UCT achieves highest QS ranking in a decade

Dear colleagues and students

It gives me great pleasure to share that the University of Cape Town (UCT) has achieved its highest position in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings in the past decade, climbing to 150th globally in the 2026 rankings released on 19 June 2025. This marks a 21-place rise from last year and places UCT firmly within the top 3% of just over 8 400 institutions evaluated – once again affirming our position as Africa’s leading university.

This achievement is a significant milestone. It is not just about a number; it is a powerful reflection of the collective effort, dedication and excellence of our staff and students. Each of you has played a part in this success, and I extend my sincere appreciation.

The improved ranking is the result of both our sustained performance and the expansion of how institutions are measured. The 2026 rankings incorporate broader and more inclusive criteria, including research impact, global partnerships and sustainability. I am proud to share some of our standout indicators:

• Citations per Faculty: UCT rose 118 places to 176th – a strong affirmation of the global relevance and impact of our research.
• International Research Networks: We are now ranked 24th globally, underscoring our deepening collaborations with leading institutions worldwide.
• Sustainability: Our rank improved to 45th, reflecting our commitment to tackling climate change, inequality and other urgent challenges facing our continent and world.

This ranking also highlights our progress toward the goals set out in UCT’s Vision 2030 – to be a university that advances purpose-driven research, inclusive education and meaningful social impact.

The rank jump to 150 is cause for celebration, and has resulted in UCT improving in the raw score and making it into the top 10% despite the number of institutions ranked having almost doubled in the period.

For 2026, UCT’s raw score was 62.3% for a rank of 150; while in 2016 the raw score was 57.8% for a rank of 171. In terms of the percentages, in 2026 UCT came in the top 10% worldwide; while in 2015 the university was in the top 21.3%.

Our rise in the rankings is closely aligned with our mission to produce knowledge in service of society – particularly through addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges such as infectious diseases, climate resilience and social inequality.

Let me be clear: while we celebrate this recognition, we remain fully aware that rankings are indicators – not our endpoint. The measurement of our true success includes the work we do every day to shape the future. We remain committed to nurturing African scholarship, growing our capacity for digital and lifelong learning and expanding equitable, high-impact partnerships both across the continent and globally.

Let us continue this journey together with determination and purpose. Thank you for your contribution to making UCT not only a world-class university, but a university making a meaningful impact in and for Africa.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

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