**Top African University Rises in Global Rankings**
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has once again secured its position as Africa’s highest-ranked university, according to the latest US News Best Global Universities Rankings for 2026-2027. Released on June 17, the rankings place UCT at 122nd globally, an improvement from its previous position of 124th. This achievement positions UCT among the top 5% of the 2,250 universities evaluated worldwide.
The latest rankings reinforce UCT’s reputation as a leading research institution in Africa and highlight South Africa's significant contributions to global scientific and academic research. Unlike other university rankings that may prioritize factors such as student experience and employability, the US News rankings focus primarily on research output, academic reputation, publications, citations, and international collaboration.
UCT attributes its improved ranking to its increasing impact in various research areas that address pressing societal issues, including infectious diseases, public health, mental health, and environmental studies. Professor Thokozani Majozi, UCT’s deputy vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation, emphasized that the university's influence extends beyond mere rankings. He stated, “Our mission is to deliver outstanding teaching and learning, while advancing both curiosity-driven research and work that addresses the evolving challenges of our time.” Majozi added that these efforts contribute to shaping a sustainable future, reflecting the breadth of UCT's impact.
In addition to the US News rankings, UCT also performed strongly in the 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, released shortly after on June 18, 2026. In this assessment, UCT was placed within the top 2% of over 8,808 institutions evaluated globally, further solidifying its status as a premier educational institution on the continent.
One of UCT’s notable strengths lies in its research on infectious diseases, where it achieved a remarkable global ranking of 14th. This recognition is particularly significant given South Africa's ongoing battle against diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Professor Digby Warner, director of UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, remarked that this recognition reflects years of dedicated research conducted in communities that are heavily impacted by these health challenges. “This recognition is especially meaningful because much of this work is conducted in settings where infectious diseases remain among the most urgent health challenges,” Warner noted.
The rankings are based on research data collected between 2020 and 2024, alongside academic reputation surveys conducted from 2021 to 2025. UCT’s strong performance in these rankings not only enhances the global recognition of South African qualifications but also aids in attracting research funding, establishing international partnerships, and drawing academic talent to the university.
As UCT continues to advance its research capabilities, particularly in health sciences and environmental research, it remains committed to addressing complex challenges both locally and globally. The university's ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality education and impactful research are expected to further elevate its standing in future rankings, solidifying its role as a leader in higher education in Africa.