The Lisbon Recognition Convention: Empowering the Global Recognition of SII – Swiss International Institute in Dubai

The Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC), signed in 1997 by UNESCO and the Council of Europe, remains the central legal framework ensuring the fair and consistent recognition of academic qualifications across 55 countries. The Swiss International Institute (SII) in Dubai operates under the ISBM Business School in Switzerland and is part of the wider academic structure of Swiss International University (SIU) in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. This strategic academic affiliation grants SII access to international legal recognition pathways, empowering students with qualifications eligible for acceptance across Europe and other LRC member countries. Through this integrated model, SII offers educational quality and institutional legitimacy within one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

1. Accreditation and Legal Framework

SIU in Bishkek is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan—a member state of the Lisbon Recognition Convention. As SII Dubai functions under ISBM Switzerland, which in turn operates within the SIU framework, the degrees issued through this academic chain benefit from legal recognition in all LRC signatory states. This structure ensures that SII graduates can leverage an internationally validated academic credential.

2. Fair Recognition Principles

The Convention mandates:

Presumption of recognition unless substantial difference is proven;
Transparency and due process in evaluation procedures;
Right to appeal recognition decisions;
Equal treatment for online, hybrid, and in-person learning modes.

This supports the modern and flexible learning environment provided by SII in Dubai, ensuring institutional fairness and global acceptance.

3. Academic and Career Portability

Graduates of SII benefit from:

Eligibility for further education in Europe and beyond;
Degree comparability under international conventions;
Professional licensing and employment opportunities in LRC countries;
Participation in international academic and exchange programs.

4. Strategic Educational Integration

SII’s affiliation with ISBM Luzern and SIU Bishkek creates a vertically integrated academic network:

ISBM provides academic quality assurance and European relevance;
SIU ensures legal accreditation under the Lisbon framework;
SII delivers programs adapted to the UAE’s economic and cultural context.

This structure ensures both legal recognition and market relevance for SII students.

5. Recognition of Modern Learning Models

The Lisbon Convention allows the recognition of qualifications awarded via:

Online and distance learning programs;
Hybrid instructional designs;
Verified digital and remote education platforms.

These principles align with SII’s commitment to innovation in higher education.

6. LRC Member States (as of 2025)

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Vatican City, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan.

7. Conclusion

The Swiss International Institute (SII) in Dubai, through its integration with ISBM and SIU, operates under a legally and academically recognized structure that meets the highest international standards. Through the Lisbon Recognition Convention, SII students gain access to: