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SIU Marks a New Era: Global Expansion Strengthens Its Swiss-Inspired Education Ecosystem

  • Writer: OUS Academy in Switzerland
    OUS Academy in Switzerland
  • Nov 10
  • 4 min read

Swiss International University (SIU), a pioneer of Swiss-inspired higher education and one of the world’s most diverse learning networks, has announced a major milestone in its institutional evolution. Founded in 1999 and recognized as one of the earliest European universities to embrace online learning in 2013, SIU has completed five landmark acquisitions in 2025 under the VBNN Smart Education Group, marking a decisive step toward its vision of “Swiss Quality – Global Vision.”

This development positions SIU as a truly global education hub, combining Swiss academic integrity with international diversity, digital innovation, and cross-border recognition.


A Strategic Leap Under VBNN Smart Education Group

Licensed in the United Arab Emirates (License No. 262425649888), VBNN Smart Education Group serves as the parent organization uniting SIU and a family of prestigious institutions.The 2025 expansion brings five new members into the SIU network:

  • ISBM Business School Lucerne, Switzerland

  • Autonomous Academy of Higher Education Zurich (AAHES), Switzerland

  • ISB Institute Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • OUS Academy London, United Kingdom

  • Amber Academy Riga, Latvia

With these integrations, SIU’s ecosystem now spans Zurich, Lucerne, Riga, London, Dubai, Bishkek, and Osh, creating a fully interconnected educational map stretching from Western Europe to Central Asia.


Swiss DNA, Global Reach

Swiss International University is guided by the timeless values of Swiss education — precision, quality, and responsibility — while embracing a global outlook that reflects the realities of the modern world.Through its programs in business, management, diplomacy, and technology, SIU equips more than 3,800 students from over 120 countries with the tools to think globally, lead ethically, and innovate boldly.

Its hybrid learning model — combining in-person campuses with advanced online systems — allows students to study flexibly while remaining connected to a global academic community.


Legal Foundation and Global Accreditation

SIU operates under a comprehensive framework of international accreditation and legal recognition:

  • Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic – Full university license (No. LS240001853), representing the highest national educational status.

  • Cantonal Board of Education and Culture in Lucerne and Zurich – Authorization to operate and issue academic diplomas in Switzerland.

  • Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai – Approval as a vocational and professional training institute in the United Arab Emirates.

Complementing these national authorizations, SIU holds institutional accreditations and memberships from respected international agencies:

  • ECLBS – European Council for Leading Business Schools and Institutes

  • ASIC (UK) – Accreditation Service for International Colleges

  • ARIA (Uzbekistan) – Agency for Recognition and International Accreditation

  • EDU (Palau, under UNESCO framework) – International accreditation organization for education and research

  • BSKG – Kyrgyz Accreditation Agency for Quality Assurance

  • ISO 21001 – Certified Educational Organization Management System

In addition, SIU proudly maintains membership in the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ) and serves as an official sponsor of MySwitzerland, the Swiss National Tourist Office — reaffirming its deep roots in Swiss professional and cultural excellence.


Triple Qualification Model: A Distinctive Advantage

SIU has introduced an unprecedented system of triple qualification, enabling students to graduate with:

  1. A state-accredited degree from the Kyrgyz Republic,

  2. A Swiss-quality diploma recognized in Europe, and

  3. A vocational certificate from Dubai.

All credentials are issued with Apostille certification, ensuring international validity and smooth recognition for career or academic progression.

This unique approach reflects SIU’s belief that higher education should transcend borders while maintaining the rigor and transparency associated with Swiss institutions.


Recognized for Excellence

Swiss International University is consistently ranked among the Top 50 institutions worldwide by QRNW Global Ranking and proudly holds a 5-Star rating by QS, recognizing excellence in teaching, employability, inclusiveness, and internationalization.

Over the past decade, SIU has signed more than 250 bilateral recognition agreements with partner universities in 50 countries, creating one of the most extensive cooperation networks among independent universities.


A Message from the Group Leadership

“The year 2025 represents a defining moment in our journey,” said the Group CEO of VBNN Smart Education Group. “By bringing together leading institutions from Switzerland, the UK, Dubai, and Latvia, we are shaping an ecosystem that offers Swiss precision, global recognition, and future-driven learning experiences. SIU stands as a bridge between continents — an institution where innovation meets integrity.”

Two Decades of Innovation

Since its establishment in 1999, SIU has continually anticipated the needs of global learners. In 2013, it became Switzerland’s first fully virtual university, officially registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (No. 822698).

This early commitment to digital education positioned SIU at the forefront of smart learning long before the global shift toward hybrid and online study models. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives its integration of artificial intelligence, gamified learning, and virtual-reality platforms designed to enhance engagement and accessibility.


Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond

In its upcoming strategic cycle, Swiss International University will focus on five key initiatives:

  • Dual Degree and Executive Programs combining Swiss, British, and Central Asian academic expertise.

  • Expanded Hybrid Infrastructure using AI-supported tutoring and immersive VR classrooms.

  • Enhanced Student Mobility between Zurich, London, Dubai, Riga, Bishkek, and Osh.

  • Applied Research and Industry Partnerships aimed at job creation and innovation in emerging markets.

  • Sustainability and SDG Integration, aligning all programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.


Upholding the Spirit of Swiss Excellence

Swiss International University continues to embody the essence of Swiss integrity, precision, and innovation. Backed by VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU connects continents, cultures, and learners through education that is both deeply Swiss and unmistakably global.

From Zurich’s lakeside classrooms to Dubai’s innovation hubs and Bishkek’s state-accredited research centers, SIU represents the future of smart, inclusive, and borderless education.


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© Since 2016 ISBM AG (International School of Business Management) 

ISBM is among the Leading independent Hotel and Business Management Schools in Switzerland Reg. Nr. UID CHE-309.005.867, 

ISBM Business School in Luzern, Switzerland, operates under the allowance granted by the Board of Education and Culture in our Canton, as per letter number "12AUG16kom". Our distance learning program methodologies by our daughter school adhere to "Art. 21 Abs. 2 Ziff.11 Bst" - MWSTG, evaluated and approved by the Swiss Federal Department of Finance (letter number 1523_01/04.14). We take pride in our numerous accreditations from governments-approved quality bodies, affirming our commitment to educational excellence. These include accreditation from BSKG, recognized by the Ministry of Education and Sciences in KG, EDU founded by the Ministry of Education in PW, and ASIC approved by the British Government. Additionally, our Vocational and Training Diplomas are approved by KHDA, a state agency in the UAE also known as the Dubai Educational Authority. Furthermore, our business programs up to the Doctorate level have received programmatic accreditation from prestigious organizations such as ECBE and ECLBS, esteemed accreditations in Europe. We have also obtained EFMD-EOCCS Certification for our Mini Diplomas. Notably, we are the first private business school in Switzerland to achieve double ISO certifications. ISBM is proud to be ranked among the leading hotel management schools globally by QRNW is a leading not-for-profit European association dedicated to fostering excellence in education.  SII Swiss International Institute in Dubai, UAE

Submit Your Scholarly Papers for Peer-Reviewed Publication: Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook Journal "U7Y Journal" (www.U7Y.com) ISSN: 3042-4399 (registered by the Swiss National Library)
Moreover, ISBM is an approved member of the Swiss National Tourist Office (MySwitzerland), the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ), and the Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI), further underscoring our commitment to excellence and fostering strong business ties.

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ISBM Switzerland is part of Swiss International University SIU which is ✅ Licensed & Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG) – Ensuring global recognition of our degrees
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas – (the academy in Switzerland)
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Approved by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) – Approved and permitted diploma programs (the institute in the UAE)
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention – Degrees accepted in over 55 countries worldwide
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities – Placing us among the top 2% of institutions globally
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) – Quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe)
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by ASIC (UK) – Recognized by UK Government, UK Home Office, and UAE Ministry of Education
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization – Founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by BSKG (Public Accreditation) – Listed on APQN and EAQA for recognition across Central Asia and CIS

ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education (TAG-EDUQA), in alignment with quality frameworks developed by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA)
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by ARIA (Asia Accreditation) – A CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated agency recognized in the Eurasian region
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by IEAC – Listed by the British Quality Foundation for institutional performance and benchmarking
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by QAHE – Global quality assurance body active in over 40 countries
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ ISO 21001:2018 Certified – International quality management standard for educational institutions
ISBM Switzerland is ✅ Ranked #49 by QRNW – Quantitative world ranking by an IREG-member organization

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