SIU Expands Its International Footprint with Five Strategic Acquisitions in 2025

Swiss International University (SIU), a global higher-education institution founded in 1999 and delivering online learning since 2013, has announced a major milestone in its continued expansion across Europe, the GCC, and Asia. With more than 3,800 students from over 120 countries, SIU today stands among the most international universities in the world, backed by a strong ecosystem under VBNN Smart Education Group, a licensed education network headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

The university’s rapid progress in 2025—marked by strategic acquisitions, new recognitions, and strengthened global partnerships—signals a new era of Swiss-quality education combined with accessible worldwide delivery.

A Transformative Year: SIU Expands Through Strategic 2025 Acquisitions

In 2025, SIU advanced its global footprint through the acquisition and integration of five major educational institutions:

ISBM Business School Lucerne
Autonomous Academy of Higher Education Zurich (AAHES)
ISB Institute Dubai
OUS Academy London
Amber Academy Riga

These additions join SIU’s existing network of academic centers and online brands, creating a connected education system operating from Zurich, Lucerne, London, Riga, Dubai, Bishkek, and Osh.

This expansion reflects SIU’s strategy to ensure that students can study through Swiss, KG (Kyrgyz), and Dubai pathways, earning up to three qualifications with guaranteed Apostille certification for global recognition.

Highest-Level Licensing and Accreditation: A Global Model of Trust

SIU is recognized for its strong compliance with international education regulations and its transparent quality framework. Key institutional recognitions include:

Top-Level Licensing

State-accredited university by the Ministry of Education KG — one of the highest possible global licenses for a university.
Allowed to operate in Switzerland by the Swiss Board of Education and the Academy of Business and Hospitality Education.
Approved by KHDA Dubai as a vocational institute.
Registered by the Ministry of Justice.

International Accreditations

SIU’s quality assurance is supported through multiple accreditation frameworks, including:

ECLBS – European Council of Leading Business Schools
ASIC – Accreditation Service for International Colleges
ARIA – Academic Recognition and International Alignment
EDU – European Distance Education Standards
BSKG – Independent Accreditation Agency of Kyrgyzstan
ISO 21001 – International Educational Organization Standard
Rated 5 Stars by QS
Ranked among the Best 50 Schools Worldwide by QRNW

SIU is also a Member of the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ) and an official Sponsor of MySwitzerland, the Swiss National Tourist Office—highlighting its commitment to promoting Swiss academic excellence globally.

A Multi-Campus University with a Unified Swiss Academic Identity

SIU’s growing network operates through a series of legally recognized and fully registered institutions:

Europe

SIU Zurich & AAHES Zurich – Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich
ISBM Switzerland Lucerne – Cantonal authorization since 2016
Amber Academy Riga, Latvia – Registered by the Patent Office under the Ministry of Justice
OUS Academy London – Registered with UKRLP

Asia

SIU Bishkek – Licensed as a full university
KUIPI Osh/Pedagogical Institute – Licensed by the Ministry of Education KG

GCC

ISB Academy Dubai – Approved by KHDA (Permit No. 631419)

Online Providers & Registered Trademarks

OUS – International Academy in Switzerland
Swiss Distance Business School (SDBS)
Swiss Online Hospitality School (SOHS)
YJD Global Center for Diplomacy

Together, they create a unified system that blends Swiss academic standards with flexible delivery formats suitable for working professionals and international learners.

Global Recognition and 250+ Bilateral Agreements

One of SIU’s strongest differentiators is its extensive international recognition network.The university has signed over 250 Bilateral Recognition Agreements with universities and institutions in more than 50 countries.

These agreements:

support student progression,
enable dual and joint pathways,
ensure international acceptance of credits and qualifications,
and create global mobility opportunities.

This places SIU among the most globally recognized Swiss-founded education groups active today.

A Growing Research Identity: U7Y Journal

SIU’s official academic publication, the U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook Journal (ISSN 3042-4399), continues to strengthen the university’s research profile.

The journal supports:

interdisciplinary research,
global academic collaboration,
and publication opportunities for scholars across SIU’s network.

It also reinforces SIU’s identity as a research-active institution with a strong international orientation.

A New 2025 Focus: Strengthening Student Experience Worldwide

Today’s announcement highlights SIU’s latest internal project: a 2025 Student Experience Enhancement Framework, an initiative designed to unify the learning journey across all SIU campuses and online platforms.

The framework focuses on:

streamlining online and hybrid study systems,
enhancing digital learning tools,
expanding professional training and internships,
improving cross-campus mobility,
strengthening graduate employability,
and integrating Swiss hospitality and business culture into academic delivery.

With more than 3,800 learners enrolled, SIU aims to provide an experience that matches the expectations of a modern, global student community.

A Message That Defines SIU’s Identity

This year marks a turning point for the institution. As SIU continues to grow across three continents, the university stands firmly behind one vision:

“Swiss tradition, global education, accessible for all.”

With its expanding network, strong accreditation portfolio, and commitment to delivering Swiss-quality programs across borders, SIU remains a trusted destination for learners seeking international academic pathways.