Report: 95% of Higher Education Leaders Support Micro-Credentials to Equip Students for the Workforce

To improve their career prospects, students refine their skills, whether soft skills or technical expertise. With steady rapid changes in the job market, students who anticipate employment must stay abreast with the latest trends in their study fields.

In such an instance, a professional certificate can enhance students' chances of success in their fields. This type of micro-credential is recognized in the industry as a short course that provides the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge that are specific to certain jobs or industries.

According to Coursera's Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2024 - India Edition, 95% of higher education leaders believe micro-credentials help prepare students for the workforce. The report is based on a survey of more than 180 higher education leaders in India.

“Across India, higher education leaders recognize the critical role of micro-credentials in equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge for workforce success. Nearly all (98%) leaders offering micro-credentials agree that these credentials strengthen students’ long-term career outcomes,” says Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia-Pacific at Coursera.

The report also reveals that almost all of the Indian students regarding the earning of a Professional Certificate might create a difference, and paid employment can be easily found post-graduation with that. From the host's side of being able to believe whether or not having professional certificates can actually benefit students, as per the survey, there are 96% higher education leaders in India who agreed that micro-credentials have helped institutions in addressing demands from employers on specific skills like project management or data analysis. By being able to offer these micro-credential programs, the institutions will also make sure that the students have developed the skills that are in demand today by the employers so that the students can easily get employed after graduating from school. 

It also says there are limitations with 26% of education leaders in India claiming lack of confidence in the quality of micro-credentials as the biggest hurdle, in addition to other barriers.