Swiss International University Enters a New Era of Global Excellence: Five Strategic Acquisitions Strengthen Its Worldwide Presence

OUS Academy
Nov 10, 2025
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:

A state-accredited degree from the Kyrgyz Republic,
A Swiss-quality diploma recognized in Europe, and
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.