CAUDIT MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is the world's first CAUDIT HERM-aligned data standard, designed by the sector for the sector. Developed alongside CAUDIT in collaboration with 20+ post-secondary learning institutions is a groundbreaking not-for-profit initiative. 

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard provides a unified framework for managing higher learning data, enabling institutions to simplify complex systems, foster innovation, and align with national and global priorities.

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard operates as a collaborative, sector-led initiative, bringing together education leaders, vendors, and government to ensure the standard meets the real-world needs of higher learning institutions.

Access the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard launch recording.

Benefits of the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard

Improved Institutional Efficiency

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard allows for streamlined processes from admissions to alumni engagement, reducing the complexity of managing educational records

• Better Data Management

With a robust data framework, universities can implement stronger Master Data strategies, leading to more meaningful and differentiated student experiences, ensuring a higher quality of education and support.

• Enhanced Reporting

The initiative streamlines reporting into the Tertiary Collection of Student Information (TCSI), offering more efficient and accurate data submissions.

Improved Student Experience

• Improved Student Experience

By improving data flow, students will benefit from smoother transitions and better support, making their educational journey more cohesive and personalised.

• Enhanced Educator Support & Student Wellbeing

Data standardisation provides insights into teaching performance and student feedback, helping refine educational strategies and integrate holistic and personalised support services that address both academic and personal challenges.

• Global Reach & Equity

Standardisation contributes to a more equitable learning experience globally, allowing universities to offer consistent opportunities and resources to students regardless of their location or background.

Streamlined Technology

• Streamlined Data Sharing & Management

The standard creates a common language for universities, making it easier to share and manage data across institutions, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring consistency across the sector.

• Faster System Implementations

The standard allows for quicker platform rollouts, accelerating time-to-value for institutions and allowing them to adopt new technologies more effectively.

• Facilitates AI & Data Analytics

By providing clean, structured data, the standard will support AI- driven analytics that can personalise learning experiences, identifying gaps and strengths for targeted education paths.

New Industry Opportunities

• Alignment with National Skills Passport

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard lays the groundwork for the future implementation of a National Skills Passport, ensuring that both higher education and vocational achievements are recognised and easily credentialed across the sector.

• Support for Lifelong Learning

The data standard facilitates the adoption of modular learning pathways, allowing students to ‘stack’ micro-credentials, certificates, or short courses, fostering a more personalised and flexible approach to education.

• Support for Emerging Trends

The standard aids in integrating micro-credentials and other flexible learning options into existing systems, ensuring these credentials are recognised and valued alongside traditional degrees.

License and Usage

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is available for all CAUDIT Members as part of their base membership.

Community Involvement

The ongoing development and enhancement of the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is community-driven, and all suggestions and feedback are warmly and always encouraged.  Queries about the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard can be directed to:

International Collaboration

The ongoing evolution and enrichment of the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is strengthed through warm global collaboration. Our colleagues in Canada through CUCCIO are actively engaged, with conversation with colleagues in the UK, US, South Africa and Europe underway.

 The value and usefulness of the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is enriched, amplified, and increased enormously by the expertise, engagement, and generous contributions of the worldwide higher-education colleagues.

Versions

Version 1 of these models was launched in 2025, following the rapid development through ANZ institutions and initially Ingenuity Partners, before transitioning over to the newly created not-for-profit MortarCAPS.

Preparations are already underway for the next releases, with versions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 available by mid-2025, which will reflect community engagement, support and key sector identified priorities.

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard published here are provided in formats that will allow them to be loaded into common modelling and repository tools. The entire distribution of the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard is provided in a single ZIP archive that also includes version release notes and a readme.txt file.

Access to the models by CAUDIT Member organisations 

CAUDIT Member organisations can access the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard using Tuakiri or AAF authentication. You will be prompted to log-in using your everyday organisational username/password. Download the models here.

Access by international higher education organisations 

Accordingly, you can access the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard easily if your institution is a member of:

• CUCCIO

Additional sector peak bodies are currently engaged and will be added soon.

If your institution is not a member of one of those associations then you can connect with CAUDIT by sending an email to caudit@caudit.edu.au.