The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 have landed, and South Africa has plenty to be proud of. Thirteen local universities made this year’s list, which ranks 2,191 institutions across 115 countries and territories, putting the country firmly on the global higher education map.
Among the top performers are Johannesburg’s own academic powerhouses, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Wits secured a spot in the 301–350 band, ranking third overall in South Africa, while UJ came in just behind at 351–400, earning the title of the fourth-best university in the country.
The Times Higher Education rankings are widely considered the gold standard in global academia, trusted by students, university leaders, and governments alike. They assess universities across four key pillars: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, using 18 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide a comprehensive picture of how institutions perform worldwide.
Joburg’s academic scene is having a moment
While South Africa didn’t crack the world’s top 100 this year, having 12 institutions recognised in the THE 2026 rankings is no small feat. Wits and UJ, both deeply embedded in the city’s fabric, are not only producing world-class graduates but also driving research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, key ingredients for a thriving urban future.
Wits’ continued presence among the top 350 globally cements its reputation as a research powerhouse. At the same time, UJ’s rise in recent years highlights how accessible, innovative education can make a global impact without losing local relevance.
Why this matters for Johannesburg
For a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, world-class universities are a crucial part of the mix. They attract global talent, spark collaboration across industries, and contribute to the city’s creative and economic heartbeat.
It also means more opportunities for local students to get a world-class education without ever leaving the city.
A win for South Africa’s higher education
Other South African universities also made the cut, including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which ranked in the top five locally. Collectively, they show that the country’s universities remain competitive on a global scale, even against institutions with significantly larger budgets.
The recognition also enhances South Africa’s appeal to international students seeking quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and research opportunities on a vibrant continent.
For Johannesburg, these results are a reminder that world-class innovation doesn’t only happen overseas, it’s growing right here, in the heart of South Africa’s most dynamic city.
Whether it’s cutting-edge medical research at Wits, sustainability breakthroughs at UJ, or the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from both, Joburg’s universities are shaping the city’s future, one graduate at a time.
In case you missed it: University of Johannesburg ranked # 23 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings globally
Did you know: Johannesburg ranked among the world’s most inclusive cities?
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