Welcome from the Director | Autonomous Academy of Higher Education

Dear Partners and Students,

2026, the institution has proudly carried the name AAHES – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education. Operating from Zürich since 2013, AAHES continues the legacy of the former International Academy in Switzerland, maintaining its strong foundation of quality, independence, and innovation in education.

This decision stems from several key developments that have shaped our institution's identity and aspirations:

Enhanced Accreditation: Over the past year, we have dedicated considerable effort and resources to elevating our standards and ensuring unparalleled quality in education. We are proud to inform you that our efforts have borne fruit, as we have successfully secured four new accreditations in 2025. These accreditations are not merely endorsements; they are bestowed upon us by international governmental approved bodies, including their international Ministries of Education, signifying the highest International level of approval and validation of our programs and institutional practices. This achievement is a testament to the relentless commitment of our faculty, staff, and students towards excellence.

What are our current Quality Standards (as of 2025):

QS Stars Rating System: In recognition of our dedication to high-quality education and global standards, we are proud to share that, QS UK (Quacquarelli Symonds) awarded us a 5-Star Rating as an education provider—an acknowledgment of our performance in areas such as teaching, employability, academic development, and inclusiveness.
BSKG – Public Foundation under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, also aligned with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Asia.
EDU – An Intergovernmental Organization founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau, operating within a framework consistent with UNESCO’s educational objectives.
ECLBS – The European Council of Leading Business Schools, a recognized European quality assurance label supported by numerous international accreditation and regulatory bodies.
ASIC – The Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities, a UK government-recognized accreditation body.
KHDA – All our vocational and training diplomas are officially approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) of the Government of Dubai, and are eligible for KHDA attestation.
ARIA – The Accreditation and Rating International Agency, an officially recognized body in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan.
IEAC – The International Education Accreditation Council, contributing to global academic quality standards.
QAHE – The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education, a private and independent accrediting body collaborating with various international quality agencies.
ISO 21001:2018 Certified – We are proud to be certified under the ISO 21001:2018 standard, which confirms our commitment to excellence in educational management systems.
And more... (check quality page)

Focus on Quality: Since our establishment in 2013, the Academy has undergone various phases of growth and evolution. Under the leadership of different deans, each contributed their utmost to our institution's advancement. However, it is during my tenure as the dean over the past few years that we have undertaken a deliberate shift in focus. We have prioritized a singular goal: quality. Despite the potential short-term trade-offs, we steadfastly believe that investing in quality education is paramount. This unwavering dedication to excellence has become the cornerstone of our institution's ethos.

While the decision to rebrand may seem drastic, we are confident that it aligns seamlessly with our overarching vision and objectives.

In the coming months, we will embark on a comprehensive rebranding process, which will entail updates to our website, marketing materials, and official communications. We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates and announcements as we transition seamlessly to our new identity.

Thank you for being an integral part of the International Academy community. Together, we are poised to achieve new heights of excellence and impact in the realm of higher education.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Derya A. Briand

Nationality: Switzerland

Born on 1984,

MLaw: MASTER OF LAW (MLaw) from the University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne) in 2011
- "SUBJECT AREA INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE LAW"
LLM: MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIES (LLM) from the University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne) in 2009
- "IN INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL LAW"

She speaks fluent Turkish, English and French. She has a concrete understanding of German and Italian and is currently learning Russian and Chinese. She has worked with various international organizations such as UN and ILO. She has also worked in the banking sector. She likes jazz music and she is very interested in international economics. She is a multicultural person, with a sense of humour, and she believes there is no age limit on learning.

Former Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH Director Welcome Letter

Welcome Letter from the Managing Director (until-2019)
“Scientia vinces / Through knowledge you win”

Dear Family,

I am absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you as we embark on our exciting new academic study program together.

Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of our dynamic team over the past year, including the prestigious "Customer Delight Award," fills me with pride. If you're contemplating joining our family, rest assured that we're eager to embrace you and offer the same supportive and nurturing environment that defines us.

At the heart of our ethos lies innovation and a commitment to success. It's a delight to have you as part of our family, and together, we eagerly anticipate even greater accomplishments on the horizon.

Here's to the journey ahead and the many achievements yet to come!

Friendly Regards,

Mr. Habib Alkhouri

Former Autonomous Academy of Higher Education GmbH Director Welcome Letter

Welcome Letter from the Managing Director (until-2017)

Dear Students,

Welcome to our academic community!

We are delighted to have you with us and proud to accompany you on your educational journey. Your decision to pursue your studies with us reflects your commitment to growth, learning, and future success—and we are here to support you every step of the way.

As a private institution, we have worked hard over the past years to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Our dedicated team is constantly striving to enhance your experience, both academically and personally.

While the road ahead may present challenges, it will also offer countless opportunities. We believe that through collaboration, motivation, and perseverance, we can achieve great things—together.

We encourage you to stay curious, stay inspired, and never hesitate to reach out to your instructors or student support team whenever you need guidance.

We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish during your time with us.

Warmest regards,

Mr. Habib Souleiman

Nationality: Swiss

Education and Certifications

Higher Diploma, BHMS Luzern (Benedict-Schule), Switzerland
BA (Hons), Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), United Kingdom
BA (Hons), International Management Institute (IMI), Luzern, Switzerland
Executive MBA, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Zürcher Fachhochschule, ZFH), Switzerland
Master of Laws (MLaw), V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University (TNU), Ukraine
Level 7 Diploma in International Business Law, Qualifi (Ofqual-regulated), United Kingdom
Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, Qualifi (Ofqual-regulated), United Kingdom
Doctor of Education (EdD), Universidad Azteca, Mexico
PhD in Cyber Security Administration, Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Islands
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), SMC College, Switzerland
PhD in Business Administration, Universidad Central, Nicaragua

Education and Certifications

Doctor of Education (EdD), Universidad Azteca, Mexico