Rankings of universities in South Africa

Short description: none

Location of South Africa

Lists that rank universities are regularly published by the popular press.[1] Intended originally as a marketing or a benchmarking tool, university rankings are also used for research evaluation and policy initiatives.[2]

Major ranking organizations (see tables below) attempt to fulfill a demand for information and transparency. However, rankings influence evaluation choices and distort higher education policies.[3] Organizations that publish these university rankings also use data analytics and maintain repositories of data that is related to institutions. They use this information to offering consulting services.[4]

The effect is that a few private data compnow are effectively responsible for educational governance.[5] Termed the “analytics-industrial complex" ranking are more than measurements of quality, these privately held rankings define quality, shaping policy discussions and decisions.[5]

These list producers also allow well remunerated[6] vice-chancellors to justify their remuneration and claim a top spot for their university in an educational league.

These ranking, the publishers claim, are determined by quantitative indicators.[7] Published research suggests otherwise, rankings are re-shaping public education and harming the academic project. According to an Independent Expert Group (IEG), convened by the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health,[1] Global university rankings are

* conceptually invalid
* based on flawed and insufficiently transparent data and methods
* biased towards research, STEM subjects, and English-speaking scholars
* are colonial and accentuate global, regional, and national inequalities.

Rankings of universities in South Africa are used to influence how students, parents, policymakers, employers, the wider public and other stakeholders think about higher education. These local league tables are based on international university rankings since there are no South African rankings yet. This absence might be attributed to international criticism of college and university rankings.

Its generally agreed that rankings apply questionable criteria and an opaque methodology. The Council for Higher Education (CHE) has recently taken a critical perspective on university rankings,[8] publishing an opinion that argues that rankings are both neocolonial and neoliberal. According to the author, more than 47 publishing companies have used “inappropriate indicators …as a proxy for offering a quality education”.[9]

Higher Education is being re-shaped by private for-profit companies[10] and are part of a billion-dollar profit center for the companies owning them.[11] Ranking companies prey on universities and governments in the global south, and their anxieties to be seen as a “world class” university.[11] This has led to number of gaming behaviors in the sector.[1]

This is a global problem, and it seems that Higher Education priorities are misplaced, with marketing and communications officials focused on branding their institutions, looking appealing to prospective students, by referring repeatedly to rankings, instead of focusing on the needs of actual students.[12] Since 2013, Rhodes University has held this critical position about rankings [13] Rhodes position was given credence by Wits University, when Wits recently re-published an article in “The Conversation”[14] entitled “ University rankings are unscientific and bad for education: experts point out the flaws”.[15]

This stance is increasingly supported by notable institutions beyond North America, such as the University of Zurich, Utrecht University, and some of the Indian Institutes of Technology.[16] Recently Nature concurred with this opinion that rankings are methodologically problematic.[9]

Notwithstanding the above information, the numerous international university rankings do seem to agree that South Africa's university system is the strongest on the continent: it is home to 8 of the top 10 highest ranked African universities.[17][18]

The University of Cape Town has for numerous years been the highest ranked university in Africa, and has a highly-regarded academic reputation, and significant contribution to global research.[19] The top five universities in South Africa are, in order of 2026 QS ranking, the University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, and University of Pretoria.[19]

## Contents

* 1 Context on South African higher educational institutions
* 2 Rankings
* 2.1 Times Higher Education World University rankings
* 2.2 QS World University rankings
* 2.3 ARWU/Shanghai
* 2.4 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)
* 2.5 Round University Ranking (RUR)
* 2.6 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking (USNWR Global‌)
* 2.7 Scimago Global‌ Rankings
* 2.8 University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP)
* 3 Admission Rates
* 4 See also
* 5 Notes
* 6 References

## Context on South African higher educational institutions

A 2010 Centre for Higher Education Transformation report identified three university clusters in South Africa, grouped according to function. The input variables used to group universities were:

* Percentage of headcount enrolment in science, engineering and technology
* Masters and doctoral enrolments
* Student-to-staff ratios
* Permanent staff with doctoral degrees
* Private and government income
* Student fee income

The output variables were:

* Student success rates
* Graduation rates
* Weighted research output units per permanent staff member

The Red cluster constitutes the top research-intensive universities. The Blue cluster consists of institutions focused primarily on technical training, while the Green cluster includes institutions which show characteristics of both missions. The clusters are:[20]

South African University Clusters

Red Cluster  | Green Cluster  | Blue Cluster
Top Research-Intensive Universities  | Research-Intensive Universities & Technical Training  | Technical Training
University of the Witwatersrand  | University of the Free State  | Vaal University of Technology
Stellenbosch University  | University of KwaZulu-Natal  | Central University of Technology
University of Cape Town  | North-West University  | Durban University of Technology
University of Pretoria  | University of Fort Hare  | Mangosuthu University of Technology
Rhodes University  | University of Limpopo  | Tshwane University of Technology
| University of the Western Cape  | Cape Peninsula University of Technology
| University of Johannesburg  | University of Venda
| Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University  | Walter Sisulu University
| University of Zululand  |

## Rankings

In part because of the inherent difficulty of ranking complex educational institutions, there are an expanding number of competing international university ranking schemes, each with a different emphasis. Four of the most prominent are the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (most widely accepted), The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), QS World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, sometimes referred to as the "Shanghai Rankings").

### Times Higher Education World University rankings

Top 10 South African University By World Ranking According To Times Higher Education

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranked the top South African universities as follows:[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]

Times Higher Education 2011 to 2024 South Africa Rank

SA Rank  | University  | World Rank
2024  | 2023  | 2022  | 2021  | 2020  | 2019  | 2018  | 2017  | 2016  | 2015  | 2014  | 2013  | 2012  | 2011
1  | University of Cape Town  | 167  | 160  | 183  | 155  | 136  | 136  | 171  | 148  | 120  | 124  | 126  | 126  | 103  | 107
=2  | Stellenbosch University  | 301–350  | 251–300  | 251–300  | 251–300  | 251–300  | 251–300  | 351–400  | 401-500  | 301-350  | 276-300  | 301-350  | 301-350  | 251-275  | \-
=2  | University of the Witwatersrand  | 301–350  | 251–300  | 251–300  | 201–250  | 194  | 194  | 251–300  | 182  | 201-250  | 251-275  | 226-250  | 226-250  | 251-275  | \-
4  | University of Johannesburg  | 401–500  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601-800  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=5  | University of KwaZulu-Natal  | 501–600  | 401–500  | 351–400  | 351–400  | 401–500  | 401–500  | 401–500  | 501-600  | 401-500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=5  | University of Pretoria  | 501–600  | 801–1000  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601-800  | 501-600  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=7  | North-West University  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 501–600  | 501–600  | 501–600  | 501–600  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=7  | University of the Western Cape  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601–800  | 601-800  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=9  | University of the Free State  | 801–1000  | 801–1000  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=9  | Rhodes University  | \-  | 801–1000  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=11  | Durban University of Technology  | 1001–1200  | 501–600  | 401–500  | 401–500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=11  | University of South Africa  | 1001–1200  | 1001–1200  | 801–1000  | 1001+  | 1001+  | 1001+  | 801–1000  | 801+  | 601-800  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=13  | University of Venda  | 1201–1500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=13  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 1201–1500  | \-  | 1001–1200  | 1001+  | 801–1000  | 801–1000  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=13  | Cape Peninsula University of Technology  | 1201–1500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=13  | University of Fort Hare  | \-  | 1201–1500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-

### QS World University rankings

Top 10 South African University By World Ranking According To QS (2004 through 2024)

QS World University Rankings ranked the top South African universities as in the table below.[35][36]

(Before 2010 the ranking was known as the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings)

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has consistently ranked as the top university not only in South Africa, but across the continent of Africa. In the 2026 QS ranking, UCT ranked first in the categories of Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Sustainability, and Web Impact.[19]

QS World University 2006 to 2026 South Africa Rank

SA Rank  | University  | World Rank
2026  | 2025  | 2024  | 2023  | 2022  | 2021  | 2020  | 2019  | 2018  | 2017  | 2016  | 2015  | 2014  | 2012  | 2010  | 2009  | 2008  | 2007  | 2006
1  | University of Cape Town  | 150  | 171  | 173  | 237  | 226  | 220  | 198  | 200  | 191  | 191  | 171  | 141  | 145  | 154  | 161  | 146  | 176  | 200  | 257
2  | University of Witwatersrand  | 291  | 267  | 264  | 428  | 424  | 403  | 400  | 381  | 364  | 359  | 331  | 318  | 313  | 363  | 360  | 321  | 319  | 282  | 322
3  | Stellenbosch University  | 302  | 296  | 283  | 454  | 482  | 456  | 427  | 405  | 361  | 395  | 401-410  | 390  | 387  | 401- 450  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
4  | University of Johannesburg  | 308  | 312  | 306  | 412  | 434  | 439  | 501-510  | 551-560  | 601-650  | 601-650  | 601-650  | 601-650  | 601-650  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
5  | University of Pretoria  | 362  | 354  | 323  | 591-600  | 601-650  | 561-570  | 551-560  | 561-570  | 501-550  | 551-600  | 501-550  | 471-480  | 471-480  | 501-550  | 451–500  | 401–500  | 501–600  | 469  | 509
6  | University of Kwazulu-Natal  | 558  | 587  | 621-630  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 751-800  | 701-750  | 651-700  | 551-600  | 501-550  | 501-550  | 551-600  | 501–550  | 501–600  | 401–500  | 487  | 484
7  | North-West University  | 951-1,000  | 851-900  | 801-850  | 1001-1200  | 1001-1200  | 1001+  | 1001+  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 701+  | 701+  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
8  | University of South Africa  | 901-950  | 851-900  | 851-900  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
9  | Rhodes University  | 1,001-1,200  | 951-1,000  | 901-950  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 701-750  | 551-600  | 501-550  | 601-650  | 551-600  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
10  | University of the Western Cape  | 951-1,000  | 951-1,000  | 951-1,000  | 1,001-1,200  | 1,001-1,200  | 1,001+  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 801-1,000  | 701+  | 701+  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
11  | University of the Free State  | 1,001-1,200  | 1,001-1,200  | 1,001-1,200  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-

### ARWU/Shanghai

Top 10 South African University By World Ranking According To ARWU

The Academic Ranking of World Universities has ranked the top South African universities as follows:

ARWU/Shanghai 2003 to 2024 South Africa Rank  SA
rank  | University  | World Rank

|
|

2023[37] | 2022[38] | 2021[39] | 2020[40] | 2019[41] | 2018[42] | 2017[43] | 2016[44] | 2015[45] | 2014[46] | 2013[47] | 2012[48] | 2011  | 2010[49] | 2009[50] | 2008[51] | 2007[52] | 2006[53] | 2005[54] | 2004[55] | 2003[56]
1  | University of Cape Town  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 301-400  | 201-300  | 201-300 | 201–300 | 201–300 | 201–300  | 201–300 | 201–300 | 201–302 | 201–302 | 203–304 | 201–300 | 203–300 | 202–301 | 251–300
2  | University of the Witwatersrand  | 301-400  | 301-400  | 301-400  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 301-400  | 201-300  | 201-300  | 201-300 | 201–300 | 301–400 | 301–400  | 301–400 | 301–400 | 303–401 | 303–401 | 305–402 | 301–400 | 301–400 | 302–403 | 451–500
=3  | Stellenbosch University  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500 | 401–500 | 401–500 | 401–500  | 401–500 | 401–500 | 402–501 | 402–503 | 403–510 | 401–500 | 401–500 | 404–502 | 451–500
=3  | University of Pretoria  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=5  | North-West University  | 501-600  | 601-700  | 601-700  | 601-700  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=5  | University of Johannesburg  | 501-600  | 401-500  | 601-700  | 601-700  | \-  | \-  | 401-500  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
=5  | University of KwaZulu-Natal  | 501-600  | 501-600  | 601-700  | 501-600  | 401-500  | \-  | 401-500  | 401-500  | 401-500 | 401–500 | - | \-  |  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | \-
8  | University of South Africa  | 901-1000  | 901-1000  | 601-700  | 801-900  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
9  | University of the Free State  | \-  | 901-1000  | 901-1000  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-
10  | Rhodes University  | \-  | \-  | \-  | 901-1000  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  |  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-  | \-

Note: These are the only ranked South African universities.

### Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

The CWUR ranked the top South African Universities as follows:[57][58]

2024 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

SA Rank | University | 2024[59]
1 | University of Cape Town | 271
2 | University of the Witwatersrand | 291
3 | Stellenbosch University | 440
4 | University of KwaZulu-Natal | 483
5 | University of Pretoria | 538
6 | University of Johannesburg | 624
7 | North-West University | 869
8  | University of the Free State  | 1127
9  | University of Western Cape  | 1154
10  | University of South Africa  | 1293
11  | Rhodes University  | 1321
12  | Nelson Mandela University  | 1707
13  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 1959

### Round University Ranking (RUR)

2024 Round University Ranking (RUR)

SA Rank | University | 2024[60]
1 | University of Cape Town | 176
2  | University of Witwatersrand  | 396
3  | University of KwaZulu Natal  | 442
4  | Stellenbosch University  | 458
5  | University of Johannesburg  | 490
6  | University of Pretoria  | 503
7  | University of South Africa  | 683

### U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking (USNWR Global‌)

2024 USNWR Global‌ Rankings

SA Rank | University | 2024[61]
1 | University of Cape Town | 116
2  | University of Witwatersrand  | 264
3  | Stellenbosch University  | 311
4  | University of Johannesburg  | 357
5  | University of Kwazulu Natal  | 401
6  | University of Pretoria  | 439
7  | North West University  | 540
8  | University of the Western Cape  | 726
9  | University of South Africa  | 861
10  | University of the Free State  | 912
11  | Rhodes University  | 953
12  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 1181
13  | Durban University of Technology  | 1223
14  | Nelson Mandela University  | 1268
15  | University of Limpopo  | 2182
16  | University of Venda  | Unranked

### Scimago Global‌ Rankings

2024 Scimago Global‌ University Rankings

SA Rank | University | 2024[62]
1 | University of Cape Town | 838
2  | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg  | 1247
3  | Stellenbosch University  | 1295
4  | University of Pretoria  | 1297
5  | University of KwaZulu-Natal *  | 1354
6  | University of Johannesburg  | 1699
7  | North-West University  | 2201
8  | University of South Africa  | 2779
9  | University of the Western Cape  | 3498
10  | University of the Free State  | 4236
11  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 4691
12  | University of Fort Hare  | 4865
13  | Rhodes University  | 5258
14  | Durban University of Technology  | 5769
15  | University of Venda  | 5959
16  | Walter Sisulu University  | 5969
17  | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University  | 5994
18  | Cape Peninsula University of Technology  | 6246
19  | University of Limpopo  | 6884
20  | Central University of Technology, Free State  | 7065
21  | University of Zululand  | 7105
22  | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University  | 7294
23  | Vaal University of Technology  | 7811

### University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP)

URAP, which is a newer ranking scheme based solely on quantitative measures of academic productivity, includes data for a larger number of global universities, and thus gives an alternative view of the relative standing of more South African institutions. The 2020-2021 edition of URAP ranked the top South African Universities as follows:[63]

2024 URAP University Rankings

SA Rank | University | 2024[62]
1  | University of Cape Town  | 243
2 | University of Witwatersrand | 340
3  | Stellenbosch University  | 362
4  | University of Kwazulu Natal  | 371
5  | University of Johannesburg  | 467
6  | University of Pretoria  | 475
7  | North West University  | 589
8  | University of the Free State  | 884
9  | University of South Africa  | 970
10  | University of the Western Cape  | 1048
11  | Rhodes University  | 1298
12  | Durban University of Technology  | 1328
13  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 1392
14  | Nelson Mandela University  | 1432
15  | University of Fort Hare  | 1952
16  | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University  | 2229
17  | University of Venda  | 2255
18  | Cape Peninsula University of Technology  | 2365
19  | University of Limpopo  | 2420
20  | Walter Sisulu University  | 2653
21  | University of Zululand  | 2735
22  | Vaal University of Technology (VUT)  | 2938

## Admission Rates

University admissions in South Africa are highly competitive. South Africa has many universities renowned for their quality education and research opportunities. The limited number of spots available and the growing demand for tertiary education create high competition among matriculating students.

South African universities have some of the lowest admission rates, as only NSC Results, standardized test scores (National Benchmark Test) and demographic information play a role in determining admission.

In 2023, around 900 000 students participated in the NSC final exams, with around 570 000 students passing. South African universities have around 140 000 spaces for first years. Application costs range from Free to R300 ($15). Applications request the student's Grade 11 NSC results, Gender, Race and additionally may require the student to take the National Benchmark Test. Acceptance rates range from 1.35% to 20%.[64]

University Admissions Rates in South Africa [lower-alpha 1][lower-alpha 2]
[What do the asterisks mean?] SA Rank  | University name  | Applications  | Accepted
students  | Acceptance
rate  | Source

|
|
|
|
|

1  | University of Cape Town  | 92 841  | 4 500  | 4.85%  | [65][66]
=2  | Stellenbosch University  | 88 085  | 5 600  | 6.36%  | [67]
=2  | University of the Witwatersrand  | 140 000  | 6 000  | 4.29%  | [68]
4  | University of Johannesburg  | 283 000  | 10 500  | 3.71%  | [69]
=5  | University of Pretoria  | 116 994  | 7 675  | 6.56%  | [70]
=5  | University of Kwazulu Natal  | 120 000  | 9 000  | 7.50%  | [71]
=7  | University of the Western Cape  | 70 000*  | 4 500  | 6.43%  | [72]
=7  | North West University  | 181 000*  | 11 717  | 6.47%  | [73]
=9  | University of the Free State  | 240 393*  | 8 100  | 3.37%  | [74]
=11  | Durban University of Technology  | 174 925  | 8 564  | 4.90%  | [75]
=13  | University of Fort Hare  | 258 726  | 3 500  | 1.35%  | [76][77]
=13  | Tshwane University of Technology  | 100 000  | 12 549  | 12.55%  | [78]
n/a  | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University  | 67 022*  | 7 200  | 10.74%  | [79][80]
n/a  | Cape Peninsula University of Technology  | 72 000  | 9 000  | 12.50%  | [81]
n/a  | University of Zululand  | 184 021  | 6 085  | 3.31%  | [82]
n/a  | Vaal University of Technology  | 20 989  | 5 404  | 25.75%  | [83]
n/a  | Central University of Technology  | 211 186*  | 6 283  | 2.98%  | [84]
n/a  | Walter Sisulu University  | 304 671*  | 7 000  | 2.30%  | [85]
n/a  | University of Limpopo  | 200 000  | 5 100  | 2.55%  | [86][87]

## See also

* College and university rankings

## Notes

1. ↑ * University has free Applications
2. ↑ SA Rank Based on Times Higher Education World University Rankings

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Independent Expert Group (IEG) (2023). ﻿Statement on Global University Rankings﻿ (Report). United Nations University - International Institute for Global Health. doi:10.37941/pb/2023/2. https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:9299/Statement-on-Global-University-Rankings.pdf.
2. ↑ Kochetkov, Dmitry (2024). "University rankings in the context of research evaluation: A state-of-the-art review" (in en). Quantitative Science Studies: 1–23. doi:10.1162/qss_a_00317.
3. ↑ Chirikov, Igor (2023-10-01). "Does conflict of interest distort global university rankings?" (in en). Higher Education 86 (4): 791–808. doi:10.1007/s10734-022-00942-5. ISSN 1573-174X.
4. ↑ "Rise of data empires signals the end of academic autonomy" (in en). https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2025031909283299.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Glass, Chris R.; Blanco, Gerardo (2025-03-09). "The New Analytics-Industrial Complex in Higher Education: Data, Governance, and Power" (in en). International Higher Education. doi:10.6017/895b9e0d.6324ea00. https://ihe.bc.edu/pub/j49thy96/release/1?readingCollection=7e1537e1.
6. ↑ "Vice-chancellors' salaries a 'runaway train' in South Africa" (in en). https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240227141740239.
7. ↑ Hazelkorn, Ellen (2011) (in en). Rankings and the Reshaping of Higher Education. doi:10.1057/9780230306394. ISBN 978-1-349-31821-6. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9780230306394.
8. ↑ McKenna, Sioux (2024). "Critical Look at the University Ranking Industry". https://www.che.ac.za/file/7561/download?token=e_bh_dUJ.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Gadd, Elizabeth (26 November 2020). "University rankings need a rethink". Nature 587 (7835): 523. doi:10.1038/d41586-020-03312-2. PMID 33235367. Bibcode: 2020Natur.587..523G.
10. ↑ Fonn, Sharon (2024-02-12). "University rankings are unscientific and bad for education: experts point out the flaws" (in en-US). http://theconversation.com/university-rankings-are-unscientific-and-bad-for-education-experts-point-out-the-flaws-223033.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Hungary's big deal with 'THE' rankings: What's going on?" (in en). https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240523152105824.
12. ↑ "Weekend reading: Dismantling the marketisation of higher education" (in en-GB). 2024-05-11. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/05/11/weekend-reading-dismantling-the-marketisation-of-higher-education/.
13. ↑ "A decade later Rhodes University says 'we told you so' on rankings obsession" (in en-US). 2011-07-21. https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/adecadelaterrhodesuniversitysayswetoldyousoonrankingsobsession-2.html.
14. ↑ Sharon, Finn (2024). "University rankings are unscientific and bad for education: experts point out the flaws". https://theconversation.com/university-rankings-are-unscientific-and-bad-for-education-experts-point-out-the-flaws-223033.
15. ↑ "University rankings are unscientific and bad for education: Experts point out the flaws". 12 February 2024. https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/opinion/2024/2024-02/university-rankings-are-unscientific-and-bad-for-education-experts-point-out-the-flaws.html.
16. ↑ "'THE' rankings: What happens to universities that leave?" (in en). https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240423081048420.
17. ↑ "URAP – University Ranking by Academic Performance". http://www.urapcenter.org/2013/region.php?rcode=AF.
18. ↑ "Best universities in Africa 2024". 2024. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-africa.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Luke Fraser (12 February 2026). "South African universities dominate in new international ranking". BusinessTech. https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/850585/south-african-universities-dominate-international-ranking/.
20. ↑ McGregor, Karen (23 May 2010). "SOUTH AFRICA: New university clusters emerge". University World News. http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20100523104119724.
21. ↑ "World University Rankings 2024 (South Africa)" (in en). 2024-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
22. ↑ "World University Rankings 2023 (South Africa)" (in en). 2023-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
23. ↑ "World University Rankings 2022 (South Africa)" (in en). 2022-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2022/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
24. ↑ "World University Rankings 2021 (South Africa)" (in en). 2021-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2021/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
25. ↑ "World University Rankings 2020 (South Africa)" (in en). 2020-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
26. ↑ "World University Rankings 2019 (South Africa)" (in en). 2019-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
27. ↑ "World University Rankings 2018 (South Africa)" (in en). 2018-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
28. ↑ "World University Rankings 2017 (South Africa)" (in en). 2017-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2017/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
29. ↑ "World University Rankings 2016 (South Africa)" (in en). 2016-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2016/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
30. ↑ "World University Rankings 2015 (South Africa)" (in en). 2015-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2015/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
31. ↑ "World University Rankings 2014 (South Africa)" (in en). 2014-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2014/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
32. ↑ "World University Rankings 2013 (South Africa)" (in en). 2013-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2013/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
33. ↑ "World University Rankings 2012 (South Africa)" (in en). 2012-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2012/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
34. ↑ "World University Rankings 2011 (South Africa)" (in en). 2011-10-20. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2011/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats.
35. ↑ "QS World University Rankings 2024" (in en). https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings.
36. ↑ Luke Fraser (19 June 2025). "South African universities rank the best in the world in important area". BusinessTech. https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/828298/south-african-universities-rank-the-best-in-the-world-in-important-area/.
37. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2023.
38. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2022.
39. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2021.
40. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2020.
41. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2019.
42. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2018.
43. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2017.
44. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2016.
45. ↑ "ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities". https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2015.
46. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2014". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.shanghairanking.com/World-University-Rankings-2014/South-Africa.html.
47. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2013". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.shanghairanking.com/World-University-Rankings-2013/South-Africa.html.
48. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2010". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.shanghairanking.com/Country2012Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
49. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2010". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2010Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
50. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2009". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2009Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
51. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2008". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2008Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
52. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2007". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2007Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
53. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2006". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2006Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
54. ↑ "South Africa Universities in Top 500 – 2005". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/Country2005Main.jsp?param=South Africa.
55. ↑ "ARWU 2004". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2004.jsp.
56. ↑ "ARWU 2003". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2003.jsp.
57. ↑ "CWUR 2018-2019 Top Universities in the World". https://cwur.org/2018-19.php.
58. ↑ "CWUR 2015 Top Universities in the World". https://cwur.org/2015.php.
59. ↑ "World University Rankings 2024 | Global 2000 List | CWUR" (in en). https://cwur.org/2024.php.
60. ↑ "World University Rankings". https://roundranking.com/ranking/world-university-rankings.html#world-2024.
61. ↑ "U.S. News Best Global Universities". 2024. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search?region=africa&country=south-africa.
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 "University Rankings - South Africa 2024". https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?sector=Higher+educ.&country=ZAF.
63. ↑ "URAP – University Ranking by Academic Performance". Top Universities. Informatics Institute of Middle East Technical University. https://www.urapcenter.org/Rankings/2020-2021/World_Ranking_2020-2021.
64. ↑ "Matric Results 2023: Class of 2023 Records an Improved 82.9% Pass Rate" (in en-ZA). 2024-01-19. https://gauteng.net/news/matric-results-2023-pass-rate/.
65. ↑ "Orientation at UCT approaches, 4 500 first-year students expected" (in en-US). https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/peoples-post/orientation-at-uct-approaches-4-500-first-year-students-expected-20240124.
66. ↑ "UCT to welcome 4 500 first-year students". January 2024. https://www.news.uct.ac.za/images/userfiles/downloads/media/2024_01_24_UCT to welcome 4 500 first-year students.pdf.
67. ↑ "Western Cape universities ready for influx of undergraduates". https://www.iol.co.za/news/education/western-cape-universities-ready-for-influx-of-undergraduates-4d06f840-f154-47e2-94af-59f67a968eb4#:~:text=Stellenbosch University received 88,085 first,5,600 first-year undergraduate students..
68. ↑ Roux, Kabous Le. "Wits receives 140 000 applications for just 6000 places" (in en). https://www.ewn.co.za/wits-receives-over-140-000-applications-for-just-6000-places/#:~:text=It receives far more applications,applications than they can approve..
69. ↑ "UJ congratulates the Class of 2023, underscores virtualised 2024 registration" (in en-US). https://news.uj.ac.za/news/uj-congratulates-the-class-of-2023-underscores-virtualised-2024-registration/.
70. ↑ "Core Students Statistics". https://www.up.ac.za/department-of-institutional-planning/article/2834454/core-students-statistics.
71. ↑ "UKZN received a whopping 120,000 first-year applications for only 9,000 spots, and here are the most popular courses". https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/ukzn-received-a-whopping-120000-first-year-applications-for-only-9000-spots-and-here-are-the-most-popular-courses-a5747eaf-5b37-429e-a82d-9d68c78d56cb.
72. ↑ webportal@uwc.ac.za. "Admission Support Services" (in en). https://www.uwc.ac.za/admission-and-financial-aid/admission-support-services.
73. ↑ "NWU at full capacity for 2024 intake | news.nwu.ac.za". https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwu-full-capacity-2024-intake#:~:text=The NWU has reached full,of our approved enrollment targets..
74. ↑ Setena, Teboho. "Applications overwhelming" (in en-US). https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/express-news/applications-overwhelming-20240123.
75. ↑ "Universities in KZN receive thousands of applications but have limited spaces for first-year students". https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/universities-in-kzn-receive-thousands-of-applications-but-have-limited-spaces-for-first-year-students-3b582227-5ca2-4c6f-9970-1adf021d16dd#:~:text=Alan Khan, senior director of,scheduled to end on Friday.”.
76. ↑ "UFH officially opens for its 107th Academic Year and welcomes 2023 first-years cohort". https://www.ufh.ac.za/news/News/UFHofficiallyopensits107thAcademicYearandwelcomes2023firstyearscohort#:~:text=With these words of affirmation, the University,the University's main campus in Alice, five.
77. ↑ "Fort Hare Applications". https://www.ufh.ac.za/news/News/UFHcontinuesbeUniversitychoice224000applicationsreceived2024academicyear#:~:text=For the previous year (2023,year-on-year increase..
78. ↑ "Tshwane University of Technology - Come Let us Make History Together! Welcome to the 2024 Academic Year". https://www.tut.ac.za/latest-news/71-come-let-us-make-history-together-welcome-to-the-2024-academic-year.
79. ↑ "NMU welcomes 7,200 new students as academic year begins" (in en-ZA). https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2024-02-05-nmu-welcomes-7200-new-students-as-academic-year-begins/.
80. ↑ "Nelson Mandela University Update – 21 January 2022". https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Nelson-Mandela-University-Update-–-21-January-2022#:~:text=Mandela University received a total,for the 2021 academic year..
81. ↑ "First year welcome". https://www.cput.ac.za/newsroom/events/event/466-first-year-welcome#:~:text=Annually CPUT welcomes close to 9 000,can be assured of a warm welcome..
82. ↑ "UNI ZULU Application Report". https://www.unizulu.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/UNIZULU-2021-Annual-Report-for-Web-1.pdf.
83. ↑ "VUT 2020 registrations – smooth, swift and efficient – Vaal University of Technology" (in en-US). https://www.vut.ac.za/vut-2020-registrations-smooth-swift-and-efficient/.
84. ↑ Setena, Teboho. "University overwhelmed by number of applications" (in en-US). https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/express-news/university-overwhelmed-by-number-of-applications-20230124.
85. ↑ "More than 300,000 apply, but only 7,000 first-year spots available at WSU" (in en-ZA). https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2024-02-13-more-than-300000-apply-but-only-7000-first-year-spots-available-at-wsu/.
86. ↑ Mathebula, Refilwe (2024-01-23). "UL urges students with acceptance letters to register online" (in en-US). https://www.capricornfm.co.za/ul-urges-students-with-acceptance-letters-to-register-online/.
87. ↑ Sobuwa, Yoliswa. "Students left in limbo" (in en-US). https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/students-left-in-limbo-20230217.

* v
* t
* e

University ranking systems

Global|

* Academic Ranking of World Universities
* CWTS Leiden Ranking
* Global University Ranking
* Mines ParisTech: Professional Ranking of World Universities
* Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities
* QS World University Rankings
* Round University Ranking
* SCImago Institutions Rankings
* Times Higher Education World University Rankings
* University Ranking by Academic Performance
* U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking
* Webometrics Ranking of World Universities
* Center for World University Rankings

Regional|

* European Union
* Latin America
* South East Asia

National|

* Australia
* Excellence in Research for Australia
* Brazil
* Canada
* Maclean's
* China
* BCUR
* Wu Shulian
* CUAA
* Netbig
* Germany
* India
* Japan
* Going broke universities – Disappearing universities
* Truly Strong Universities
* Mexico
* ECUM
* Pakistan
* Russia
* South Africa
* United Kingdom
* United States
* Center for Measuring University Performance
* Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index
* Forbes
* The Princeton Review
* U.S. News & World Report
* Washington Monthly
* What Will They Learn?

Criticism|

* North America
* 2007 United States

Category

Template:South African universities

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankings of universities in South Africa. Read more

|

Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Organization:Rankings_of_universities_in_South_Africa&oldid=4267673"
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template