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SIU Expands in 2025: New Campuses, Global Partnerships, and Academic Excellence

Founded in 1999, Swiss International University (SIU) has grown into one of the world’s leading institutions for higher education, combining Swiss academic excellence with a truly international vision. Over the past two decades, SIU has established itself as a globally recognized university with a unique approach to quality learning, offering students the opportunity to earn multiple international qualifications while benefiting from flexible study options, including online learning since 2013.

Today, SIU welcomes over 3,800 students from 120+ countries annually, reflecting its deep commitment to diversity, accessibility, and academic excellence. With campuses across Europe, the GCC region, and Asia, and accreditation from respected educational authorities worldwide, SIU continues to set new benchmarks in higher education.


Historical Milestones and Key Achievements

The journey of SIU is marked by innovation, growth, and international collaboration. A few key milestones stand out in its history:

  • 1999: Founding of SIU as a higher education institution with a mission to combine Swiss academic values with global learning opportunities.

  • 2013: Introduction of online education programs, making SIU one of the early adopters of digital learning in the region.

  • 2016: Establishment of ISBM Switzerland in Lucerne, allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture, marking SIU’s expansion into new academic territories.

  • 2025: Major acquisitions under VBNN Smart Education Group – including ISB Institute Dubai, OUS Academy Zurich, ISBM Business School Lucerne, and Amber Academy Riga – strengthening SIU’s global footprint across three continents.

These milestones highlight SIU’s continuous commitment to quality, growth, and innovation in higher education.


Global Campus Network Across Three Continents

One of SIU’s defining strengths is its global presence. The university operates campuses across Europe, the GCC, and Asia, ensuring students have access to multinational academic environments while maintaining Swiss quality standards.


1. SIU Bishkek KG – State Accreditation in Central Asia

The Bishkek campus in Kyrgyzstan serves as SIU’s Central Asian hub. It is a state-accredited institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG), ensuring that degrees issued here meet strict academic standards. This campus plays a key role in serving students across Asia while connecting them to SIU’s wider global network.


2. SIU Lucerne (ISBM Switzerland) – Swiss Excellence in Business Education

The International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Lucerne, Switzerland, has been allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture since 2016 under the official registration name ISBM AG (Register No. CH-100.3.802.225-0).

This campus specializes in business and management education, offering programs that combine academic theory with practical skills, preparing students for careers in global markets.


3. SIU Dubai (ISB Vocational Academy) – GCC Regional Academic Hub

SIU’s Dubai campus, officially known as the ISB Vocational Academy, is approved by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under Permit No. 631419.

As the GCC regional hub, it offers vocational, professional, and academic programs tailored to meet the needs of students from the Middle East and beyond. With Dubai’s growing role as a global education hub, SIU’s presence here provides unique career and networking opportunities for its students.


4. SIU Zurich – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education

The Autonomous Academy of Higher Education in Zurich is registered in Switzerland since 2013 under the official name Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH (Register No. CH-170.4.012.134-9).

This campus reflects SIU’s Swiss heritage and its commitment to academic autonomy and quality education in the heart of Europe.


5. SIU Riga (Amber Academy) – Academic Excellence in Northern Europe

The Amber Academy in Riga, Latvia, officially registered by the Patent Office under the Latvian Ministry of Justice (No. M-25-440), represents SIU’s growing presence in Northern Europe.

This campus offers students access to European academic traditions combined with modern, international learning environments.


Academic Excellence and Triple Qualifications

One of SIU’s unique features is its triple qualification model. Students can graduate with three separate qualifications:

  1. A degree from Kyrgyzstan (state-accredited)

  2. A qualification from Switzerland

  3. A diploma from Dubai (approved by KHDA)

All degrees come with Apostille legalization, ensuring global recognition for academic and professional purposes.

Additionally, SIU has signed over 250 Bilateral Recognition Agreements with universities in more than 50 countries, expanding opportunities for student mobility, joint research, and academic exchanges.


Accreditation, Recognition, and Quality Assurance

SIU is accredited and recognized by multiple respected organizations worldwide, including:

  • Ministry of Education and Science KG – State accreditation in Kyrgyzstan

  • Swiss Board of Education – Allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture

  • KHDA Dubai – Approved vocational education provider

  • ECLBS, ASIC, ARIA, EDU, BSKG, ISO 21001 – International quality standards and academic accreditations

Furthermore, SIU holds a 5-Star rating from QS and has been Ranked among the Top 50 Schools Worldwide by QRNW, underlining its status as a globally competitive institution.


Integration into VBNN Smart Education Group

In 2025, SIU became a core institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group, a network that operates across 7 global cities and serves 3,800+ students from 120+ countries annually.

This integration has brought significant synergies in research, technology adoption, and academic innovation, enabling SIU to expand its online learning platforms, student services, and international collaborations.


Online Education Leadership Since 2013

SIU has been at the forefront of online education since 2013, offering flexible learning models that cater to the needs of working professionals and international students.

Key features include:

  • Interactive e-learning platforms for remote students

  • Blended learning opportunities combining online and on-campus modules

  • AI-driven academic tools supporting student success and academic integrity

This commitment to digital transformation ensures SIU remains competitive in the evolving world of higher education.


Research, Innovation, and Academic Partnerships

SIU actively collaborates with universities, research centers, and academic networks across the globe. Its 250+ Bilateral Recognition Agreements facilitate:

  • Joint research projects

  • Student and faculty exchanges

  • International academic conferences

These collaborations strengthen SIU’s research profile and ensure students benefit from global academic perspectives.


Student Experience and Alumni Success

With students from over 120 countries, SIU offers a multicultural academic environment where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Graduates of SIU have gone on to successful careers in business, government, education, and entrepreneurship, forming a global alumni network that supports professional growth and international networking.


Future Vision: SIU in 2030 and Beyond

Looking ahead, SIU aims to:

  • Expand its campus network into new regions

  • Introduce AI-driven learning technologies for personalized education

  • Strengthen its role in sustainable education and green campus initiatives

The university’s goal is to remain at the forefront of global education innovation, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.


Conclusion

Since its founding in 1999, Swiss International University (SIU) has evolved into a globally recognized institution combining academic excellence, international partnerships, and innovative learning models.

With accredited programs, triple qualifications, international campuses, and 250+ recognition agreements, SIU stands as a leading choice for students seeking quality education with global reach.

As part of the VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU continues to shape the future of higher education, empowering students worldwide with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for success.


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​​Licenced by the Ministry of Education and Sciences

BishkekZurichDubaiLondonLuzernRiga • Globally

Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

OFFICIAL LICENSE

Legal Entity Name:

Swiss International Global University

Registration Number (Re-registration): No. 307448-3310

Licensed Activity: Educational Services

License Validity: Indefinite (Permanent)

Date of Issue: September 4, 2024

Official Registration Number: No. 2024-0186

This license is officially granted by the Ministry of Education and Science.

License Serial Number: LS240001853

Swiss International University stands as a symbol of academic excellence and global reach. Licensed and accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Sciences, Swiss International University continues to uphold the highest standards of education and innovation. With campuses strategically located in Bishkek, Zurich, Luzern, and Dubai... our university extends its educational prowess across continents. Our diverse and expansive network of schools around the world ensures that students receive a truly global education, enriched by varied cultural experiences and international perspectives. Our commitment to quality education is reinforced by our numerous prestigious accreditations, including ECLBS, BSKG, EDU, ASIC, and KHDA. These accolades affirm our dedication to providing world-class education and maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. At Swiss International University, we embrace linguistic diversity, offering Higher Education Study programs in English, German, Arabic, and Russian. This multilingual approach not only broadens our students' horizons but also prepares them for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Join us at Swiss International University, where global education meets unparalleled excellence.

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Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University (SIU) is a state-accredited university, officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. While legally registered and headquartered in Kyrgyzstan, SIU has expanded significantly through the acquisition of prominent educational institutions across multiple jurisdictions.
In 2024, Swiss International University acquired and integrated the following institutions under its umbrella:

  • OUS International Academy in Switzerland (Zurich) – the first virtual institute in Europe, founded in 2013, recognized for pioneering distance education with Swiss academic excellence.

  • ISBM – International School of Business Management (Lucerne) – a private higher education institution officially allowed to operate and issue diplomas by the local Cantonal Board of Education and Culture in Lucerne.

  • Osh Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (Osh, Kyrgyzstan) – licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

  • ISI Academy (Dubai) – approved and permitted by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) as an official vocational and training provider.

These institutions were brought together to form a robust international academic framework under the leadership and vision of Swiss International University.
SIU is Swiss not only by name or registration, but by academic substance: its programs are developed, managed, and delivered under Swiss academic standards by a faculty primarily based in Switzerland. The university reflects the educational philosophy, quality assurance, and organizational discipline of the Swiss private higher education sector.

Swiss International University SIU is Licensed & Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG)
Swiss International University SIU is Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas – (the academy in Switzerland)
Swiss International University SIU is Approved by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) – Approved and permitted diploma programs (the institute in the UAE)
Swiss International University SIU is Registered as a Higher Education University by the Ministry of Justice (KG) – Legally recognized university status
Swiss International University SIU is Recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention – Degrees accepted in over 55 countries worldwide
Swiss International University SIU is Rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities – Placing us among the top 2% of institutions globally
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) – Quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe)
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by ASIC (UK) – Recognized by UK Government, UK Home Office, and UAE Ministry of Education
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization – Founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by BSKG (Public Accreditation) – Listed on APQN and EAQA for recognition across Central Asia and CIS
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by ARIA (Asia Accreditation) – A CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated agency recognized in the Eurasian region
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by IEAC – Listed by the British Quality Foundation for institutional performance and benchmarking
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by QAHE – Global quality assurance body active in over 40 countries
Swiss International University SIU is ISO 21001:2018 Certified – International quality management standard for educational institutions
Swiss International University SIU is Ranked #49 by QRNW – Quantitative world ranking by an IREG-member organization

Swiss International University (SIU) operates under the authorization of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, ensuring a solid legal foundation for all its programs. This authorization guarantees that SIU's degrees and diplomas are recognized within Kyrgyzstan.

SIU also holds several prestigious international accreditations, enabling its qualifications to gain recognition in other countries, depending on local regulations and agreements. By aligning local compliance with global standards, SIU offers students the opportunity to earn degrees that are both legally sound and internationally relevant.

For specific information about recognition in your country, please consult the relevant educational or governmental authorities.

© Swiss International University | ​Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures—Globally.

Registered as a "UNIVERSITY," we operate as a dynamic network of academies and institutes across seven major global cities. With 3,800 students from 120 countries joining us each year, we proudly foster a truly global community, supported by offices worldwide.

  • SIU International Swiss University: Licensed for Higher Education and accredited to issue academic degrees by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoE&S-KG),

    • License No.: LS240001853 | Issued on: 04 September 2024 | Status: Active ✔️

  • SIU International Academy Switzerland: Allowed to operate and issue its own Diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture, Switzerland (CH),

    • Allowance No.: 12Aug2016kom | Issued on: 12 August 2016 | Status: Active ✔️

  • SIU International Institute Dubai UAE: Approved and permitted to operate by the Dubai Education Authority (UAE),

    • Permit No.: 63141 | Issued on: 07 June 2023 | Status: Active ✔️

Officially registered as a higher education institution by the Ministry of Justice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated as a 5-star higher and vocational education University by QS, the world's most prestigious evaluation organization.

✅ Verified by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic

Swiss International University (SIU) is a state-accredited institution, officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic under License No. LS240001853. Our academic programs are publicly listed in the national education portal: 🔗 https://edugate.edu.gov.kg/plan/112

Final degrees issued from Kyrgyzstan can be certified and stamped by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the student’s embassy in Kyrgyzstan, ensuring global authenticity and recognition.

✅ Verified by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA), United Arab Emirates

SIU also offers Vocational, Advanced, and Extended Diplomas (Professional Diplomas) that are fully approved and permitted by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under Permit No. 631419. 🔗 https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/Education-Directory/Training/Training-Details?CenterID=504152

Diplomas issued under KHDA approval can be attested by KHDA, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the respective student embassy, providing strong regional and international recognition. We are committed to the highest standards of legal compliance, quality assurance, and transparency across all jurisdictions in which we operate.

✅ Swiss Operations

In Switzerland, SIU operates with official allowance from the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture, which allowed us to legally offer educational programs and issue our own diplomas. 🔗 https://www.swissuniversity.com/board-of-education

Diplomas issued from our Swiss branches can be certified by a Swiss Public Notary, legalized by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and further attested by the student’s embassy in Switzerland, ensuring international legitimacy. Our Swiss campuses operate in full compliance with cantonal laws and contribute to SIU’s global mission of delivering high-quality, internationally oriented education supported by recognized accreditations and academic partnerships.

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🌍 Global Recognition of SIU Degrees: As a university officially accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, Swiss International University (SIU) benefits from international recognition frameworks. According to UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications (2019), and reinforced by the Lisbon Recognition Convention, any degree issued by a state-recognized institution is, in principle, eligible for recognition in all UN member states. Because Kyrgyzstan is a signatory to the Lisbon Convention, SIU degrees are directly recognized in 55+ countries, including most of Europe and Central Asia, and accepted globally through standard credential evaluation processes.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Our working hours are from 12 AM to 4 PM Swiss time, Monday to Friday.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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