The University of Cape Town (UCT) has once again secured its position as the highest-ranked university in Africa, according to the 2025 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). With a global ranking of 275th out of over 21,000 institutions, UCT stands tall in the top 1.3% of universities worldwide.
UCT’s continued success is driven by its excellence in teaching, graduate outcomes, and research. The university scored 77.4 overall, placing 186th in education, 201st in employability, and 253rd in research. These numbers reflect UCT’s consistent performance across key academic indicators.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela emphasized that UCT’s mission goes beyond rankings. “While we pride ourselves in academic excellence, our mission is also about contributing to the betterment of South Africa, Africa, and the world,” he said.
Despite a slight drop from 271st in 2024, UCT’s position remains strong amid growing global competition. The number of ranked institutions rose from 20,966 to 21,462 this year, making UCT’s consistency even more impressive.
UCT’s impact extends beyond academics. The university is a leader in sustainability, ranking 23rd globally in Clean Water and Sanitation and 13th in Life Below Water. It also ranks 7th worldwide for Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings, UCT also placed 155th globally, further cementing its reputation as a world-class institution.
UCT’s legacy includes a long list of influential alumni and groundbreaking research. From Nobel laureates to global health pioneers, the university continues to shape the future of Africa’s intellectual and social landscape.
As South Africa’s higher education sector evolves, UCT’s leadership sets a benchmark for innovation, inclusion, and global relevance.
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