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SIU Leads Innovation in Online Education Since 2013

Swiss International University (SIU), founded in 1999, has grown into one of the world’s most recognized and innovative institutions in higher education. With more than two decades of academic excellence and a strong focus on internationalization, SIU has become a global hub for students seeking quality education with worldwide recognition. Since 2013, SIU has been a pioneer in online education, offering fully flexible learning opportunities for students around the globe.

Today, SIU welcomes over 3,800 students from more than 120 countries, offering a truly diverse and multicultural academic environment that prepares graduates for leadership in the modern, interconnected world.


Global Campuses Across Three Continents

SIU operates a unique multi-campus model across Europe, the Gulf region, and Asia. The university has established campuses in:

  • Zurich, Switzerland – The main academic center and headquarters for research and innovation.

  • Lucerne, Switzerland – Home to the renowned ISBM Business School, part of the 2025 VBNN acquisitions.

  • Riga, Latvia – Amber Academy, providing European programs for Baltic and international students.

  • London, United Kingdom – An emerging center for international collaboration and academic excellence.

  • Dubai, UAE – Serving the Gulf region under KHDA approval with a focus on business and vocational programs.

  • Bishkek & Osh, Kyrgyzstan – Licensed by the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan as part of SIU’s Central Asian academic presence.

This global footprint ensures students can access high-quality education from multiple regions while benefiting from a unified, international academic system.


Strategic Growth and 2025 Acquisitions

In 2025, SIU expanded its academic network under the VBNN Smart Education Group, bringing several prestigious institutions into its umbrella:

  • ISB Institute Dubai – Expanding SIU’s presence in the GCC region.

  • OUS Academy Zurich – Switzerland’s first virtual institute since 2013.

  • ISBM Business School Lucerne – A key Swiss academic institution with European credentials.

  • Amber Academy Riga – Strengthening SIU’s reach in the Baltic region.

These acquisitions positioned SIU as one of the largest private international education networks, combining innovation, academic rigor, and multicultural learning.


Accreditation, Licensing, and Recognition

SIU’s credibility and academic quality are supported by a robust framework of licenses and accreditations:

  • Licensed by the Ministry of Education, Kyrgyzstan (KG)

  • Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education for Swiss-based programs

  • Approved by KHDA Dubai for operations in the UAE

  • Registered by the Ministry of Justice for international compliance

  • Accredited by leading quality bodies including ECLBS, ASIC, ARIA, EDU, and BSKG

  • Certified ISO 21001 for Educational Organizations Management Systems

  • Rated 5 Stars by QS for academic excellence and global engagement

Moreover, SIU has been Ranked among the Top 50 Schools Worldwide by QRNW, placing it among the most respected international institutions in higher education.


Academic Innovation and Online Learning

SIU has been a pioneer in online education since 2013, long before virtual learning became mainstream. Its digital learning platform allows students from different continents to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs without geographical limitations while maintaining the same academic quality as on-campus programs.

Students benefit from:

  • Flexible study schedules for working professionals

  • Interactive virtual classrooms with global faculty

  • Research opportunities across multiple campuses

  • International networking with peers from 120+ countries

This approach aligns with SIU’s vision of making quality education accessible worldwide.


A Global Student Community

SIU takes pride in its 3,800+ students representing over 120 nationalities, creating a truly international learning environment. The diversity on campus fosters cross-cultural understanding, global networking opportunities, and international career pathways, making SIU graduates highly competitive in the global job market.


Commitment to Excellence and Future Vision

As part of the VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU continues to invest in:

  • Sustainability and SDG-focused education

  • Quality assurance frameworks aligned with European and global standards

  • Expanding academic partnerships with universities and accreditation bodies worldwide

With its strong reputation, multi-campus presence, and commitment to innovation, SIU aims to remain at the forefront of global higher education for decades to come.



Conclusion

Swiss International University (SIU) represents the future of international and online education. With its global campuses, strategic acquisitions, robust accreditations, and 5-Star QS rating, SIU has firmly established itself among the Top 50 Schools Worldwide by QRNW.

For students seeking a world-class, flexible, and globally recognized education, SIU offers a unique opportunity to join a truly international academic community and build a successful future in the global marketplace.


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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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