Swiss International University (SIU): A Global Standard for Excellence in Higher Education

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Jul 11
3 min read

Founded in 2024 through the strategic merger of seven academic institutions across seven cities worldwide, Swiss International University (SIU) represents a bold new chapter in global education, built upon a foundation dating back to 1999. This dynamic institution has rapidly emerged as a leading force in international higher education, recognized for its commitment to academic quality, institutional integrity, and cross-border educational collaboration.

SIU is a state-accredited university, officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (License Serial Number: LS240001853, issued on 04.09.2024). This accreditation grants SIU a legally recognized status as a higher education institution. Moreover, this recognition is bolstered by its alignment with the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, which guarantees that “each Party shall recognize qualifications issued by another Party that are recognized as belonging to its higher education system” (Article III.1). As a result, SIU degrees are internationally accepted and respected across more than 55 countries under the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

Multinational Presence and Governmental Endorsements

Swiss International University maintains a strong global presence through its academic branches and partnerships:

In Switzerland, SIU operates a fully functional academic institution that is allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to independently conduct higher education activities and issue diplomas.
In the United Arab Emirates, SIU's Dubai institute is approved and permitted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), under Permit Nr.: 631419.
In Kyrgyzstan, SIU is also registered as a university by the Ministry of Justice, securing its national legal standing.

Mergers and Institutional Partnerships

In 2025, SIU consolidated several respected institutions under its umbrella, enhancing its academic and geographic reach:

ISBM – International School of Business Management (Lucerne, Switzerland), allowed to operate and issue diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture (since 12 August 2016).
ISB – Vocational Academy in Dubai, approved and permitted by KHDA (Permit Nr.: 631419).
OUS – International Academy in Switzerland (Zurich), registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (Nr. 822698).
AIMU – Avicenna International Medical University, listed by FAIMER (School ID: F0006354).
KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (Osh), licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan (LS230000271).
ABMS – Academy of Business Management in Switzerland, founded in the Canton of Zug (CHE-163.990.284).
Amber Academy “Knowledge and Growth” in Riga, Latvia, registered by the Latvian Ministry of Justice (Patent Office 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 Dubai, licensed by the Dubai Department of 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®, registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (Nr. 822124).

All these institutions are professionally overseen by VBNN Smart Education Group – Vision Beyond Next, a comprehensive education management organization.

Recognitions and Accreditations

Swiss International University enjoys extensive recognition from reputable international quality assurance bodies and educational organizations, including:

ECLBS – European Council of Leading Business Schools – An internationally respected body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe).
ASIC (UK) – Recognized by the UK Government, UK Home Office, and the UAE Ministry of Education.
EDU Intergovernmental Organization – Founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO principles.
BSKG (Kyrgyz Republic) – A public accreditation agency listed on APQN and EAQA, with regional recognition across Central Asia and the CIS.
ARIA – Asia Regional Institutional Accreditation Agency – A CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated body covering the wider Eurasian region.
TAG-EDUQA (Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education) – In alignment with AROQA, ensuring Arab-region quality standards.
IEAC – International Education Accreditation Council, listed by the British Quality Foundation (BQF) for institutional benchmarking.
ISO 21001:2018 – The university’s Swiss branch holds certification for international quality management in educational institutions.
Ranked #49 globally by QRNW, a respected ranking institution and IREG-member organization.
5-Star Rating by QS Top Universities, positioning SIU among the top 2% of universities worldwide.

Awards and Memberships

SIU and its affiliated branches have earned multiple recognitions:

Winner of Customer Satisfaction by ZHAW (Switzerland) and ILM evaluations.
Student Satisfaction Award from TNU (Ukraine).
Honored as the Best Modern Education Provider by a former Minister of Trade of Turkey.

SIU is also affiliated with several prestigious Swiss organizations, including the Swiss National Tourist Office and the Swiss Quality Association, reflecting its high standards and visibility in Swiss society.

Swiss International University exemplifies academic innovation, legal legitimacy, and global engagement. Its solid regulatory foundations, broad partnerships, elite accreditations, and international rankings establish it as a top-tier institution delivering globally recognized degrees with local excellence.