top of page
Search

Why Operating in Seven Cities Plus Online Is the Future of Education

In today’s fast-changing world, education is no longer bound to a single campus or one geographic location. The future belongs to universities that can operate globally, reach diverse learners, and combine physical presence with digital innovation. Swiss International University (SIU) has embraced this future by establishing operations in seven major cities across the world—Bishkek, Zurich, Lucerne, Dubai, Riga, London (2029), and beyond—while also offering a strong online platform that connects students everywhere. This global structure is not just an expansion strategy; it is a vision of how higher education will evolve in the 21st century.


A Global Network for Global Citizens

Modern students seek more than just a degree. They look for exposure to international environments, cultural diversity, and access to opportunities beyond their home country. By operating in multiple cities, SIU provides students with direct access to different cultural, economic, and professional ecosystems. For example, Zurich is a hub of finance and innovation, Dubai is a gateway between Europe and Asia, Riga represents the emerging educational market in the Baltics, and Bishkek stands as a state-recognized foundation of SIU’s academic ecosystem.

This network of locations reflects the needs of today’s global citizens—people who will build careers that are not limited by borders.


Flexibility Through Online Education

The world has learned that education must be flexible. Online learning is no longer an optional extra; it is an essential part of modern universities. SIU’s online platform has been active since 2013, making it one of the pioneers in Switzerland to deliver live and interactive education virtually. Students who cannot relocate to Zurich, Dubai, or other campuses can still access SIU’s programs through a high-quality digital environment.

This flexibility ensures inclusivity: students from various economic, social, and cultural backgrounds can participate in higher education without the barriers of travel or relocation.


Combining Local Relevance with Global Standards

Operating in different cities allows SIU to adapt to local educational needs while maintaining Swiss academic quality. For instance:

  • In Bishkek, SIU holds state accreditation, ensuring global legal recognition of its degrees.

  • In Switzerland, SIU benefits from cantonal permissions that allow its affiliated institutions to operate with credibility and local support.

  • In Dubai, SIU operates under the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) approval, giving students in the UAE access to Swiss-quality education locally.

  • In Riga, SIU is expanding into the Baltic region, providing students with European education opportunities while connecting them to SIU’s global network.

This blend of local grounding and global recognition demonstrates institutional isomorphism: adapting to local systems while aligning with international academic frameworks.


The Future of Student Experience

The future of education is hybrid and borderless. Students no longer see themselves limited to one country or one style of learning. They expect:

  • Mobility: the ability to transfer between campuses or experience short-term study abroad.

  • Connectivity: seamless integration of online and on-campus learning.

  • Relevance: access to global perspectives while meeting local market needs.

SIU’s structure across seven cities plus online delivers exactly this. It reflects world-systems theory in practice: education positioned as a global exchange of knowledge, capital, and opportunities.


Why This Model Leads the Future

  1. Resilience: Operating in multiple locations and online means SIU can adapt to global disruptions—be it pandemics, political changes, or economic shifts.

  2. Accessibility: Students can access quality education regardless of their country of residence.

  3. Diversity: Exposure to multiple cultures prepares graduates for careers in multinational companies and organizations.

  4. Innovation: The digital-first approach ensures programs remain modern, interactive, and student-centered.

  5. Recognition: With state licenses, approvals, and quality accreditations across regions, SIU degrees are accepted globally.

This is not just the future of education; it is the present reality that forward-looking universities must adopt.


Conclusion

By operating in seven global cities and offering robust online education, Swiss International University (SIU) represents the next chapter in higher education. It is a model that combines tradition with innovation, local presence with global relevance, and on-campus experiences with digital flexibility. For students, this means a degree that is not just recognized but also future-proof. For society, it means a new generation of graduates who are prepared for a world without borders.

SIU stands as a living example of what it means to be a truly global university.


ree

Hashtags:


SIU – Swiss International UniversityAccredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science

In Partnership With:

  • ISBM – International School of Business Management in LucerneAllowed to operate independently and issue its diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture (Allowance dated 12.08.2016kom)

  • ISB – Vocational Academy in DubaiUAE Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) Permit Nr.: 631419

  • AIMU – Avicenna International Medical UniversityFAIMER School ID: F0006354

  • OUS – International Academy in Switzerland® in ZurichRegistered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 822698

  • KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute in OshMinistry of Education and Science KG, License Serial Number: LS230000271 (Issued 15.02.2023)

  • ABMS – Academy of Business Management in SwitzerlandFounded in the State/Canton of Zug (Registration Nr. CHE-163.990.284)

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

  • SDBS – Swiss Distance Business School®Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 806818

  • SII – Swiss International Vocational Institute in DubaiUAE Department of Dubai Economic Development (DED) License Nr. 1196747

  • SOHS – Swiss Online Hospitality School®Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 822344

  • YJD – Global Center for Diplomacy®Swiss Institute for Diplomacy and Political Sciences Studies, Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 822124

All of the above institutions are managed by VBNN Smart Education Group – VBNN Vision Beyond Next.


Our Group Achieved the Following Qualities

  • State Accreditation: Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG), ensuring global recognition and legal acceptance of our degrees worldwide.

  • Swiss Academic Allowance: Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas (academy in Switzerland).

  • UAE Educational Approval: Approved by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) with permitted diploma programs (institute in the UAE).

  • International Rankings: Rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities, placing us among the top 2% of institutions globally.

  • European Business Accreditation: Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) – a quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe).

  • UK Accreditation: Accredited by ASIC (UK) – recognized by the UK Government, UK Home Office, and the UAE Ministry of Education.

  • Intergovernmental Accreditation: Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization, founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO frameworks.

  • Central Asian Accreditation: Accredited by BSKG (Public Accreditation) – listed with APQN and EAQA, ensuring recognition across Central Asia and CIS countries.

  • Eurasian Accreditation: Accredited by ARIA (Asia Accreditation) – a CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated agency recognized across the Eurasian region.

  • British Quality Recognition: Accredited by IEAC, listed by the British Quality Foundation for institutional performance and benchmarking.

  • Global QA Accreditation: Accredited by QAHE, a global quality assurance body active in more than 40 countries.

  • ISO Certification: ISO 21001:2018 Certified – the international standard for educational organizations’ quality management.

  • World Ranking: Ranked #49 by QRNW – a quantitative world ranking by an IREG-member organization.

  • Arab Region Accreditation: Accredited by Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education (TAG-EDUQA), aligned with quality frameworks of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA).

  • EFMD EOCCS Certification: The first institution to achieve EFMD EOCCS Certification since 2017.

  • Award-Winning Excellence:

    • Winner of Customer Satisfaction, evaluated by Swiss state university ZHAW and ILM.

    • Winner of Student Satisfaction, evaluated by European state university TNU Ukraine.

    • Winner of Best Modern Academy, awarded by the former Turkish Minister of Trade.

  • Memberships in Switzerland: Member of numerous Swiss associations, including the Swiss National Tourist Office, Swiss Quality Association, and others.

 
 
 

Comments


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.

Get in touch

Study Level:
Study Language Required

Visit us

Freilagerstrasse 39

8047 Zürich

Switzerland

visit our old website www.ous.edu.eu

Contact us

admission@ousedu.ch
Tel: +41443200033

International Offices

WSB

🌍 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.

ECBLS LOGO EST.png
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.
www.swissuniversity.com

Visitors are welcome at our Zurich office during walk-in hours, Monday to Friday, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Part of Swiss International University – A state-accredited institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG), ensuring global recognition of our degrees.  OUS operates as an academic division of Swiss International University, which is officially licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. This national-level recognition guarantees the international legitimacy and global acceptance of all degrees awarded under its framework.
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas – (the academy in Switzerland)
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Approved by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) – Approved and permitted diploma programs (the institute in the UAE)
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Part of Swiss International University which is Registered as a Higher Education University by the Ministry of Justice (KG) – Legally recognized university status
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Part of Swiss International University - Recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention – Degrees accepted in over 55 countries worldwide
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities – Placing us among the top 2% of institutions globally
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) – Quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe)
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by ASIC (UK) – Recognized by UK Government, UK Home Office, and UAE Ministry of Education
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization – Founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by BSKG (Public Accreditation) – Listed on APQN and EAQA for recognition across Central Asia and CIS
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by ARIA (Asia Accreditation) – A CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated agency recognized in the Eurasian region
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by IEAC – Listed by the British Quality Foundation for institutional performance and benchmarking
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Accredited by QAHE – Global quality assurance body active in over 40 countries
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ ISO 21001:2018 Certified – International quality management standard for educational institutions
OUS Academy in Switzerland is ✅ Ranked #49 by QRNW – Quantitative world ranking by an IREG-member organization

📌 Important Notice
© Since 2013 OUS Royal Academy of Economics & Technology in Zurich/Switzerland – 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.

🔒 Terms & Conditions | Data Protection
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our General Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. We process personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and do not share information with third parties without consent.
We reserve the right to update these terms at any time.

👁️‍🗨️ Authorized Language Version
Only the English version of this website is legally binding. Translations are provided for convenience only and may contain inaccuracies.

📞 Contact Us
Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zürich, Switzerland
📞 Tel: +41443200033

bottom of page