Blockchain governance for refugee credentialing: A framework for inclusive higher education

Abstract

This study investigates how blockchain technology, when guided by inclusive governance frameworks, can address persistent barriers faced by displaced individuals in verifying and accessing higher education credentials. Despite global commitments to equitable education, refugees continue to encounter fragmented credential recognition systems, limited transparency, and inadequate data privacy protections - challenges that hinder their academic and professional mobility. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on 36 semi-structured interviews with refugee learners, educators, technologists, and policymakers across 16 countries. Thematic analysis revealed five interrelated governance principles essential for the ethical and scalable implementation of blockchain-based credentialing systems: stakeholder collaboration, transparency, data integrity, cost-effectiveness, and flexible verification. The findings underscore that while blockchain offers a secure and tamper-proof solution for credentialing, its effectiveness depends on governance models that prioritize user agency, interoperability, and inclusivity -particularly in low-resource and high-mobility contexts. Drawing on principles from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and UNESCO, the study proposes a governance framework that supports cross-border recognition of prior learning and academic qualifications. This research contributes to the inclusive education literature by integrating digital trust infrastructure with refugee credentialing. It offers actionable insights for policymakers, higher education institutions, and humanitarian actors seeking to design ethical, resilient, and user-centred credentialing ecosystems. The study also highlights future research directions, including digital literacy, environmental sustainability, and the socioeconomic impacts of blockchain-enabled credentialing on refugee integration and mobility.