University of Fort Hare advances digital transformation with secure Digital Certificates(R). Advanced Secure Technologies partners with the University of Fort Hare to modernise qualification certification and verification, supported by integration expertise from Adapt IT. 1 October 2026 - The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the implementation of Digital Certificates(R), Advanced Secure Technologies' secure digital certification and qualification verification platform, supported by integration from Adapt IT. The initiative forms part of UFH's wider digital transformation programme and contributes to the University's Strategic Objective 10: Digital Transformation of Business Processes. It is designed to modernise how qualification credentials are produced, accessed and verified, while enhancing the security and integrity of official University credentials. The project was driven by the University's ambition to provide greater protection for its academic credentials, create a more efficient qualification verification process and give graduates secure digital access to their credentials. The implementation also supports UFH's wider approach to secure certification, document verification and the integration of these services within its established academic administration environment UFH Acting Registrar, Mr Zwelidumile Mditshwa, described the implementation as an important institutional milestone: "This milestone reflects the University's commitment to embracing technology-driven solutions that improve service delivery, enhance governance, and protect the integrity of our qualifications." Secure digital credentials and verification. Through Digital Certificates(R), eligible UFH graduates can securely access their official digital credentials and share them with authorised employers, institutions and other relevant organisations. The platform also enables online verification of qualification authenticity, reducing reliance on manual processes and providing greater assurance in credentials issued by the University. Importantly, this digital capability complements UFH's existing official printed certification processes, providing a connected approach to credential management. The implementation also establishes a foundation for secure digital transcripts and other verification documents as the University continues to develop its digital credential ecosystem. Integration with University of Fort Hare's academic administration environment. A central consideration for UFH was ensuring that Digital Certificates(R) operated effectively within the University's existing systems and governance framework. Adapt IT, as the University's ITS Integrator and ERP technology partner, supported integration with the relevant student and graduation processes. The project extended beyond the deployment of secure, branded digital portals. UFH's Registrar's Office, ICT Division and Academic Administration teams worked collaboratively with Advanced Secure Technologies and Adapt IT across requirements definition, data preparation and validation, systems integration, testing and implementation readiness. This coordinated approach helped ensure that the digital certification service aligned with UFH's academic administration requirements while maintaining appropriate controls around the integrity, security and governance of qualification data. Supporting the 2026 Spring graduation. The project has been delivered in preparation for UFH's 2026 Spring graduation, with Digital Certificates(R) going live in October 2026. The initial phase focuses on supporting the University's current graduating cohort, providing eligible graduates with secure access to their official digital credentials while establishing the capability for wider adoption as UFH's certification programme evolves. A foundation for continued digital transformation. For UFH, the implementation represents a further step towards a more digitally enabled qualification lifecycle. With Digital Certificates(R) in place, the University has established a foundation from which to expand digital access to credentials and enable authorised third parties to verify qualifications remotely with greater ease. Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the initiative demonstrates how secure digital credential technology can support institutional transformation while preserving the integrity and trust associated with academic awards. Kevin Bassett, Managing Director at Advanced Secure Technologies, commented: "Digital transformation is most valuable when it improves the users' experience alongside enhancing credential security. From the outset, UFH was clear that its digital certification strategy needed to combine accessibility with a high standard of security around its qualifications, processes and reputation. What has made this project particularly rewarding is the collaboration behind it. UFH's Registrar and ICT teams, Adapt IT and its own team working closely towards a shared objective: delivering a secure, modern certification experience in time for UFH's graduation." Through this partnership, UFH continues to advance its digital transformation ambitions, combining institutional expertise with secure certification technology to deliver a more accessible, efficient and trusted credential experience for graduates and the organisations that rely on their qualifications. About Advanced Secure Technologies. Advanced Secure Technologies specialises in secure certification, digital credentials, identity verification and fraud prevention. Its Digital Certificates(R) platform enables institutions to securely issue, manage, share and verify digital and printed credentials, bringing certification processes together within a single, integrated environment.

Advanced Secure Technologies Ltd has been proud supporters and exhibitors at the Student Records Officers Conference (SROC) for many years, working together with universities to raise awareness around certification security best practices.