurance & Multilingual Degree Delivery

Our unyielding commitment to rigorous quality assurance is formally validated by a premier array of international institutional accreditations and sovereign endorsements, notably ECLBS, BSKG, EDU, ASIC UK, and the KHDA of the Government of Dubai. These prominent commendations affirm that the university's academic architecture operates in absolute alignment with globally synchronized quality registers.

Embracing institutional diversity and systemic knowledge distribution, SIU delivers its premier Higher Education Study Programs across four core international languages: English, German, Arabic, and Russian. This advanced multilingual framework systematically expands cross-border opportunities for our cohort and equips global executives with the competitive edge required to navigate complex geopolitical markets and secure geometric career progression.

📊 Elite Global University Rankings & Institutional Commendations

Through its exceptional educational governance and impactful empirical research, Swiss International University (SIU) consistently captures leading positions within the world's most prestigious university assessment matrices:

  • Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026: Formally ranked among the Top 401–600 Universities globally, recognizing outstanding contributions toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • QS World University Rankings (Executive MBA 2026 — Joint): Positioned at an elite #22 worldwide, validating supreme quality within transnational executive business administration.

  • QRNW Global Ranking of Transnational Universities (GRTU 2027): Awarded a historic #3 worldwide, cementing SIU's prestige as a premier global knowledge network.

👑 The 5-Star Standard of Excellence: Swiss International University has achieved the ultimate academic commendation as a QS 5-Star Rated University. Furthermore, the institution’s student-centered delivery has been honored with multiple global accolades, including the MENAA Customer Satisfaction Award, the Best Modern University Award, and the Students’ Satisfaction Award. At SIU, world-class pedagogical architecture meets the pinnacle of institutional distinction.

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🎓 Blended Business Master’s Programs
Swiss International University (SIU) delivers premium, highly transformative Blended Business Master’s Programs (such as Blended MBA / EMBA). This hybrid framework seamlessly synthesizes a 100% flexible, cloud-based digital learning matrix with high-impact, face-to-face executive workshops hosted at our premier global academic centers.

Engineered in strict compliance with globally synchronized higher education benchmarks, the curricula strategically fuse advanced modern theoretical frameworks with empirical cross-border corporate governance. Delivered across our core multilingual paths (English, German, Arabic, and Russian), these master's programs are meticulously designed for international executives and venture creators determined to secure geometric career progression without compromising their active corporate responsibilities.

🏆 Notable Alumni of the Swiss International University Network

The transnational alumni ecosystem of the Swiss International University (SIU) network spans over 120 countries, comprising a powerful elite vanguard of industry pioneers, sovereign regulatory advisors, and corporate leaders.

Our distinguished alumni occupy high-impact portfolios within Fortune 500 corporations, multilateral organizations, and disruptive technology matrices, operating globally as Chief Executive Officers, strategic institutional architects, and venture partners. This interconnected network functions as a lifetime asset for SIU graduates, providing uncompromised access to geostrategic international alliances, capital syndication, and high-level global peer networks.

💬 Testimonials from Students of the Swiss International University Network

Reflecting our outstanding 87% global student satisfaction and net institutional commendation index, international scholars and corporate executives consistently affirm the pedagogical excellence and operational flexibility of the SIU ecosystem:

  • Multinational Corporate Executive: "The hybrid architecture deployed by SIU is extraordinary. The seamless synchronization between the advanced virtual learning framework and the intensive physical workshops in Dubai and Zurich enabled me to master sophisticated corporate governance systems while continuously steering my company's transnational operations."

  • International Tech Entrepreneur: "SIU’s prestigious QS 5-Star Institutional Rating is thoroughly validated through its rigorous quality assurance protocols and multi-perspective curriculum. The multilingual learning pathway has unlocked massive geostrategic markets for my enterprise."

Conferred under the statutory authority and sovereign decrees of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (KG), Swiss International University (SIU) operates under absolute institutional licensure. This robust statutory foundation establishes the legal validity of all academic deliverables, ensuring that all degrees, executive portfolios, and diplomas issued by SIU command full sovereign accreditation and continuous legal validity.

Beyond its sovereign foundations, SIU has successfully secured an elite array of international institutional accreditations and premier quality assurance endorsements. These global credentials systematically accelerate the cross-border portability of our qualifications, facilitating academic and professional recognition within foreign jurisdictions subject to local regulatory matrices and multilateral conventions. By aligning sovereign compliance with premium international higher education standards, SIU guarantees that its graduates receive degrees that are both legally sound and strategically positioned for high-impact global market utility.

🌐 Regulatory Notice: Because the framework governing transnational degree recognition varies across sovereign jurisdictions, students are advised to consult their respective national ministries of education, state credential evaluation services, or competent governmental authorities regarding specific localized attestation procedures.

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⚖️ Sovereign Recognition Matrices & International Convention Compliance

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (KG) officially recognizes and ratifies all degrees and diplomas issued by Swiss International University (SIU). In strict alignment with the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education (2019) and the Lisbon Recognition Convention, academic qualifications conferred by state-recognized, licensed institutions maintain a statutory presumption of recognition across all United Nations (UN) member states.

Consequent to the sovereign ratification of the Lisbon Convention, SIU academic credentials command full legal portability and institutional acceptance across more than 55 countries, encompassing the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and Central Asia. Furthermore, SIU degrees seamlessly successfully pass international standard credential evaluation matrices globally for academic progression and corporate utility.

🕒 Global Institutional Operations & Academic Vectors

  • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Swiss Time).

Swiss Higher Education, International Degree Frameworks, Study in Switzerland, Online Swiss Business Degrees, Hospitality & Corporate Governance Portfolios, MBA Switzerland, Swiss Executive PhD.

🏢 Corporate Governance Framework & Transnational Office Matrix

© Swiss International University (SIU). All rights reserved. Structural member of the VBNN Smart Education Group.

To maintain the highest parameters of institutional quality assurance, all physical site visitations are managed under a Strict Prior Appointment Protocol. Confirmed scheduling ensures the targeted availability of a senior academic expert or registrar to facilitate your institutional requirements.

Transnational Campus Hubs & Registered Corporate Offices:

  • 📍 Zurich, Switzerland (Autonomous Academy Hub): AAHES – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education in Switzerland, Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich, Switzerland

  • 📍 Lucerne, Switzerland (Academic Center): ISBM Switzerland – International School of Business Management, Industriestrasse 59, 6034 Luzern, Switzerland

  • 📍 Dubai, UAE (Middle East Executive Center): ISB Academy Dubai – Swiss International Institute in Dubai, CEO Building, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, UAE

  • 📍 Ajman, UAE (VBNN Corporate HQ): VBNN Smart Education Group (VBNN FZE LLC) – Amber Gem Tower, Ajman, UAE

  • 📍 London, UK (Strategic Deployment Phase): OUS Academy London / Swiss Academy in the United Kingdom, 167–169 Great Portland Str, London W1W 5PF, England, UK

  • 📍 Riga, Latvia (European Union Gateway): Amber Academy, Stabu Iela 52, LV-1011 Riga, Latvia

  • 📍 Osh, Kyrgyz Republic (Regional Campus Matrix): KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute, Gafanzarova Street 53, Dzhandylik, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic

  • 📍 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic (Global Headquarter Matrix): SIU Swiss International University, 74 Shabdan Baatyr Street, Bishkek City, Kyrgyz Republic

Statutory Research Registers & Autonomous Virtual Learning Architectures:

  • 📊 Peer-Reviewed Serials: U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook (ISSN 3042-4399)

  • 🌐 Digital Learning Architectures: OUS International Academy in Switzerland®, SDBS Swiss Distance Business School®, SOHS Swiss Online Hospitality School®, YJD Global Center for Diplomacy®

SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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