Top 10 of the Best Universities in Africa in 2024

1. University of Cape Town (UCT) - South Africa

The University of Cape Town maintains its position as the premier university in Africa, ranking 171st globally in 2024. Founded in 1829, UCT is renowned for its research output, diverse student body, and picturesque campus at the foot of Table Mountain. The university excels in fields such as HIV/AIDS research, climate change studies, and social justice initiatives.

Official website: https://www.uct.ac.za

2. Stellenbosch University - South Africa

Stellenbosch University, situated in the Western Cape Winelands, ranks in the 301-350 bracket globally. Established in 1918, it has grown into a leading research-intensive university in Africa. The institution is known for its beautiful campus and excellence in fields like viticulture, biotechnology, and business studies.

Official website: https://www.sun.ac.za

3. University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa

Commonly known as "Wits," the University of the Witwatersrand shares the 301-350 global ranking bracket. Located in Johannesburg, Wits has played a significant role in South Africa's history since its establishment in 1896. The university is particularly noted for its strong performance in research and teaching, with world-class facilities in disciplines such as mining engineering and economic sciences.

Official website: https://www.wits.ac.za

4. University of Johannesburg - South Africa

The University of Johannesburg, established in 2005, ranks in the 401-500 bracket globally. UJ is recognized for its innovative approach to education and research, particularly in engineering, economics, and humanities. The university's commitment to accessible education is evident in its diverse student body and multiple campuses across Johannesburg.

Official website: https://www.uj.ac.za

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa

The University of KwaZulu-Natal, formed in 2004, falls in the 501-600 bracket globally. UKZN is known for its diverse student body and strong community engagement. The university excels in fields such as agriculture, development studies, and health sciences.

Official website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za

6. University of Pretoria - South Africa

The University of Pretoria, one of the largest universities in South Africa, shares the 501-600 global ranking bracket. UP is highly regarded for its research output and academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in veterinary science, engineering, and business management.

Official website: https://www.up.ac.za

7. University of Cape Coast - Ghana

The University of Cape Coast, established in 1962, ranks in the 601-800 bracket globally. Originally founded to train teachers, UCC has expanded its scope and is now known for its programs in education, agriculture, and coastal research.

Official website: https://ucc.edu.gh

8. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) - Egypt

E-JUST, founded in 2010, shares the 601-800 global ranking bracket. This unique partnership between Egypt and Japan offers cutting-edge programs in fields such as robotics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology.

Official website: https://ejust.edu.eg

9. North-West University - South Africa

North-West University, formed in 2004, also falls in the 601-800 bracket globally. NWU is known for its multi-campus structure and emphasis on transformation and innovation. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in the natural sciences, engineering, and education.

Official website: http://www.nwu.ac.za

10. University of the Western Cape - South Africa

The University of the Western Cape, founded in 1959, shares the 601-800 global ranking bracket. UWC has a strong reputation for its commitment to diversity and social justice. The university is known for its strengths in the humanities, natural sciences, and law.

Official website: https://www.uwc.ac.za

These rankings highlight the dominance of South African universities in the continent's top tier, with seven out of the top ten institutions. However, the presence of universities from Ghana and Egypt in the top 10 demonstrates the growing strength of higher education across the continent.