Swiss University Implements Blockchain-Based Digital Academic Certification Registry

The potential of blockchain technology has made it an excellent tool for issuing academic certificates, as it reduces the risk of fraud, while also making it easier for employers and relevant institutions to verify course completion certificates.

Now, the University of Basel, located in Switzerland, has become the first university in the region to adopt such a system. Recent reports indicate that the university’s Centre for Innovative Finance (CIF), has partnered up with Proxeus, a blockchain start-up for the project development.

The platform, based on the Ethereum blockchain, will serve two main functions. Firstly, it will allow the generation of course completion certificates, and the afferent registration onto the blockchain network. Secondly, it will make the data publicly available, hence allowing anyone who is interested to verify if a specific document has indeed been released by the university. Content accuracy will also be verifiable.

In a recent press statement, the Managing Director of the CIF, announced that: “By securing credentials on the Blockchain, we provide an extra layer of security for graduates and potential employers. These credentials can’t be faked, and can be easily verified online. It will introduce a new paradigm of security and offer value to all parties - employers don’t lose time checking credentials, graduates have an edge, and the institutions themselves reduce their reputational risk and a significant administrative burden.”

The Centre for Innovative Finance will be beta-testing the program by issuing digital academic certificates for students that complete the CIF’s blockchain course.

It is important to keep in mind the aspects that numerous other universities are working on similar systems. At this time, digital certifications are released by a number of educational institutions, including the well-known Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Melbourne, the Ngee Ann Polytechnic University and others.

Other potential use cases of blockchain technology for educational purposes include storing exam grades, facilitating the transfer of school-related projects, identity & student management solutions, tuition fee payment platforms and more.