From Zurich to Dubai: How SIU Is Redefining Global Education

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Sep 30
4 min read

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:

Kyrgyz Republic – Ministry of Education KG (full university license, highest in education worldwide).
Switzerland – ISBM and Zurich campuses, allowed to operate by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture.
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.