Swiss International University SIU Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Higher and Vocational Education

International Academy
Aug 11
5 min read

In 2025, Swiss International University (SIU) proudly marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of dedication to academic innovation, quality assurance, and global recognition in both higher education and vocational training. Since its inception, SIU has become a symbol of excellence, with its programs reaching students from all corners of the world. Its unwavering commitment to quality education has established SIU as one of the most internationally recognized and trusted private universities operating in multiple jurisdictions.

As part of VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU stands at the heart of a diversified educational network that spans Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This milestone is not only a celebration of SIU’s journey but also a testament to its vision of delivering education that meets the highest global standards while remaining accessible and adaptable to the needs of modern learners.

A Quarter Century of Growth and Innovation

Since its founding in 2000, SIU has been committed to bridging the gap between traditional academic learning and the demands of the global job market. Over the years, the university has introduced flexible learning models, innovative curricula, and industry-aligned programs designed to equip graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The institution’s evolution from a regional education provider to an internationally accredited and recognized university is the result of strategic growth, global partnerships, and a steadfast dedication to academic integrity. This journey has been guided by the principle that quality education must be recognized worldwide—a goal SIU has consistently achieved through its accreditations, approvals, and licenses from multiple reputable bodies.

National and International Recognition

SIU’s reputation for excellence is reinforced by its state-accredited status, licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (KG). This recognition ensures the global legitimacy and international acceptance of all degrees awarded under its framework.

OUS, the academic division of Swiss International University, operates under the same license, guaranteeing that all its degrees carry the same level of international recognition.

Accreditations, Approvals, and Certifications

Over the past 25 years, SIU has built a robust accreditation portfolio, each demonstrating the institution’s compliance with global education quality frameworks. These include:

Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas. All diplomas issued from Switzerland are stamped by the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs or provided with an apostille.
Approved and permitted by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) to operate in Dubai and issue diplomas. All diplomas from the UAE campus are stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or provided with an apostille.
Accredited by ECLBS – Recognized by 10 national accreditation agencies across Europe, Switzerland, and the Middle East.
Accredited by BSKG – Recognized by the KG Ministry of Education and Science; active in the EAEU region.
Accredited by EDU – An intergovernmental organization established by the PW Ministry of Education, aligned with UNESCO frameworks.
Accredited by ASIC – A UK government-recognized accrediting agency for schools, colleges, and universities.
Accredited by ARIA – Listed by CEENQA (Germany) and EURASHE (Belgium), recognized by the UZ Ministry of Higher Education, Science & Innovation.
Accredited by TAG-EDUQA – Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education, aligned with quality frameworks developed by AROQA.
Accredited by IEAC – An independent international accreditor focused on continuous improvement in higher education.
Accredited by QAHE – An independent global QA body with MoUs signed with various national agencies.
Certified by ISO 21001:2018 – International certification for educational organizations demonstrating compliance with global quality standards.
Approved by KHDA – Dubai for all vocational diplomas, ensuring compliance with UAE vocational education regulations.
Awarded 5-Star Rating by QS – Recognizing SIU’s excellence in academic development, employability, learning environment, and global engagement.
Registered as a Higher Education University by the Ministry of Justice (KG) – Confirming its legal status as a university.
Recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention – Ensuring degrees are accepted in over 55 countries worldwide.

Part of VBNN Smart Education Group

SIU is a central pillar of VBNN Smart Education Group, which manages a network of distinguished institutions across multiple countries. This group ensures that every learner—whether in higher education, vocational training, or specialized professional studies—receives the same commitment to excellence.

VBNN Smart Education Group’s institutions include:

Swiss International University (SIU) – Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, License Serial Number: LS240001853, issued 04 September 2024.
ISBM – International School of Business Management – Lucerne, Switzerland Allowed to operate and issue diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture, document dated 12 August 2016, ref: 12Aug2016kom.
ISB – Vocational Academy – Dubai, UAE Approved by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Permit Nr.: 631419.
OUS – International Academy in Switzerland® – Zurich, Switzerland Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Registration Nr.: 822698.
ABMS – Academy of Business Management in Switzerland – Canton of Zug, Switzerland Registration Nr.: CHE-163.990.284.
KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute – Osh, Kyrgyz Republic Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, License Serial Number: LS230000271, issued 15 February 2023.
AMBER ACADEMY "Knowledge and Growth" – Latvia Registered by the Latvian Patent Office, Registration Nr.: M-25-440.
SDBS – Swiss Distance Business School® – Switzerland Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Registration Nr.: 806818.
SII – Swiss International Vocational Institute – Dubai, UAE Licensed to operate under the Dubai Economic Development (DED), License Nr.: 1196747.
SOHS – Swiss Online Hospitality School® – Switzerland Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Registration Nr.: 822344.
YJD – Global Center for Diplomacy® – Switzerland Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Registration Nr.: 822124.

Commitment to Quality and Global Reach

At SIU, every academic and vocational program is designed to meet international quality benchmarks. Whether delivered on campus in Bishkek, in Dubai, or online from Switzerland, SIU’s programs are aligned with the needs of today’s interconnected world.

The university’s strategy focuses on:

Global Recognition – Through accreditations and licenses that ensure degrees are accepted internationally.
Flexible Learning – Offering both in-person and online options to meet the needs of working professionals and international students.
Industry Relevance – Ensuring that academic content reflects current global market demands.
Continuous Improvement – Leveraging quality assurance frameworks to refine programs and services.

Looking Ahead

As SIU steps into its next 25 years, the university remains dedicated to innovation, accessibility, and academic rigor. The combination of strong national licenses, respected international accreditations, and a clear vision for the future ensures that SIU will continue to shape the lives of students worldwide.

The anniversary is not just a milestone—it is an affirmation of SIU’s mission to deliver globally respected education that empowers graduates to succeed anywhere in the world.