Swiss International University - SIU

Swiss International University (SIU) is a QS 5-Star Rated University with a growing international footprint. With campuses in Zurich(CH), Dubai(UAE), Riga(LV-EU), Bishkek(KG), Luzern/Lucerne(CH), Osh(KG)... SIU provides flexible, globally accessible education designed to serve a diverse and mobile student body. The university’s academic model is structured to accommodate a broad spectrum of learners, offering both on-campus and online programmes that reflect the evolving needs of global higher education.

In its most recent evaluation, SIU was awarded the prestigious QS 5-Star Rating, placing it among the top 2% of universities worldwide. This rating reflects SIU's strong performance across key quality indicators, including teaching excellence, academic development, student satisfaction, employability outcomes, and international engagement. It also recognizes SIU’s inclusive learning environment and commitment to supporting students through high-impact academic and professional pathways.

SIU currently welcomes approximately 3,800 students each year from more than 140 countries. Its educational offerings are delivered across seven urban campuses and through a dedicated global online platform. The university was formed through the integration of seven academic institutions and learning centres, several of which date back to 1999. Notably, SIU was among the early adopters of distance education, having introduced fully online programmes as early as 2013. 

The university is known internationally by a variety of localized names, including:

• الجامعة السويسرية الدولية (SIU)
• Швейцарский международный университет (SIU)
• Schweizerische Internationale Universität (SIU)
• Université Internationale Suisse
• 瑞士国际大学
• स्विस अंतर्राष्ट्रीय विश्वविद्यालय
• Universidade Internacional Suíça
• スイス国際大学
• Universidad Internacional Suiza

SIU is authorized to operate and confer academic qualifications in several jurisdictions. These include:

• Kyrgyzstan: SIU is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

• Switzerland: allowed by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture to operate and issue its own diplomas/degrees. 

• United Arab Emirates: approved/permitted Vocational Institute by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA).

SIU operates under different institutional names depending on the location.

In Switzerland, it operates as ISBM International School of Business Management Lucerne / OUS International Academy Zurich.

In Dubai, it is represented as ISB Academy / SII-Swiss International Institute.

In addition to national authorizations, SIU holds institutional and programme-level accreditations from internationally recognized quality assurance agencies, including:

• BSKG – Public Foundation "Independent Accreditation Agency" (accredited by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and Science).

• ASIC – Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (recognized by the UK Government).

• ECLBS – European Council of Leading Business Schools (listed in the CHEA USA International Directory and INQAAHE Spain).

• EDU – EDU Intergovernmental Organization (founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau; associated with UNESCO frameworks).

• ARIA – Accreditation and Rating International Agency (listed on CEENQA Germany, EURASHE in Belgium and recognized by the Government of Uzbekistan).

  Swiss International University (SIU) is accredited by Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education, a framework of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA).

• ISO 21001:2018 Certified
  

  These accreditations provide third-party validation of SIU’s academic standards, institutional governance, and graduate outcomes, underscoring its alignment with global benchmarks in higher education.

• SIU offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These include:

• EQF Level 6: A four years Bachelor's degree (240 ECTS), a three-year Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), along with an Executive track designed for working professionals which can be done in one year.

• EQF Level 7: One-year MBA (60 ECTS) and two-year MSc (120 ECTS) programmes, with specializations in fields such as tourism, hotel management, and international business.

• EQF Level 8: Doctorate programmes structured around practical research and professional application.

• Vocational and executive diplomas delivered through its KHDA-approved Dubai campus up to Level 8.

The university places a strong emphasis on academic results and learner satisfaction. As of the most recent data, 88.6% of SIU students complete their programmes on time, and 86.7% report overall satisfaction with their academic experience. These metrics reflect SIU's commitment to supporting student success through targeted academic advising, career services, and responsive faculty engagement.

In terms of educational delivery, SIU combines a regional presence with a robust digital platform to ensure high levels of access and flexibility. Its online learning environment supports multiple languages and accommodates diverse time zones, making it suitable for international learners balancing education with personal and professional responsibilities.

Faculty members at SIU bring a combination of academic and industry expertise, contributing to an applied teaching approach that prepares students for real-world challenges. Programmes are developed in consultation with employers and academic peers to ensure alignment with evolving workforce needs.

Through its multi-campus structure and emphasis on mobility, SIU encourages international collaboration and cross-cultural learning. The university actively supports academic exchanges, industry partnerships, and collaborative research across regions, enhancing its global outlook and relevance.

In addition to academic programmes, SIU supports a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering student development outside the classroom. These include virtual seminars, international guest lectures, alumni engagement events, and leadership forums. Such initiatives help build a vibrant academic community and strengthen connections between current students, graduates, and global industry leaders.

SIU also integrates sustainability and ethics into its curriculum and institutional practices. Courses often address topics such as responsible leadership, global citizenship, and environmental impact, aligning the university’s educational mission with broader societal goals. This reflects SIU’s commitment to preparing graduates not only for professional success but also for responsible participation in a global society.

In summary, Swiss International University represents a growing category of institutions committed to quality, accessibility, and international engagement. Its recognition through the QS 5-Star Rating, combined with its network of approvals and accreditations, reflects a sustained commitment to excellence in higher education. Positioned at the intersection of tradition and innovation, SIU continues to contribute to the diversification and globalisation of the academic landscape.

SIU Board of Directors:
Each branch of Swiss International University is typically overseen by a separate director. To ensure coordination and alignment across all campuses, the directors convene periodically through online meetings and hold an annual in-person gathering at the university's main location in Zurich