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10 best universities in Africa in latest global ranking
The University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, has emerged as the top-ranked university in Africa in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
UCT ranked joint 147th globally, improving from 164th position in the previous edition.
The 2027 ranking assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, with 69 universities from sub-Saharan Africa featuring in the latest edition, compared to 55 in the previous ranking.
The ranking considered five broad areas, including teaching, research, research quality, industry engagement and international outlook.
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South Africa dominated the African top 10, with seven universities making the list, while Morocco and Egypt had one and two institutions respectively.
The top 10 universities in Africa are:
1. University of Cape Town — South Africa
The University of Cape Town ranked joint 147th globally, with an overall score of 62.4.
Founded in 1829, the university has six faculties covering areas including Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.
2. University of the Witwatersrand — South Africa
The University of the Witwatersrand, popularly known as Wits, ranked between 301st and 325th globally.
It recorded an overall score of between 53.4 and 54.8.
The university traces its origins to the South African School of Mines, established in 1896.
3. Stellenbosch University — South Africa
Stellenbosch University ranked between 326th and 350th globally, with an overall score of 52.3–53.3.
The institution operates across five campuses and has 10 faculties.
4. University of Johannesburg — South Africa
The University of Johannesburg was placed between 351st and 375th globally, scoring 51.6–52.2.
It was established in 2005 following the merger of Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand and parts of Vista University.
5. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University — Morocco
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University ranked between 376th and 400th globally, with a score of 50.5–51.5.
Established in 2016, the university focuses on areas including sustainable development, research and education.
6. University of Pretoria — South Africa
The University of Pretoria ranked between 451st and 500th globally, with an overall score of 47.4–48.7.
The university has nine faculties and a business school.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal — South Africa
The University of KwaZulu-Natal was placed between 501st and 550th globally, scoring 46.0–47.3.
The institution operates across five campuses and has links with more than 250 universities and other institutions worldwide.
8. American University in Cairo — Egypt
The American University in Cairo ranked between 701st and 800th globally, with an overall score of 40.2–42.3.
Established in 1919, the university has about 5,953 students.
9. University of the Western Cape — South Africa
The University of the Western Cape also ranked between 701st and 800th globally, scoring 40.2–42.3.
Founded in 1959, the university has seven faculties.
10. Al-Azhar University — Egypt
Al-Azhar University completed the African top 10, ranking between 801st and 1,000th globally.
Founded in Cairo in 970 AD, the institution is regarded as one of the oldest universities in the world.