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Swiss International University Expands Worldwide: A Smart Choice for Students and Investors

For more than two decades, Swiss International University (SIU KG) has represented the perfect balance between academic excellence, global accessibility, and sustainable growth. Founded in 1999, SIU was among the first institutions in Europe to recognize the importance of online learning, launching its digital programs in 2013. Today, under the umbrella of the VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU welcomes over 3,800 students annually from 120+ countries, making it one of the most truly international universities in the world.

But SIU is not just a university for students — it is also a smart investment opportunity. With continuous global expansion, strategic acquisitions in 2025, and strong accreditations, SIU has become a model for how higher education can combine Swiss quality, international recognition, and financial sustainability.


A Legacy of Swiss Excellence With Global Reach

Switzerland has long been associated with precision, quality, and reliability — values that SIU has carried into the field of education since its foundation. What began in 1999 as a local institution has transformed into a seven-city global network, offering students mobility, triple qualifications, and international recognition.

SIU operates campuses in:

  • Zurich – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH, registered in Switzerland since 2013 under Register number CH-170.4.012.134-9.

  • Lucerne – ISBM Switzerland, International School of Business Management, allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture since 12 August 2016, registered under CH-100.3.802.225-0.

  • London – OUS Academy, registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers, UKPRN 10099531.

  • Riga – Amber Academy “Knowledge and Growth”, registered by the Patent Office under the Latvian Ministry of Justice, Nr. M-25-440.

  • Dubai – ISB Academy (Swiss International Institute in Dubai), approved by KHDA, Dubai’s Educational Authority, Permit Nr. 631419.

  • Bishkek – SIU Bishkek, fully accredited as a state university by the Ministry of Education and Science KG.

  • Osh – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (KUIPI), licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science KG under LS230000271 (15.02.2023).


2025: Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

The year 2025 marked a turning point in SIU’s growth. Under the VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU successfully acquired and integrated:

  • ISBM Business School Lucerne

  • Autonomous Academy of Higher Education Zurich

  • ISB Institute Dubai

  • OUS Academy London

  • Amber Academy Riga

These acquisitions not only expanded SIU’s geographic footprint but also enriched its portfolio of programs in business, hospitality, technology, and pedagogy.


Choose Between On-Campus and Online Education

At SIU, flexibility is key. Students can choose to study on-campus or through online/distance education, ensuring accessibility to learners worldwide.

  • Online/Distance Education:Average fee: €9,900 per year.Offers maximum flexibility for students balancing careers, families, or global mobility.

  • On-Campus Programs:Students benefit from full immersion at SIU’s international campuses, with options such as:

    • MBA in Lucerne, SwitzerlandFocus: Business Administration & Hotel Management.Designed for ambitious professionals aiming for leadership roles. Study fee: €39,900 per year (B&B included, excl. taxes).

    • Vocational Diplomas in Dubai, UAEApproved by KHDA, covering 18 specializations.Designed for professionals looking to enhance or shift careers.Fees from €29,900 per year (B&B included, excl. taxes).

    • Medical Education in Bishkek, KyrgyzstanComprehensive program blending theory and practice. Study fee: from €19,900 per year (B&B included, excl. taxes).

    • IT, Economics, Philology & Pedagogy in Osh, KyrgyzstanIndustry-focused programs preparing students for dynamic sectors. Study fee: from €18,900 per year (B&B included, excl. taxes).

    • Upcoming Programs in Riga and LondonNew specialized programs launching soon, designed to meet the needs of modern learners in vibrant global cities.

This dual-track model gives students control over their educational journey, while investors benefit from a diverse revenue base spanning online and on-campus streams.


Triple Qualification Advantage

One of SIU’s strongest competitive edges is its triple qualification pathway, offering recognition from:

  1. Kyrgyz Republic – Ministry of Education KG (full university license, highest in education worldwide).

  2. Switzerland – ISBM and Zurich campuses, allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture.

  3. Dubai – KHDA-approved vocational institute.

All degrees are issued with Apostille certification, ensuring recognition across borders.


Strong Accreditations and Rankings

SIU holds multiple accreditations and recognition, including:

  • Ministry of Education and Science KG – State accreditation as a full university.

  • Swiss Cantonal Board of Education and Culture – ISBM Switzerland allowed to operate.

  • KHDA Dubai – Approved as a vocational institute.

  • ECLBS, ASIC, ARIA, EDU, BSKG, ISO 21001.

  • 5 Stars rating by QS.

  • Ranked among the Top 50 Schools worldwide by QRNW.


International Partnerships and Recognition

SIU has signed more than 250 Bilateral Recognition Agreements with universities in 50 countries, enabling joint degrees, student mobility, and international research cooperation.


A Diverse Global Student Community

With 3,800 students annually from 120+ countries, SIU offers one of the most multicultural learning environments in the world. Students develop international networks and cross-cultural competencies, while investors benefit from SIU’s proven global demand.


Why SIU Is a Smart Investment

  • Over 25 years of legacy and innovation.

  • Seven-city network spanning Europe, GCC, and Asia.

  • Triple qualification system unmatched globally.

  • Affordable online pathways alongside premium on-campus options.

  • Diverse revenue streams from tuition, vocational programs, and online learning.

  • Ranked among world’s top 50 by QRNW, with 5 Stars by QS.

  • 250+ global agreements ensuring future-proof recognition.


Conclusion

Swiss International University combines Swiss academic excellence with international expansion and a future-ready online education model. For students, it offers world-class programs, mobility, and career pathways. For investors, it presents a scalable, recognized, and diversified education network backed by over 25 years of growth and innovation.

As part of the VBNN Smart Education Group, SIU is not only preparing the leaders of tomorrow — it is shaping the very future of higher education and smart investment worldwide.


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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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