Deploy Mahara on Kuberns
This guide explains how to deploy Mahara on Kuberns using the official one-click template.
Mahara is an open-source ePortfolio and learning management platform widely used by educational institutions and organisations. It allows users to create digital portfolios, manage learning evidence, collaborate in groups, and showcase skills.
Deploying Mahara manually typically requires web server configuration, PHP runtime setup, database configuration, file storage setup, SSL configuration and background service management.
Kuberns simplifies this entire process by providing a production-ready Mahara template. You only need to enter basic project details and add three required environment variables.
All infrastructure configuration is handled automatically.
Steps for Deploying Mahara on Kuberns
Deploying Mahara on Kuberns is simple. You do not need to connect GitHub, fork repositories, or configure infrastructure. The template is already prepared to run Mahara in a production environment. You only need to enter basic details and provide three required environment variables.
Step 1: Open the Mahara One-Click Template
Go to the Templates page on Kuberns and select the one-click AI Mahara Deployment template. Click Deploy to begin.
This template is already configured with the correct PHP runtime, storage configuration, and database setup required for Mahara. You are not starting from scratch or building a container manually. Everything needed to run Mahara reliably is already wired in the background.
Once selected, you will be taken to the deployment screen.
Step 2: Add Basic Details and Required Environment Variables
On the deployment screen, first enter your project name. This can be something like "Mahara LMS" or "Student Portfolio Platform."
Next, select the server region closest to your users to ensure better performance.
You will then see the Environment Variables section showing that three variables are required. Click Add Env Variables and enter the required values.
These variables are necessary for Mahara to initialise correctly and create the administrator account and secure configuration during the first startup. They are stored securely inside Kuberns and are not publicly exposed.
Once you add the required values and save them, your configuration is complete.
Step 3: Click Deploy
After entering your project details and adding the required environment variables, click Deploy.
From this point onward, Kuberns handles everything automatically. It sets up the database, configures storage for uploaded files and portfolios, prepares the PHP runtime environment, and exposes the application securely with HTTPS enabled.
You can monitor the deployment logs in real time while the setup runs in the background.
When deployment completes, you will see a live URL in your dashboard. Open it to access your Mahara installation and complete the initial setup if prompted.
Your Mahara platform will now be live and running continuously in a production-ready environment without you managing any infrastructure.
Required Environment Variables for Mahara
Mahara requires three environment variables during deployment. These values are used to configure the initial administrator account and secure the application during the first startup.
| Variable Name | Purpose | How to Set It |
|---|---|---|
| ADMIN_USERNAME | Username for the initial Mahara administrator account | Choose a secure admin username |
| ADMIN_PASSWORD | Password for the administrator account | Create a strong password |
| ADMIN_EMAIL | Email address for the administrator account | Use a valid email you control |
Accessing Mahara After Deployment
Once deployment is complete, your live Mahara URL will be visible in the Kuberns dashboard. This is your publicly accessible application link.
Click the provided HTTPS URL to open Mahara in your browser. SSL is enabled automatically, so you do not need to configure certificates or security settings manually.
Why Deploy Mahara on Kuberns
- Simple Deployment Process: No GitHub setup or repository forking required.
- Production-Ready Template: PHP runtime, database, and storage are preconfigured for Mahara.
- Automatic HTTPS: Your Mahara site is secured with SSL by default.
- Persistent File Storage: User uploads, portfolios, and content survive restarts and redeployments.
- No Infrastructure Management: No need to manage servers, databases, or web server configuration manually.
- Built-In Logs and Monitoring: Real-time logs and resource metrics available directly in the dashboard.
- Scalable for Institutions: Easily upgrade resources as your number of users grows.
- Focus on Education, Not DevOps: Spend time building portfolios and managing learners instead of managing hosting.