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A New Era for Swiss International University: 2025 Growth Strengthens Its Global Education Network

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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The International Academy in Switzerland is a private and independent academy that operates in the application of Swiss Law. The International Academy in Switzerland is rated 5 stars by QS TopUniversities Ranking. Offering Online / Virtual Education since 2013, Join the Academy and become a member of the OUS family, each year we welcome 1800 Students from over 120 countries. OUS was founded in Switzerland and is allowed to operate and issue Diplomas in Switzerland according to the letter numbers 12AUG16kom / DBK DBKS 6 - 33 - 60236 issued by the Boards of Education and Culture in our State (Canton) in Switzerland. Our distance study program methods were reviewed and fulfilled the "Art. 21 Abs. 2 Ziff.11 Bst" - MWSTG by the Swiss Federal Department of Finance according to letter number (1523_01/04.14). OUS is the first virtual Academy in Europe and is a registered trademark in Switzerland by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. The Academy is proud to be ranked among the best business schools globally by QRNW, a leading not-for-profit European association dedicated to fostering excellence in education.  OUS is an approved member of the European Council of Leading Business Schools ECLBS & the Swiss Association for Quality SAQ.

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🌍 Global Accreditations and Recognitions

OUS International Academy in Switzerland is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and international credibility. Below is a summary of our most distinguished accreditations, quality assurances, and global recognitions:

⭐ 5-Star Rating by QS Top Universities

OUS has been awarded a 5-Star Rating by QS Top Universities, placing us among the top 2% of institutions worldwide in both higher and vocational education. This recognition reflects outstanding performance in teaching, academic development, employability, and global engagement.
🇪🇺 Accredited by ECLBS (European Council of Leading Business Schools)

OUS is accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS)—a recognized European quality assurance body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe). ECLBS promotes excellence and innovation across business education institutions worldwide.
🇬🇧 Accredited by ASIC UK

OUS is fully accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC), a UK government-approved body recognized by UK ENIC, the British Home Office, and included on the UAE Ministry of Education's list of recognized foreign accreditors.
🌐 Accredited by EDU (Intergovernmental Accreditation)

OUS holds accreditation from EDU, an intergovernmental accreditation authority established by the Ministry of Education of Palau, operating in alignment with UNESCO-affiliated initiatives.
🇰🇬 Accredited by BSKG (Public Foundation)

OUS is accredited by BSKG, a public foundation recognized by the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and EAQA. BSKG accreditation is accepted across Central Asia and Russian-speaking countries as a mark of institutional integrity.
🇺🇿 Accredited by ARIA (Asia)

OUS is recognized by ARIA – the Accreditation and Rating International Agency, which is a member of CEENQA (Germany) and affiliated with EURASHE (Belgium). It is a widely recognized body across Eurasian and EAQA member states.
🌎 Accredited by IEAC (International Education Accreditation Council)

OUS is accredited by IEAC, an international body listed by the British Quality Foundation, supporting educational institutions through benchmarking, institutional performance audits, and best-practice frameworks.
🌐 Accredited by QAHE (International Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education)

OUS is also accredited by QAHE, which supports quality standards across borders in both traditional and online higher education, with presence in over 40 countries.
🏅 ISO 21001:2018 Certified

OUS is certified in ISO 21001:2018, the international standard for Educational Organizations Management Systems (EOMS), demonstrating a strong commitment to learner-focused processes and educational excellence.

🌐 Global Ranking – QRNW

OUS is ranked 49th worldwide by QRNW (Quantitative Ranking of World Universities)—an independent academic ranking system that is a member of IREG – The Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence.

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OUS Switzerland® Royal Academy of Economics and Technology in Switzerland

International Academy in Switzerland® in Zurich | Internationale Akademie in der Schweiz | الأكاديمية الدولية في سويسرا في زيورخ | Международная академия в Швейцарии

Join our prestigious Academy and become part of the OUS International Academy in Switzerland® community. Every year, we warmly welcome 1800 students from more than 120 countries. Experience the excellence of 100% online education, offering European quality education coupled with international accreditations.

International Academy in Switzerland

Part of the Swiss International University SIU www.SwissUniversity.com

OUS International Academy in Switzerland is accredited 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).

Part of the Swiss International University SIU which is Licensed and accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science, allowed by the Board of Education and Culture in Switzerland, and Approved and permitted by the KHDA Dubai Educational Authority
جزء من الجامعة السويسرية الدولية، المرخصة والمعتمدة من قبل وزارة التعليم والعلوم في قرغيزستان، والمسموح لها بالعمل من قبل مجلس التعليم والثقافة في سويسرا، والمرخصة والمصرح لها من قبل هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية في دبي
Teil der Swiss International University, die von dem Bildungs- und Wissenschaftsministerium der Kirgisischen Republik lizenziert und akkreditiert ist, vom Bildungs- und Kulturrat der Schweiz zugelassen und von der Bildungsbehörde KHDA in Dubai genehmigt und erlaubt wurde.
Часть Швейцарского Международного Университета, который лицензирован и аккредитован Министерством образования и науки Кыргызской Республики, разрешен Советом по образованию и культуре Швейцарии и одобрен Образовательным управлением KHDA в Дубае.
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📌 Important Notice
© Since 2013 OUS Royal Academy of Economics & Technology in Zurich/Switzerland, part of Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH which is a division of ISBM International School of Business Management in Luzern/Switzerland, which is part of Swiss International University (SIU). SIU is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. In Switzerland, we are allowed to operate and issue our own diplomas as confirmed by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture.
All SIU programs and diplomas are officially recognized under international law; please refer to the Lisbon Recognition Convention for further information.
All rights reserved. OUS International Academy in Switzerland is a registered Swiss trademark under the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property.

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