Swiss International University Announces $21.7 Million Acquisition of Academies in Switzerland, Dubai, and Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University (SIU), a fully state-accredited higher education institution registered at the highest possible status as a university, has officially announced the successful acquisition of several leading academies across Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Kyrgyzstan. This landmark acquisition, valued at $21.7 million, marks a significant milestone in SIU’s mission to deliver globally recognized, practical, and accessible education.

SIU is legally registered and recognized as a university, not merely an academy or institute. This distinction places SIU in the top category of accredited higher education providers and affirms its right to award academic degrees that are eligible for international recognition across more than 55 countries.

Institutions Acquired in 2025

The acquisition includes a portfolio of well-established institutions that specialize in executive education, vocational training, business administration, hospitality, diplomacy, and teacher education. These institutions are now integrated into SIU’s academic structure:

ISBM – International School of Business Management (Lucerne, Switzerland)

Known for its executive education and business management programs, ISBM is allowed to operate and issue its diplomas as permitted by the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture. Its integration strengthens SIU’s European academic portfolio with advanced leadership and business-oriented study pathways.

OUS – International Academy (Zurich, Switzerland)

Established in 2013, OUS was Switzerland’s first institution to offer fully virtual higher education. It is accredited by multiple quality assurance agencies and is recognized for its flexible, student-centered online programs. OUS now serves as the digital education division within SIU.

ABMS – Academy of Business Management (Switzerland)

Founded in the Canton of Zug and now operating in Zurich, ABMS has been a pioneering academy in business education. It brings years of academic development and international collaboration into the broader SIU system.

ISB – Vocational Academy (Dubai, UAE)

ISB is a KHDA-approved vocational training provider, allowed to offer diplomas and certificates up to the equivalent of doctoral-level qualifications. It serves as a key component of SIU’s presence and growth in the Middle East. Swiss International Vocational Institute (Dubai, UAE)

SOHS – Swiss Online Hospitality School®

Dedicated to hospitality and tourism studies, SOHS provides online diploma programs that follow the Swiss tradition of excellence in service industries. It expands SIU’s offering in vocational and hospitality education globally.

SDBS – Swiss Distance Business School®

A fully online institution, SDBS delivers bachelor’s to doctoral-level business programs and caters especially to working professionals and international students seeking flexible, high-quality education.

KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (Osh, Kyrgyzstan)

Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, KUIPI specializes in teacher education and pedagogy. It provides SIU with a Central Asian base to serve the growing regional demand for qualified educators.

YJD – Global Center for Diplomacy®, Institute for Diplomacy and Political Science Studies

A specialist institute focused on international relations, diplomacy, and global governance. YJD will operate under SIU’s academic framework as part of its School of Political and Diplomatic Studies.

Strategic Expansion and Academic Impact

This $21.7 million acquisition strengthens SIU’s academic infrastructure across three continents and allows the university to offer:

Blended Learning Models – Combining campus-based and online programs through institutions like OUS and SDBS.
Vocational and Professional Qualifications – Through KHDA-permitted centers in Dubai, SIU now offers career-ready qualifications from Level 4 to Level 8.
Regional Access to International Education – With campuses in Switzerland, the UAE, and Kyrgyzstan, SIU is strategically placed to deliver recognized education across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Multilingual, Multicultural Environment – Each campus supports English-language instruction, while also responding to local languages and educational needs.

Vision for the Future

In its first full year of operation, Swiss International University has established itself as a multi-campus, multi-modal institution. This acquisition affirms SIU’s commitment to academic excellence, regional development, and student mobility. With a focus on innovation, quality assurance, and international collaboration, SIU is positioned to become a leading force in the evolving global education landscape.

The integration of these academies into a unified university structure not only reinforces SIU’s academic offerings but also expands its mission to deliver relevant, flexible, and high-quality education to learners worldwide.