Blockchain, Digital Assets and Web3 Since 2013
The Institute For the Future (IFF) is an interdisciplinary research Centre at the University of Nicosia (UNIC), aimed at advancing emerging technologies and contributing to their effective application in industry, government and education as well as evaluating their impact on society at large.
In Crypto Education and Research
145,000+ students educated in academic and professional training courses Institute For the Future
€8m+ in competitive European Commission research grants since 2017 Institute For the Future
100+ joint research organisations Institute For the Future
Blockchain, Forecasting and the Metaverse
The IFF was founded to explore the hypothesis that exponential technologies will cause rapidly accelerating societal change. It serves as the academic lead for the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum (EUBOF), a European Commission initiative to accelerate the development of blockchain within the EU.
Blockchain and Crypto Assets Our research initiatives examine the evolution and impact of decentralised technologies in a rapidly advancing digital economy. 
Forecasting The Makridakis Open Forecasting Center (MOFC) conducts forecasting research, provides business support and training, and runs the M Competitions. 
Metaverse The UNIC Open Metaverse Initiative is focused on the academic, research and policy issues relating to the metaverse. Degrees, Courses and Professional Training
The University of Nicosia has spearheaded cryptocurrency and blockchain education since launching the world’s first cryptocurrency degree in 2014. It was the first university in the world to accept Bitcoin for tuition payments, to offer crypto and Web3 education, and to publish academic diplomas and verifiable certificates on the blockchain.
MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency
Master’s degree, online
MSc in Computer Science, Blockchain Concentration
Master’s degree, online
MSc in Metaverse
Master’s degree, online
Blockchain and Digital Assets
Free course (MOOC)
Academic Certificates
Blockchain Financial Analyst, Business Analyst, Developer, Regulator
Professional Training
Financial Investigation in Digital Assets, Tech Academy, HackathonsStartups and Conferences
Decentralized is the world’s premier learning conference on Blockchain and digital currencies. Established in 2017 and running annually, it brings together leading business executives and academic experts.
M Conferences
The Findings of the M Competitions
Following the annual M Competition, the M Conference presents and discusses the most accurate winning forecasting methods.
Spin-Offs of the Institute
Emerging from the ecosystem of the Institute, the startups NFTValuations and Block.co are direct spin-offs of its research and activities in blockchain and digital assets.
IFF News
University of Nicosia delivers specialised crypto-asset training to Cyprus Financial Intelligence Unit
University of Nicosia Takes Part in EMCIS Panel on the Future of European University Alliances
UNIC Opens Fall 2026 Enrolment for the World’s First University Blockchain MOOC, with 1,000 Hardware Wallets and €37,000 in Scholarships for Students
UNIC Alumnus Becomes the First Person in the World to Receive a UK National Honour for Blockchain and Cryptoasset Technologies
NEOLAiA WP3: UNIC Develops Roadmap on DEI in the Metaverse
UNIC Launches Spring 2026 Edition of Its Flagship Mastering Web3 MOOC Featuring Industry-Led Sessions and Two Learning Tracks
Our Students and Alumni
I do recommend it, especially to professionals who sense that digital assets are becoming part of their industry’s core infrastructure. If your work touches on money, this degree will change how you see where money is going.
Rima AlghanimMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2026I am grateful for this journey and look forward to the next chapter!
Hoda SalmanMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2026For me, it was an outstanding academic experience that continues to shape the way I approach my work today.
Sol CinosiMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2025If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.
Andreas TsangarisMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2026My MSc journey has helped turn a casual interest into an impassioned sense of purpose. I believe strongly in blockchain’s potential as a transformative technology, and my time at UNIC has emboldened and equipped me to play an active role in manifesting that potential. I couldn’t recommend UNIC’s Masters in Blockchain and Digital Currency programme more highly and I wish you the best on your journey.
Rikki BarnesMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024The University of Nicosia stood out as a global pioneer in blockchain education. The Institute For the Future (IFF) has built a strong reputation for its research excellence, industry relevance and early adoption of blockchain technologies. What ultimately convinced me was the comprehensive nature of the programme.
Olivier BuringMSc in Digital Currency, Class of 2021The MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency at UNIC didn’t just expand my knowledge-it empowered my career, enabling me to drive meaningful innovation.
Jesús M. Pizarro RodríguezMSc in Digital Currency, Class of 2019The program has been a game-changer. It deepened my understanding of Bitcoin and equipped me with the skills to apply this knowledge in practical, impactful ways.
Eduardo SequeiraMSc in Digital Currency, Class of 2023The educational experience with the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency from UNIC was superb and gave me the opportunity to interact with a fascinating group of highly motivated and educated students and learn from some of the best leaders in the field.
Dr Stewart SoutheyMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2019The MSc program didn’t just complement my role as a managing partner, it actively enhanced it. The insights I gained helped me better understand the regulatory and legal challenges of blockchain, giving me the confidence to engage more deeply in this space.
Victoria Wamuyu KariithiMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2023Dare to dream, step forward with confidence, and trust yourself in the process of transformative change.
Iraklis AnastasiouMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024My experience in the M.Sc. program at the University of Nicosia has been immensely rewarding. The program’s content was robust, covering a wide array of topics from the fundamentals of blockchain technology to advanced applications and regulatory considerations. The curriculum integrates elements from finance, law, management, computer science, and information systems, offering a holistic perspective on blockchain technologies and their applications.
Jan-Gero Alexander HannemannMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024My decision to pursue an MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency at the University of Nicosia has been immensely rewarding. I am very grateful to my enrollment advisor for giving me the courage to believe in myself and the decision to invest in myself during this digital revolution.
Edward ManoukianMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024Studying the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency program has impacted my thinking, network, and approach to the future of finance and other disciplines.
Gulay OzkanMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024I am from the US and Canada but live in Thailand, so I searched all over the world for master’s programs that could give me the knowledge and credentials to move into this space. I didn’t find any other program with the wide range of learning included in the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency offered by UNIC. When people think of blockchain, they think of tech and coding, but this innovation is far-reaching and requires diverse knowledge and skills beyond coding languages.
Lorilee LippincottMSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency, Class of 2024I’m confident in a long-term benefit for everyone who will engage in this exciting, challenging, and rewarding academic journey with UNIC.
Alex RaychukMSc in Digital Currency, Class of 2021