The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 have been released, featuring 69 universities from 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, up from 55 universities from 14 countries last year. This growth reflects the increasing presence of African universities on the global stage. South Africa remains the region's higher education leader, with 17 universities included in the rankings. The rankings were released during the World Academic Summit, held in Cape Town and jointly hosted by the University of Cape Town and Britain's University of Bristol.
South Africa continues to dominate the region's higher education landscape, with five universities in the global top 500 and eight in the top 1,000. The University of Cape Town has climbed to joint 147th, its best position in seven years and its first return to the global top 150 since the 2020 edition. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the institution. Nigeria is the region's most represented country, with 29 universities featured in the rankings. Nigeria had three universities in the global top 1,000, all in the 801-1,000 band.
Other African countries have also made significant contributions to the rankings. Ghana has two institutions in the 801-1,000 band. Malawi has entered the rankings for the first time, with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences placed in the 1,201-1,400 band. Ethiopia has returned to the rankings with Mekelle University in the same band. These additions demonstrate the growing diversity of African universities in the global rankings.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 cover 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories, an increase of 106 institutions from last year. The rankings are based on an analysis of almost 20 million research papers, nearly one million votes from an Academic Reputation Survey, and institutional data from over 3,000 universities worldwide. This comprehensive methodology ensures that the rankings provide an accurate reflection of global higher education.
According to Times Higher Education Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty, the results reflect a growing presence of African universities internationally. He noted that Africa is a growing force in the geopolitics of knowledge, and its universities are earning a growing presence on the world stage. This growth is likely to continue in the coming years.
The University of Oxford has retained the top position for an 11th consecutive year. The rankings provide a valuable benchmark for universities around the world, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. For African universities, the rankings offer an opportunity to showcase their achievements and compete with institutions from other regions.
The expansion of African universities in the global rankings is a positive trend that is likely to continue. With more universities from the region featured in the rankings, there is a growing recognition of the quality of higher education in Africa. The rankings will be closely watched by universities, policymakers, and stakeholders around the world.
Key points
- The University of Cape Town has returned to the top 150 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
- A total of 69 universities from 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa feature in the rankings.
- South Africa remains the region's higher education leader, with 17 universities included in the rankings.
