The Lisbon Recognition Convention: Advancing International Recognition for ISB Academy in Dubai

The Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC), ratified in 1997 by UNESCO and the Council of Europe, is the principal international agreement promoting the recognition of academic qualifications across 55 signatory states. ISB Academy in Dubai, functioning as a branch of ISBM International School of Business Management in Switzerland, operates under the legal and academic framework of Swiss International University (SIU) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Through this affiliation, ISB Academy ensures its degrees benefit from international legitimacy and eligibility for recognition across Europe and beyond.

1. Legal Accreditation and Framework

SIU, as the degree-granting institution, is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, a full member of the Lisbon Recognition Convention. Consequently, degrees issued by ISB Academy—through ISBM and SIU—are covered by this agreement and are legally eligible for recognition in LRC member states.

2. Principles Supporting Fair Recognition

The LRC is designed to:

• Promote the presumption of recognition unless substantial differences exist;

• Guarantee fair, timely, and transparent evaluation processes;

• Ensure equal treatment regardless of study mode (online, in-person, blended);

• Provide the right to appeal in the case of recognition denial.

These principles uphold the flexible, modern delivery model practiced by ISB Academy in Dubai.

3. Academic and Career Mobility

ISB Academy students benefit from:

• Access to further academic studies in Europe and other LRC countries;

• Degree equivalency for international employment and licensing;

• Participation in global academic exchanges and research initiatives;

• Seamless transition into graduate and doctoral programs.

4. Institutional Affiliation and Quality Assurance

ISB Academy is embedded within a strong academic hierarchy:

• It functions as a Dubai-based branch of ISBM Switzerland;

• ISBM is part of the SIU global structure;

• SIU holds national accreditation in Kyrgyzstan and benefits from Lisbon Convention recognition.

This alignment guarantees robust quality control, regulatory compliance, and cross-border acceptability.

5. Alignment with Modern Education Trends

The Lisbon Convention formally recognizes degrees earned through:

• Distance learning and online education;

• Hybrid learning modalities;

• Digitally certified academic achievements.

This directly supports ISB Academy’s digital-first strategy for business and management education.

6. Lisbon Convention Member Countries (as of 2025)

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Vatican City, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan.

7. Conclusion

ISB Academy in Dubai operates within a recognized international education structure anchored by ISBM Switzerland and Swiss International University in Kyrgyzstan. This foundation enables ISB Academy to:

• Issue degrees legally recognized in over 55 countries;

• Support graduate and professional mobility globally;

• Ensure quality and transparency through established legal frameworks.

ISB Academy stands as a prime example of how institutions can align local relevance with global academic standards.

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