Digital Badges in Higher Education: Complete Guide

Higher education doesn’t have to feel like a series of long, monotonous lectures or a solemn atmosphere anymore. Digital badges in higher education bring fresh air to how you reward your students. 

Education badges recognize mastering skills and motivate them to keep getting better. Today, we will show you how to create and implement them in simple steps.

👋 Hey, you don’t need graphic design skills or endless hours to create digital badging in higher education. Certifier is a digital badge editor that makes the process simple, automatic, and cost-effective so you can deliver personalized badges at scale.

What are digital badges in higher education?

Digital badges in higher education are visual, online awards representing students’ achievement or competency. They validate learning beyond traditional grades and are used in higher education to recognize specific abilities.

The value of digital badges and micro-credentials in higher education

For universities, a digital badge system increases student engagement by breaking learning into smaller, rewarding goals. Digital badging in higher education motivates students to complete tasks and track progress.

Digital badges also help students stand out when applying for jobs. They’re easy to share on LinkedIn, resumes, or online portfolios. 

Digital badges vs alternative credentials in higher education

Students are no longer limited to degrees or certificates to prove their skills. Micro credentials and digital badges in higher education are also used, but each works in its own way.

But how do digital badges compare to other options like certificates or academic programs?

Digital badges highlight specific skills. Badges show achievements quickly and clearly, whether mastering CSS, leadership, or problem-solving. They’re flexible, entirely digital, and don’t have a set duration. 

Certificates cover broader topics and can "stack" into degree programs. They’re popular in graduate education, taking weeks or months to complete. Academic badges earned along the way can mark key accomplishments, but certificates require more time than digital badges.

MicroMasters and nanodegrees take things a step further. MicroMasters, combine 4–8 graduate-level courses into a standalone credential or credit toward a master’s degree. They typically run 8–16 months. On the other hand, nanodegrees focus on project-based learning to meet employer needs in 6–12 months.

Current trends of digital badging in higher education

Change is in the air for higher education. The way students learn and prove their skills is evolving fast, and it’s clear – universities need to keep up or risk falling behind. See yourself:

• 50% of employees will need to reskill – for universities, this presents an opportunity. As students look to gain new, in-demand skills, institutions can offer micro-credentials and digital badges to help learners reskill while providing confirmation of their achievements.

• Digital Badges Market is projected to reach $292.2 million by 2025 at a CAGR of 19.4% – This growth is a signal of growing trust in digital badging in higher education.

• The academic segment has become the primary market for digital badges. 

Still wondering if now is the right time to embrace digital badges? It absolutely is. They make learning practical, relevant, and future-ready.

Pros and cons of digital badging in higher education

Digital badging in higher education benefits students and universities alike, but it’s not without challenges. When done right, it combines innovation, skill recognition, and modern branding to make learning – and its value – crystal clear.

See how the pros and cons compare.

Pros for students

Boosts student engagement. Digital badges turn learning into a rewarding experience. Achievable targets keep students motivated and focused on their goals.

Easy access through digital wallets. Students can store and share badges effortlessly using a digital wallet with university branding. It’s simple, professional, and always within reach.

Recognizes specific skills. Unlike general degrees, digital badges highlight targeted achievements (like coding, leadership, or project management), making them highly relevant for employers.

Shareable and portable. Badges can be added to LinkedIn, resumes, or e-portfolios, helping students showcase their skills quickly and stand out to recruiters.

Cons for students

Digital badges may lack weight if not designed properly. Badges alone might not carry the same power as traditional degrees in some industries. Consider using professional badge templates to include all must-have elements in the badge design.

Pros for higher-education institutions

Improves learning outcomes. Universities can use academic badges to validate specific skills, giving students clear proof of their achievements. It’s measurable and impactful.

Supports stackable learning. Digital badge programs allow institutions to break larger learning goals into smaller, stackable credentials. Students stay on track and can build skills step-by-step.

Modernizes education. Offering digital badges shows that a university is forward-thinking and aligned with industry trends. It helps attract and retain students looking for practical, skill-based learning.

Simplifies badge management. A well-structured digital badge system makes it easy for universities to issue, track, and update badges, reducing administrative hassle.

Enhances the university’s brand. Branded issuer portals, emails, and badges connect universities to their alumni long after graduation. It’s a powerful way to strengthen reputation and build brand recognition.

Cons for higher-education institutions

Setting up a digital badge system needs time, tools, and staff training. Without proper planning, it may feel overwhelming. However, with Certifier, this process is as simple as possible. Check out how digital badging looks in practice.

How to implement digital badges to your program?

Setting up digital badges in higher education doesn’t have to be complicated. With Certifier, you design, send, and manage all your badges in one place. There are 3 simple steps to follow, and in no time, you will be issuing hundreds or even thousands of badges to your students 

Step 01: Design digital badges

To create eye-catching badges that reflect your program’s goals, log in to Certifier or sign up if you don’t have an account yet.

If you’re ready, then. Choose from ready-made templates or create badges from scratch using Certifier’s badge builder.

Customize every detail: add your university’s logo, colors, and branding to make your badges unique.

There are many icons in the library, so you can choose something that fits your education digital badges design.

Don’t forget to upload your logo. Use the dark-and-drop option, and place it on the template.

In the Attributes section, choose the ones you need. The dynamic attributes are placeholders for information that will automatically be filled up with relevant information for each badge. For example, expiry or issue date, UUID, issuer name, and more.

Include important metadata, such as earning criteria, issue date, etc, in the Group tab. All the info will be displayed in the digital wallet, which is a secure place to store their education badges. 

Allow social media sharing, attach a PDF file with the learning materials or others, and create a customized email that will be delivered with academic badges.

Customize the email template with university branding and a motivational message. It’s an optional step, but much recommended – you can upload there your logo, your institution's colors and provide a unified experience for your students. It’s also a great way to promote your educational institution. Whenever students post a badge, their followers see your logo.

Step 02: Send out digital badges

If it’s all set, you can move to the sending part. Luckily, distributing badges is simple, even for large groups.

Upload a list of student names and emails through a spreadsheet. Certifier automatically generates personalized badges for each recipient. 

Now, send badges in bulk. Students will receive them directly in their inbox, ready to view, share, or download.

Step 03: Manage digital badges in higher education

Certifier’s dashboard gives you full control over your digital badging in higher education.

You can track how the badges perform with the status icon – if the badge is received, downloaded, opened, and shared. Manage your credentials with bulk actions

Use bulk actions to publish, resend, delete, or export multiple credentials with just a few clicks.

Remember to enable secure verification, so anyone can confirm badge authenticity with one click.

Students store their badges in a digital wallet, where they can access, share, or download them anytime.

Also, anyone with access to it can verify with just one click.

Managing digital badges and micro-credentials in higher education becomes simple and organized, helping institutions measure impact and improve programs.

Real-life case studies of digital badges in higher education

Check out how the biggest institutions design digital badges and micro-credentials in higher education and get inspired.

University of Denver: Education digital badge example 

Layout: These digital badges in higher education have a circular design that reflects credibility. The University of Denver's branding is vibrant with clean typography and strategic use of gold and red. Each badge displays specific co-curricular achievements.

Issuer: University of Denver

Logo: Yes, prominently placed at the top center.

What makes it special:

Strong institutional branding with university colors

Focus on co-curricular achievements

Versatile design for formal and professional recognition

Harvard Business Publishing Education: Digital badges education example

Layout: Harvard Business Publishing Education offers eye-catching digital badges and micro-credentials in higher education. They’ve used bold, vibrant colors to emphasize achievement. The design includes simple icons, making each badge visually engaging and easy to identify. 

University: Harvard Business Publishing Education

Logo: Yes, displayed at the bottom.

What makes it special:

Bold colors and simple icons

Focus on foundational career skills and readiness

An elegant design that makes your brand pop

Boston University: Digital badges in education example

Layout: The digital badging in higher education highlights technical skills with a simple design. The circular and drop-shaped visuals emphasize Boston University’s commitment to academic achievement. The badges focus on specialized knowledge for advancing careers.

Issuer: Boston University

Logo: Yes, integrated into the design.

What makes it special:

Bold use of red for a striking look

Targeted focus on technical and analytical skill development

Circular shape

University of Buffalo: Digital badging in education example

Layout: The University at Buffalo’s digital badges in higher education features a modern design using a shield-shaped background and bold blues. It’s modern, simple, and eye-catching. The academic badges emphasize a specific academic success.

Issuer: University at Buffalo

Logo: Yes, placed at the top of each badge.

What makes it special:

Shield design that sparks interest

Emphasis on academic programs and creative achievements

Simple typography and clear messaging

Fully editable examples of digital badges for students

What if we tell you that you can do even better than the biggest players in the game? 

Check out the templates for digital badges in higher education that you can: adjust as you wish, personalize automatically, issue in bulk, and send using a tailored, branded email to your recipients. Just click the blue button to start editing.

Circular and eye-catching education badges

Layout: It is one of the education badges available in Certifier’s library that is simple and unique at the same time. It comes in navy blue and white tones. This particular badge includes decorative stars around the edge and a logo that helps you promote your institution every time the digital badges in higher education you issue are shared online.

Logo: Included at the bottom of the badge.

What makes it stand out?

Recognizes advanced language proficiency, perfect for academic use

Elegant and clear design

Provides a gamified learning experience that motivates learners to achieve higher language proficiency levels

Ideal for learners, educators, and language certification programs

Universal academic badges

Layout: This badge takes a hexagon shape for a stylish look. A soft blue border and bold text highlight research skills, while the top displays an academic logo for added credibility. 

Logo: Yes, placed at the top of the badge.

What makes it stand out?

Combines soft colors and a structured layout

Certifier’s one-click skill verification makes qualifications easy to assess – it’s available in digital wallet

Ideal for teachers and professors looking to award students’ expertise

Fully editable – you can change colors, fonts, background, upload graphic elements, and more

You can manage all the academic badges in Certifier’s dashboard – see how recipients engaged with badges, update without resending, and more.

Elegant badging in education

Layout: This classic circular badge catches the eye with its bold black center and golden border. The logo at the top and the gold stars below emphasize achievement. Keep in mind that all the elements on templates available in Certifier’s library are editable.

Logo: Yes, subtly placed at the top.

What makes it stand out?

This badging in education mixes timeless colors with a modern badge style

Certifier’s eco-friendly, digital distribution ensures badges are easily shared with zero waste – students get the badge straight to their email inboxes

You can send the academic badges in bulk in moments, no matter how big the group is

Certifier’s education digital badges are shareable on social media like LinkedIn – everybody who sees it also sees your institution’s logo.

Education digital badges for any achievement

Layout: This shield-shaped badge has a professional design with a muted gray background. It features a prominent black ribbon with bold white text for clarity. Five gold stars that are right under the logo add a finishing touch.

Logo: At the top of the badge.

What makes it stand out?

Recognizes outstanding project contributions and community engagement

A clean, modern design ideal for academic recognition

Certifier's super fast bulk sending ensures badges reach recipients instantly via branded email – change the email’s color, and add there your institution’s logo

Perfect for time-limited skills, because of the expiration date option available in Certifier

Start creating digital badges in higher education today  

Implementing micro credentials and digital badges in higher education doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Certifier makes the process easy and quick. With this tool, higher education institutions can create rewarding, shareable achievements for their students.

Ready to try it? Sign up to Certifier and issue your first academic badges today!