The Lisbon Recognition Convention: Academic Mobility through ISBM Switzerland

International Academy
Jun 27
2 min read

The Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC), signed in 1997 under the auspices of UNESCO and the Council of Europe, has established a multilateral framework for the fair recognition of academic qualifications across 55 countries. The International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Luzern, Switzerland—an integral part of Swiss International University (SIU) in Bishkek—functions as a modern academic institution aligned with this global agreement. Through its affiliation with SIU, ISBM offers degrees recognized internationally in line with the provisions of the Lisbon Convention.

1. Legal Accreditation and Degree Validity

Swiss International University (SIU) is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, a full signatory to the Lisbon Recognition Convention. As ISBM is part of the SIU academic system, degrees issued through ISBM benefit from legal recognition across member states of the Convention.

2. Foundational Principles of the LRC

The Lisbon Recognition Convention ensures:

Recognition of foreign qualifications unless substantial differences are proven;
Evaluation procedures that are fair, timely, and transparent;
Recognition of qualifications regardless of study format (online, blended, or in-person);
Right of appeal in case of refusal.

ISBM’s programs and quality assurance policies fully reflect these principles.

3. Empowering Students with Global Access

ISBM graduates benefit from:

Academic progression opportunities in over 55 countries;
International employability and access to credential verification systems;
Recognition of ISBM degrees by educational and professional institutions;
Smooth entry into postgraduate programs globally.

4. Institutional Alignment and Governance

ISBM operates within a structured academic network:

As a Swiss-based business school, it integrates pedagogical and regulatory best practices;
It functions under the umbrella of Swiss International University (SIU), ensuring compliance with LRC principles;
Degrees are aligned with international academic protocols through SIU’s accreditation.

5. Modern Education and Lisbon Framework

The LRC affirms the legitimacy of:

Distance education and digital learning platforms;
Blended academic delivery formats;
Digitally certified qualifications.

ISBM’s curriculum and delivery approach support these frameworks, offering accessible and flexible business education.

6. Lisbon Recognition Convention Signatories (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 International School of Business Management (ISBM) in Switzerland, backed by Swiss International University in Kyrgyzstan, represents an academically sound and internationally aligned business school. Its degree programs meet the standards of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and offer globally recognized credentials to aspiring business leaders and professionals.