The world’s first blockchain platform for international student recruitment has been launched by UK-based tech startup Education Index.
The Libereka platform (now known as MasterAS) enables international students to apply to multiple universities and accept scholarships with one application form and one set of documents.
“Libereka makes recruiting students simpler, cheaper and more efficient”
Chief executive of Education Index Soumik Ganguly, who formerly worked as head of digital products and candidate engagement at QS, hopes Libereka will simplify the student recruitment process for both students and universities.
“Millions of prospective students around the world currently rely on a patchwork system of application support.
“This model is inefficient and we are streamlining that process for universities as well as applicants.
“Libereka makes recruiting students simpler, cheaper and more efficient, freeing up time for universities to focus on what really matters: securing the best and brightest students,” he said.
The platform is free to use for students and enables them to store their academic credentials, transcripts, letters of recommendation and English proficiency test scores in one place.
Every student who uses the platform will be given at least $500 of funding for their studies abroad, which will be sourced from university access fees.
Universities can contribute scholarship money risk free. For every student who does not accept an offer, the contribution is returned to the school.
Education Index’s wider aim is to reduce the cost of recruitment by cutting the time and effort spent on verification, documentation and making admissions offers.
Once students have graduated, universities can grant them their academic credentials on their blockchain accounts. Students are then able to refer back to Libereka when preparing for the job market.
The platform will be available to students in China, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
