Times Higher Education (THE) has released its World University Rankings 2027, and Africa's leading institutions have once again shown their strength on the global stage. Based on teaching quality, research environment, research quality, industry connections, and international outlook, the rankings compare more than 2,200 universities worldwide. Here are the 10 best universities in Africa according to the 2027 edition.
1. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Africa's top university climbed to joint 147th in the world, up from joint 164th last year, making it the continent's clear leader in research and teaching excellence.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
"Wits" sits in the 301–325 band globally, powered by strong industry connections and one of the continent's most productive research environments.
3. Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Ranked in the 326–350 band worldwide, Stellenbosch pairs rigorous academics with an outstanding international outlook.
4. University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
Placed in the 351–375 global band, UJ has cemented itself among Africa's elite through rapid research growth and strong teaching scores.
5. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (Morocco)
North Africa's rising star enters the top five, ranked in the 376–400 band globally, a remarkable feat for such a young institution.
6. University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Ranked in the 451–500 band worldwide, with notably strong industry engagement and knowledge transfer.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
UKZN holds the 501–550 global band, rounding out South Africa's dominance of the top seven.
=8. American University in Cairo (Egypt)
Joint 8th in Africa and in the 701–800 global band, Egypt's flagship private university earns the continent's best international outlook score in the top 10.
=8. University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
Also joint 8th in Africa, with exceptional research quality that outperforms many higher-ranked peers.
=10. A continental tie, with Uganda's Makerere University in the mix
The 10th spot is shared by 14 institutions in the 801–1000 global band, including Al-Azhar University, Cairo University, Covenant University, University of Ghana, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and, proudly for Uganda, Makerere University, ranked =10th in Africa and the top performer in East Africa.
South Africa leads the continent with seven of the top 10, but the rise of institutions in Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda shows the gap is closing. For Ugandan students and graduates, the message is encouraging: world-class quality is emerging right at home.
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