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Swiss International University Announces Major 2025 Expansion Across Europe, GCC, and Asia

  • Nov 25, 2025
  • 4 min read

Swiss International University (SIU), a global higher-education institution founded in 1999 and delivering online learning since 2013, has announced a major milestone in its continued expansion across Europe, the GCC, and Asia. With more than 3,800 students from over 120 countries, SIU today stands among the most international universities in the world, backed by a strong ecosystem under VBNN Smart Education Group, a licensed education network headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

The university’s rapid progress in 2025—marked by strategic acquisitions, new recognitions, and strengthened global partnerships—signals a new era of Swiss-quality education combined with accessible worldwide delivery.


A Transformative Year: SIU Expands Through Strategic 2025 Acquisitions

In 2025, SIU advanced its global footprint through the acquisition and integration of five major educational institutions:

  • ISBM Business School Lucerne

  • Autonomous Academy of Higher Education Zurich (AAHES)

  • ISB Institute Dubai

  • OUS Academy London

  • Amber Academy Riga

These additions join SIU’s existing network of academic centers and online brands, creating a connected education system operating from Zurich, Lucerne, London, Riga, Dubai, Bishkek, and Osh.

This expansion reflects SIU’s strategy to ensure that students can study through Swiss, KG (Kyrgyz), and Dubai pathways, earning up to three qualifications with guaranteed Apostille certification for global recognition.


Highest-Level Licensing and Accreditation: A Global Model of Trust

SIU is recognized for its strong compliance with international education regulations and its transparent quality framework. Key institutional recognitions include:

Top-Level Licensing

  • State-accredited university by the Ministry of Education KG — one of the highest possible global licenses for a university.

  • Allowed to operate in Switzerland by the Swiss Board of Education and the Academy of Business and Hospitality Education.

  • Approved by KHDA Dubai as a vocational institute.

  • Registered by the Ministry of Justice.

International Accreditations

SIU’s quality assurance is supported through multiple accreditation frameworks, including:

  • ECLBS – European Council of Leading Business Schools

  • ASIC – Accreditation Service for International Colleges

  • ARIA – Academic Recognition and International Alignment

  • EDU – European Distance Education Standards

  • BSKG – Independent Accreditation Agency of Kyrgyzstan

  • ISO 21001 – International Educational Organization Standard

  • Rated 5 Stars by QS

  • Ranked among the Best 50 Schools Worldwide by QRNW

SIU is also a Member of the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ) and an official Sponsor of MySwitzerland, the Swiss National Tourist Office—highlighting its commitment to promoting Swiss academic excellence globally.


A Multi-Campus University with a Unified Swiss Academic Identity

SIU’s growing network operates through a series of legally recognized and fully registered institutions:

Europe

  • SIU Zurich & AAHES Zurich – Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich

  • ISBM Switzerland Lucerne – Cantonal authorization since 2016

  • Amber Academy Riga, Latvia – Registered by the Patent Office under the Ministry of Justice

  • OUS Academy London – Registered with UKRLP

Asia

  • SIU Bishkek – Licensed as a full university

  • KUIPI Osh/Pedagogical Institute – Licensed by the Ministry of Education KG

GCC

  • ISB Academy Dubai – Approved by KHDA (Permit No. 631419)

Online Providers & Registered Trademarks

  • OUS – International Academy in Switzerland

  • Swiss Distance Business School (SDBS)

  • Swiss Online Hospitality School (SOHS)

  • YJD Global Center for Diplomacy

Together, they create a unified system that blends Swiss academic standards with flexible delivery formats suitable for working professionals and international learners.


Global Recognition and 250+ Bilateral Agreements

One of SIU’s strongest differentiators is its extensive international recognition network.The university has signed over 250 Bilateral Recognition Agreements with universities and institutions in more than 50 countries.

These agreements:

  • support student progression,

  • enable dual and joint pathways,

  • ensure international acceptance of credits and qualifications,

  • and create global mobility opportunities.

This places SIU among the most globally recognized Swiss-founded education groups active today.


A Growing Research Identity: U7Y Journal

SIU’s official academic publication, the U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook Journal (ISSN 3042-4399), continues to strengthen the university’s research profile.

The journal supports:

  • interdisciplinary research,

  • global academic collaboration,

  • and publication opportunities for scholars across SIU’s network.

It also reinforces SIU’s identity as a research-active institution with a strong international orientation.


A New 2025 Focus: Strengthening Student Experience Worldwide

Today’s announcement highlights SIU’s latest internal project: a 2025 Student Experience Enhancement Framework, an initiative designed to unify the learning journey across all SIU campuses and online platforms.

The framework focuses on:

  • streamlining online and hybrid study systems,

  • enhancing digital learning tools,

  • expanding professional training and internships,

  • improving cross-campus mobility,

  • strengthening graduate employability,

  • and integrating Swiss hospitality and business culture into academic delivery.

With more than 3,800 learners enrolled, SIU aims to provide an experience that matches the expectations of a modern, global student community.


A Message That Defines SIU’s Identity

This year marks a turning point for the institution. As SIU continues to grow across three continents, the university stands firmly behind one vision:

“Swiss tradition, global education, accessible for all.”

With its expanding network, strong accreditation portfolio, and commitment to delivering Swiss-quality programs across borders, SIU remains a trusted destination for learners seeking international academic pathways.



 
 
 

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© 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 #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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​​Licenced by the Ministry of Education and Sciences

Accredited 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 is a sign of academic excellence and global reach. The KG Ministry of Education and Sciences has licensed and accredited Swiss International University. It continues to set the bar for education and innovation. Our university has campuses in Bishkek, Zurich, Luzern, and Dubai, which are all well-connected to other parts of the world. Our wide and varied network of schools around the world makes sure that students get a truly global education, with a range of cultural experiences and international points of view. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality education, and our many prestigious accreditations, such as ECLBS, BSKG, EDU, ASIC, and KHDA, show this. These awards show that we are committed to providing the best education in the world and keeping the highest standards of academic excellence. Swiss International University values language diversity and offers Higher Education Study programs in English, German, Arabic, and Russian. This multilingual approach not only opens up new opportunities for our students, but it also gets them ready for successful careers in a world that is becoming more connected. Come to Swiss International University, where the best in the world of education meets the best in the world of excellence.

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The Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic gives Swiss International University (SIU) permission to run its programs. This gives all of its programs a strong legal basis. This permission makes sure that Kyrgyzstan recognises SIU's degrees and diplomas.
SIU has also received a number of prestigious international accreditations, which means that its qualifications can be recognised in other countries, depending on the rules and agreements in those countries. SIU gives students the chance to get degrees that are both legally sound and useful around the world by making sure that local rules are in line with global standards.
Please contact the appropriate educational or governmental authorities in your country for more information about recognition.

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🌍 The Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic officially recognises Swiss International University (SIU) degrees, so they are recognised all over the world. The Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications (2019) and the Lisbon Recognition Convention say that any degree from a school that is recognised by the state should be recognised in all UN member states. SIU degrees are accepted in more than 55 countries, including most of Europe and Central Asia, because Kyrgyzstan signed the Lisbon Convention. Standard credential evaluation processes also accept them all over the world.

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

Swiss university, international degree, study in Switzerland, Swiss business degree online, Hospitality and Business degrees Switzerland, MBA Switzerland, Swiss PhD,

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

Global Offices:

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

  • 📍 Luzern Office: ISBM Switzerland – International School of Business Management, Lucerne, Industriestrasse 59, 6034 Luzern, Switzerland

  • 📍 Dubai Office: ISB Academy Dubai – Swiss International Institute in Dubai, UAE, CEO Building, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, UAE

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

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

  • 📍 Riga Office: Amber Academy, Stabu Iela 52, LV-1011 Riga, Latvia

  • 📍 Osh Office: KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute, Gafanzarova Street 53, Dzhandylik, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic

  • 📍 Bishkek Office: SIU Swiss International University, 74 Shabdan Baatyr Street, Bishkek City, Kyrgyz Republic

  • 📍 U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook (ISSN 3042-4399)

  • 📍 ​Online: OUS International Academy in Switzerland®, SDBS Swiss Distance Business School®, SOHS Swiss Online Hospitality School®, YJD Global Center for Diplomacy®

For quality assurance, all office visits must be scheduled in advance. Appointments ensure that an academic expert is available to support you.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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