The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 are out, and the University of Cape Town (UCT) has once again claimed the top spot in South Africa, breaking into the world’s top 200. Out of 13 South African institutions ranked this year (down from 14 in 2025), five came out ahead.
The Times Higher Education rankings measured 18 indicators across five categories:
- Teaching (the learning environment)
- Research environment (volume, income, reputation)
- Research quality (citation impact and influence)
- International outlook (staff, students, research collaboration)
- Industry engagement (income and patents)
These metrics, taken together, provide a balanced global comparison of research-intensive institutions, and this year, South Africa continues to hold its own among the best.
Top five universities in SA
1. University of Cape Town (UCT): UCT climbed to 164th place globally, up from 180th last year, reaffirming its status as South Africa’s leading institution, and the only local uni to rank in the world’s top 200.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Wits ranked second and featured within the 201–300 range.
3. Stellenbosch University: Stellenbosch continues to hold its position in the 301–400 range.
4. University of Johannesburg (UJ): UJ made one of the biggest moves this year – breaking into the top 400 for the first time.
5. University of Pretoria (UP): UP also improved its standing, now ranking in the top 600 worldwide.
Other notable mentions were:
- Nelson Mandela University, which entered the rankings this year, placed within the 1201–1500 range.
- Durban University of Technology (DUT) slipped out of the top 1500, while Fort Hare and Venda dropped off the list entirely.
Globally, the University of Oxford held onto the world’s number one spot for a record tenth consecutive year.
