The world’s first CAUDIT HERM-aligned data standard, designed by the sector for the sector.
The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a not-for-profit initiative designed to streamline data interoperability for the global post-secondary education sector.
Founded in 2024, MCDS is developed through CAUDIT and CUCCIO working groups, representing 20+ Australian and 9 Canadian institutions.
MCDS provides a future-ready framework that empowers institutions to pivot towards skills-based learning and enhances reporting capabilities, and ecosystem-wide interoperability.
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Participating Institutions Worldwide
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MCDS establishes a structured, consistent framework for student and institutional data, enabling institutions to break down silos, integrate systems, and unlock powerful insights.
By automating processes, improving decision-making, and ensuring compliance, MCDS empowers institutions to future-proof operations, enhance student success, and drive financial sustainability.
Built on the globally recognised CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Model (HERM), MCDS ensures consistency, adaptability, and alignment with international best practices.
The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a transformative, not-for-profit initiative aimed at unifying and simplifying data frameworks within the global post-secondary education sector.
It’s a solution designed by the sector, for the sector, ensuring real-world relevance while laying the foundation for a more adaptable, sustainable, and student-centered future. Learn more about how we work here.
The primary objective of MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is to establish and maintain an open, global standard for data management and integration within the higher learning sector.
Developed by the Sector, for the Sector
MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) reflects the real-world needs of higher education institutions, ensuring its relevance and practicality. It lays the foundation for a more adaptable, sustainable, and student-centered future.
A Global Perspective
Anchored in the CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Model (HERM), MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard aspires to become the first unified global data standard for higher learning.
Empowering Institutions for the Future
MCDS enables institutions to pivot towards skills-based learning, improve financial forecasting, and simplify government reporting. It provides the foundation for automated data insights, student support enhancements, and sustainable operations.
Interoperability across institutions entire ecosystem
MCDS creates a unified view of students, research, finances, and compliance. This ensures institutions can seamlessly track student journeys, improve decision-making, and optimise resources.
Comprehensive Reporting & Compliance
By standardising data formats, MCDS simplifies government and regulatory reporting, automates compliance processes, and ensures institutions meet funding and policy requirements with accuracy and ease.
Collaborative & Evolving
MCDS is developed through CAUDIT and CUCCIO working groups, representing 20+ Australian and 9 Canadian institutions. These groups meets weekly to ensure the standard evolves to meet the dynamic needs of the sector while staying aligned with its priorities.
A Partnership with CAUDIT & CUCCIO
Developed in collaboration with CAUDIT and CUCCIO, who also serve on the Board of Directors, MCDS benefits from the guidance and expertise of higher education’s most trusted organisations.
Under CAUDIT and CUCCIO’s direction, the standard is designed to address real-world challenges and align with the sector’s evolving priorities.
Anchored in CAUDIT’s globally adopted Higher Education Reference Model (HERM), MCDS ensures a foundation of best practices and supports seamless interoperability across the sector.
These partnerships guarantee that MCDS is both innovative and practical, offering institutions a future-ready framework to simplify data management and enhance their capacity to adapt to an ever-changing educational landscape.
Global Expansion and Accessibility
As MCDS gains global adoption, we are formalising relationships with CAUDIT and CUCCIO equivalents in the UK, EU, and Northern America. Our staff will be available to support local institutions, ensuring MCDS addresses the unique challenges of higher education across different geographies.
Universities that are members of CAUDIT, CUCCIO or equivalent institutional bodies have access to MCDS as part of their base membership.
Open & Inclusive Standard
MCDS is a vendor-funded, community-driven standard, ensuring zero financial burden on institutions. Maintained by regional communities of practice, MCDS undergoes quarterly updates to continuously evolve with sector needs.
A Vision For the Future
MCDS represents a sector-wide commitment to future-proofing higher learning, fostering greater interoperability, and enabling institutions to simplify complex data environments.
By aligning with global best practices, MCDS positions post-secondary institutions to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world while ensuring long-term sustainability and student success.
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