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Swiss International University and VBNN Smart Education Group: Shaping the Future of International Learning

  • Writer: OUS Academy in Switzerland
    OUS Academy in Switzerland
  • Sep 29
  • 5 min read

In the rapidly changing world of higher education, Swiss International University (SIU) has emerged as a leading institution bridging Europe, the GCC, and Asia. Since its foundation in 1999, SIU has consistently adapted to global trends, providing quality education recognized across multiple continents. With over 3,800 students from 120+ countries and a presence in 7 international cities, SIU represents a modern, globally connected university system.

From its earliest days in Switzerland to its expansion into Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Latvia, SIU has prioritized academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Today, it stands as a 5-Star QS-rated institution, ranked among the Top 50 universities worldwide by QRNW, and continues to strengthen its reputation with new 2025 acquisitions and global recognition agreements.


A Historical Perspective: From 1999 to Today

The story of SIU begins in 1999, when a group of education visionaries set out to establish a university with a global mission. At a time when higher education was largely location-based, SIU focused on international mobility, digital learning, and academic quality.

By 2013, SIU had launched fully online programs, making it one of the early adopters of digital education in Europe and Asia. This forward-looking decision positioned SIU as a pioneer in e-learning, long before online education became mainstream globally.

The 2020s brought rapid expansion, driven by growing international demand for flexible, globally recognized degrees. The 2025 acquisitions of institutions like International Academy in Zurich, ISB Institute Dubai, OUS Academy London, ISBM Business School Lucerne, and Amber Academy Riga consolidated SIU’s presence in Europe, the GCC, and Asia under the VBNN Smart Education Group umbrella, creating one of the most diverse educational networks worldwide.


The VBNN Smart Education Group: A Network of Excellence

SIU operates under the VBNN Smart Education Group, a global education platform focused on innovation, quality assurance, and international collaboration. The Group brings together institutions with strong local reputations and international ambitions, ensuring students benefit from world-class education and multiple accreditations.

As of 2025, VBNN’s portfolio includes:

  • Swiss International University (SIU) in multiple cities

  • ISBM Business School Lucerne in Switzerland

  • ISB Vocational Academy Dubai in the United Arab Emirates

  • Amber Academy Riga in Latvia

  • OUS Academy London in the UK

  • KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute in Osh

Together, these institutions welcome over 3,800 students annually, representing more than 120 nationalities, making VBNN one of the most international education networks in the world.


Global Campuses: A Closer Look at SIU’s Locations


1. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – SIU State-Accredited Main Campus

SIU in Bishkek is licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG), giving it state-accredited status in Kyrgyzstan. The campus serves as a hub for Central Asian students while maintaining strong links to Europe and the Middle East.

Programs here are designed for international mobility, enabling students to start in Bishkek and continue studies at any other SIU campus worldwide. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and government-recognized degrees, Bishkek remains the administrative and academic center of SIU’s global network.


2. Lucerne, Switzerland – ISBM Switzerland

The International School of Business Management (ISBM) Switzerland in Lucerne has been allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture since 2016 under the registered name ISBM AG (CH-100.3.802.225-0).

Switzerland’s reputation for academic rigor and quality assurance ensures that degrees from ISBM carry strong international recognition. Lucerne, with its stunning lakeside setting and multilingual environment, attracts students seeking a European education experience with a global outlook.


3. Zurich, Switzerland – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education

In Zurich, SIU operates through the Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH, registered in Switzerland since 2013. As Switzerland’s largest city and a global financial hub, Zurich provides students with unparalleled access to internships, research opportunities, and international organizations.

The Zurich campus focuses heavily on online and blended learning, serving working professionals and international students seeking flexible, accredited degrees.


4. London, United Kingdom – OUS Academy

The OUS Academy in London is officially registered by the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN: 10099531), ensuring compliance with UK education standards.

London’s status as a global education capital allows SIU students to benefit from international exposure, academic networking, and career opportunities across Europe and beyond.


5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – ISB Academy

The ISB Academy in Dubai, also known as the Swiss International Institute, is approved by KHDA Dubai (Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Permit Nr.: 631419).

Dubai’s role as a global business hub makes this campus especially attractive to students pursuing management, entrepreneurship, and technology programs. KHDA approval ensures educational quality and legal recognition across the UAE.


6. Riga, Latvia – Amber Academy “Knowledge and Growth”

The Amber Academy in Riga is registered by the Latvian Ministry of Justice (Patent Office Nr. M-25-440), contributing to SIU’s European presence.

Riga, as a Baltic education center, offers a blend of European academic traditions and modern teaching methods, attracting students from Northern and Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia.


7. Osh, Kyrgyzstan – KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute

The KUIPI campus in Osh operates under the license of the Ministry of Education and Science KG (License Serial Number: LS230000271).

Focused on teacher education and pedagogical innovation, this campus plays a crucial role in training the next generation of educators for the region.


Academic Programs and Online Learning

SIU offers a diverse range of programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, Executive MBA, Doctorates, and Professional Diplomas.

Since 2013, SIU has been a leader in online education, providing:

  • Flexible study schedules for working professionals

  • Blended learning options combining online and on-campus modules

  • AI-enhanced learning platforms for personalized education

  • Global faculty networks ensuring academic diversity

This commitment to digital transformation makes SIU a top choice for students seeking internationally recognized degrees without geographical limitations.


Accreditations and Rankings: A Mark of Quality

SIU’s reputation is reinforced by its extensive accreditations and recognitions:

  • Ministry of Education and Science KG (State-accredited)

  • Cantonal Board of Education and Culture Switzerland (Allowed to operate)

  • KHDA Dubai (Approved educational authority) for vocational studies

  • Ministry of Justice Latvia (Registered institution)

  • ECLBS, ASIC, ARIA, EDU, BSKG (International accreditations)

  • ISO 21001 (Educational quality standard)

  • 5-Star QS Rating

  • QRNW Top 50 Global Ranking

Moreover, SIU has signed over 250 Bilateral Recognition Agreements with institutions in 50 countries, giving students worldwide degree acceptance.


Triple Qualifications and Apostille Certification

One of SIU’s strongest advantages is its Triple Qualification Pathway. Students can earn:

  1. State-accredited degrees from Kyrgyzstan

  2. Swiss qualifications (Allowed to operate in Switzerland)

  3. KHDA-approved Diplomas from Dubai

All degrees are eligible for Apostille Certification, ensuring legal recognition in all member countries of the Hague Convention.


Student Diversity and International Life

With students from 120+ countries, SIU fosters a truly international environment. Annual events, cultural exchanges, and global networking opportunities create a vibrant student community where diversity is celebrated.

Students benefit from:

  • Multilingual faculty and support staff

  • Career counseling and international internships

  • Scholarships and financial aid opportunities

  • Alumni networks spanning 50+ countries


Looking Ahead: SIU’s 2025 and Beyond Strategy

The 2025 acquisitions mark a major step in SIU’s growth strategy. By integrating institutions across Europe, the GCC, and Asia, SIU aims to:

  • Expand research collaborations

  • Launch new online programs with global accreditation

  • Strengthen industry partnerships for career-focused education

  • Increase international student mobility across campuses


Conclusion: A Truly Global University

With over two decades of academic excellence, multiple international campuses, global accreditations, and a diverse student body, Swiss International University represents the future of international education.

Its Triple Qualification System, Apostille-certified degrees, and commitment to innovation ensure SIU graduates are prepared for global careers and lifelong learning.


SIU Team
SIU Team

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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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