Wits tops Africa in university world rankings

by Chumasande Matiwane
Wits was ranked the number one university in Africa.

The University of Witwatersrand officially claimed the top spot in Africa in the 2026 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR).  Ranked 200th globally out of 21,291 universities, the university ranks firmly in the top 1% worldwide. 

This huge milestone reflects the university’s enduring commitment to academic and research excellence, innovation, and the advancement of the public good. 

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Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi FRS, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said, “This remarkable achievement confirms Wits University’s position as a leading African institution with global reach and relevance. We are proud that Wits has earned its place in this ranking.

“Notwithstanding some of the misgivings around ranking systems, this ranking is important because it uses objective data to rank universities on education, research, faculty, and the employability of graduates.”

This achievement follows another major one for Wits as the tertiary institution is the top-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.  

Such accolades could only mean one thing: Wits is putting in the work to be amongst the best. 

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Social media users applaud Wits’ top ranking

People on social media, particularly X, have been reacting to the news, with no user tweeting, “Congratulations to Wits on being ranked as the No. 1 best-ranked university in Africa. Indeed, Wits for life. Wits gives you the edge.” 

The Centre on African Philanthropy & Social Investment also congratulated the university, saying, “Congratulations to the entire Wits community! Wits has been ranked the No. 1 university in Africa in the 2026 Centre for World University Rankings. A testament to the outstanding work of our researchers, academics, staff and students.” 

The CWUR is widely regarded as one of the most objective and transparent global university ranking systems, so this ranking demonstrates that Wits performed exceptionally in areas that directly reflect real-world influence and graduate success. 

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