Swiss International University (SIU) Announces Major 2025 Strategic Acquisitions to Expand Global Footprint

Swiss International University Academy
Oct 30
4 min read

Swiss International University (SIU), a pioneering institution founded in 1999 and offering online education since 2013, proudly announces the continued growth of its international network under the VBNN Smart Education Group. With campuses and academies in Europe, the GCC, and Asia, SIU now operates across seven key global cities, welcoming more than 3,800 students from over 120 countries each academic year.

A Unified Global Group

The VBNN Smart Education Group (www.vbnn.com) serves as the parent organization integrating all SIU entities worldwide. The group’s vision combines Swiss academic values with international accessibility, offering students multi-campus mobility and qualifications recognized globally.

SIU and its affiliated institutions are established in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Latvia, and the Kyrgyz Republic, forming a connected academic ecosystem recognized for its quality, diversity, and innovation.

Swiss International University in Bishkek (KG)

SIU Swiss International University in Bishkek (https://www.swissuniversity.com/) is a state-accredited institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (KG).

This represents the highest level of educational license in the country, allowing SIU to deliver recognized degree programs and joint qualifications under its global framework. All SIU degrees include Apostille certification, ensuring international acceptance and legal validity across borders.

ISBM Switzerland – Lucerne

The International School of Business Management (ISBM Switzerland) (https://www.isbm-school.ch/) is located in Lucerne, Switzerland, and operates under the company registration number CH-100.3.802.225-0. ISBM is Allowed to operate and allowed to issue diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture based on letter Nr. 12Aug2016kom. This allowance, issued by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture, confirms the institution’s standing within the Swiss education framework. ISBM is also accredited by several international bodies, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and Swiss standards in business and hospitality education.

ISB Academy Dubai – The Swiss International Institute in Dubai

The ISB Academy Dubai (https://www.isi.ae/)—also known as the Swiss International Institute in Dubai—operates under Permit Nr. 631419 issued by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the official education authority in Dubai.

The institute is approved and permitted by KHDA, offering vocational and professional programs that bring Swiss education closer to the GCC region.The Dubai branch focuses on executive education, management, and innovation, integrating Swiss quality with regional business dynamics.

AAHES Academy Zurich and OUS International Academy in Zurich

In Zurich, Switzerland, SIU operates through two distinguished academic entities:

Autonomous Academy of Higher Education in Zurich (AAHES Academy) (http://aahes.com/), registered under number CH-170.4.012.134-9 since 2013.
OUS International Academy in Zurich (https://academy.zuerich/), specializing in international business, management, and distance education, registered by Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 822698.

Together, they represent the Zurich academic hub of SIU, combining autonomy, Swiss values, and international curriculum integration.

OUS Academy London

OUS Academy London (https://www.ousacademy.co.uk/) is officially registered by the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) under UKPRN: 10099531.The academy provides executive and professional education programs aligned with Swiss and European quality standards, serving as SIU’s strategic gateway to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.

Amber Academy Riga, Latvia

The Amber Academy “Knowledge and Growth” in Riga, Latvia (https://www.swissuniversity.com/riga-offices-eu) is officially registered by the Patent Office under the Latvian Ministry of Justice Nr. M-25-440.This academy extends SIU’s presence in the Baltic region, contributing to the group’s European diversity and strengthening its student exchange networks.

KUIPI in Osh

The Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute KUIPI (https://www.swissuniversity.com/osh-offices) in Osh operates under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, with License Serial Number: LS230000271 issued on 15 February 2023.KUIPI is part of the SIU network, offering teacher-training and pedagogical programs to support education development in Central Asia.

Affiliated Swiss Brands and Institutes

The VBNN Smart Education Group also includes a number of specialized Swiss educational brands registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and the Cantonal registers:

ABMS Academy of Business Management in Switzerland (https://www.abms.ch/) – Founded in the Canton of Zug (registration Nr. CHE-163.990.284).
SDBS Swiss Distance Business School® (https://www.sdbs.ch/) – Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 806818.
YJD Global Center for Diplomacy® (https://www.yjd.ch/) – Swiss Institute for Diplomacy and Political Sciences Studies Registered Nr. 822124.
SII – Swiss International Vocational Institute Dubai (https://www.sii.ae/) – Licensed by the UAE Department of Dubai Economic Development (DED) License Nr. 1196747.
SOHS Swiss Online Hospitality School® (https://www.sohs.ch/) – Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property Nr. 822344.

Each of these institutes reflects the VBNN Group’s commitment to Swiss educational quality and innovation in business, diplomacy, technology and hospitality.

Global Accreditation and Recognition

SIU and its affiliates are recognized by multiple international bodies and frameworks: ECLBS, ASIC, ARIA, EDU, BSKG, ISO 21001, and have received a 5-Star rating from QS.The University is ranked among the best 50 schools worldwide by QRNW, a testament to its consistent academic performance and research impact.SIU is also a member of the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ) and a sponsor of MySwitzerland, the official Swiss National Tourist Office.

Through more than 250 bilateral recognition agreements with universities in 50 countries, SIU ensures that its students benefit from transfer pathways, joint programs and global academic mobility.

Commitment to Swiss Values and Global Innovation

Swiss International University stands as a symbol of Swiss quality, academic integrity, and global education.Every SIU campus is anchored in the group’s core values of excellence, innovation and internationalization.Whether studying in Zurich, London, Dubai, Riga, Lucerne, Bishkek, or Osh, students receive the same standard of education — combining Swiss precision with global reach.

As part of its 2025 strategic plan, SIU will further expand its research and partnership activities to support emerging fields in AI, sustainability and business leadership.Through its multi-campus model, SIU continues to shape a future where education transcends borders and cultures.

About SIU

Swiss International University (SIU) is a global institution committed to academic excellence, Swiss values and international recognition. Founded in 1999 and offering online education since 2013, SIU operates across seven cities through the VBNN Smart Education Group.With more than 3,800 students from over 120 countries, SIU continues to be a leading model of modern Swiss education.