Swiss International University (SIU): A Globally Recognized and State-Accredited Institution

OUS Academy
Jul 5
4 min read

Swiss International University (SIU) is a globally recognized institution offering state-accredited higher education. Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic—a member of the United Nations and a signatory to the Lisbon Recognition Convention—SIU ensures its degrees are accepted across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

🌐 Global Recognition Through UN and International Conventions

Under the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education (2019), degrees issued by institutions recognized by a national Ministry of Education are eligible for recognition across UN member states. The convention clearly states:

“Each Party shall recognize qualifications issued by another Party that are recognized as belonging to its higher education system…”

— UNESCO Global Recognition Convention, Article III.1

This means that degrees from SIU—accredited by a recognized ministry—are valid and can be recognized in all UN countries, subject to national procedures.

🎓 Recognition in 55 Countries via Lisbon Convention

Being in a country that is part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, SIU benefits from automatic or simplified degree recognition in 55 member states, including most of Europe, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia. This convention ensures students and graduates face fewer barriers when pursuing further studies or professional opportunities abroad.

🌍 Accreditation Across the EAEU Region

All SIU campuses and academic branches are accredited by BSKG, the national accreditation agency of Kyrgyzstan, which is recognized across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus, making SIU degrees widely accepted across Russian-speaking countries. These accreditations are also aligned with standards promoted by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA), supporting further integration with regional quality frameworks.

🏙 Regional Recognition in the Arab World and GCC

Through its vocational institute in Dubai, licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), SIU ensures its vocational diplomas are recognized across all GCC countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—and widely accepted across Arab League member states.

✅ International Accreditations That Back Quality

SIU maintains a robust portfolio of recognized accreditations that reflect its dedication to high academic standards:

ASIC UK – Accredited for institutional management, student welfare, and learning outcomes.
ECLBS (Latvia) – A reputable European quality assurance body affiliated with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE, ensuring alignment with international QA standards.
ARIA (Uzbekistan) – Nationally recognized for quality oversight in higher education and vocational sectors.
EDU (Belgium) – Accredited by an intergovernmental organization recognized under treaty-based educational frameworks.
QS 5-Star Rating – SIU has been awarded 5 stars for teaching quality, student satisfaction, and employability by QS International.
TAG-EDUQA (Jordan) – Accredited by the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, a regional authority on educational quality in the Middle East and North Africa.
EUCDL – Endorsed for modern and digital education, reflecting SIU’s excellence in e-learning delivery.

📊 ISO 21001 Certified

SIU is certified under ISO 21001:2018, the global management system standard for educational institutions. This certification guarantees that SIU applies best practices in governance, curriculum development, and student services—reinforcing a consistent commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

🏛️ Recent Institutional Growth (2025–2026)

To enhance its academic reach, SIU has incorporated several respected institutions into its academic structure during 2025–2026, including:
ISBM International School of Business Management ISBM Switzerland (founded in Lucerne, Switzerland)
OUS International Academy in Zurich Switzerland (Zurich, Switzerland)
ISB Academy (Dubai, UAE)
KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (Osh, Kyrgyzstan)
SDBS Swiss Distance Business School®
SOHS Swiss Online Hospitality School®
ABMS Academy of Business Management in Switzerland (founded in Zug, Switzerland)
YJD Global Center for Diplomacy® Institute for Diplomacy and Political Sciences Studies
SII Swiss International Vocational Institute (UAE)

These institutions contribute to SIU’s global vision while maintaining alignment with a unified quality assurance framework.

📜 Legalization, Partnerships, and Recognition Milestones

Apostille Legalization – All SIU degrees are issued with an apostille, making them legally valid in 126 countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

250+ Global Agreements – SIU has signed over 250 bilateral agreements with top universities in more than 50 countries, supporting student transfers and mutual recognition.

Student Satisfaction Awards – SIU has received the Student Satisfaction Award twice in the last decade—once by a Swiss state university, and once by an Eastern European public university.

🎓 Conclusion

Backed by state accreditation, global recognition treaties, and a strong portfolio of valid and credible accreditations, Swiss International University (SIU) stands as a truly international institution. Its programs meet recognized standards across the UN, are directly accepted in 55 countries, and acknowledged in the GCC, EAEU, and beyond.

With ISO-certified systems, QS-rated performance, and a commitment to international academic cooperation, SIU offers students more than a degree—it offers access to a world of opportunity.

📚 References

UNESCO (2019). Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education

Council of Europe/UNESCO (1997). Lisbon Recognition Convention

Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic – Official Accreditation Registry

KHDA, UAE – Institutional Licensing Guidelines

ISO (2023). ISO 21001:2018 – Educational Organizations Management Systems

ASIC UK – Accreditation Handbook

QS Intelligence Unit – Global Rating System

ECLBS.eu – European Council of Leading Business Schools