Africa has many excellent universities that compete on a global level. Rankings help people know which universities perform the best.
The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking is a respected global measure. It judges universities on many important things. These include Teaching, the Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry Income. A high rank means a university excels in these core missions.
The 2026 rankings from Times Higher Education (THE) show the best universities in Africa.
This list highlights the top institutions across the continent. South African universities continue to lead the way. However, institutions in Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, and Ghana also show strong performance.
1. University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is the top-ranked university in Africa. It is among the oldest universities in South Africa. UCT started in 1829 as the South African College and it gained full university status in 1918. It became famous for its strong opposition to apartheid.
UCT leads the continent in research. Its academics produce a very high number of cited publications. The university is a major center for advanced learning and medical research.
UCT has a beautiful campus at Groote Schuur. It attracts a large number of international students and staff. It has a strong global reputation for academic excellence.
2. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is tied for second place. It is also in South Africa. The university was founded in 1918. It grew out of a long tradition of higher education in the Cape. It is known for its strong Afrikaans heritage and its shift toward a more inclusive future.
The university is a major research institution. It has strong ties to industry and a focus on innovation and it is especially well-regarded for its engineering and medical faculties.
Stellenbosch is located near Cape Town. It is known for its beautiful campus and high-quality student life.
3. University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is tied for third place. It is in Johannesburg, South Africa. Wits began as the School of Mines in 1896.
The university quickly grew as the gold mining industry developed in the region. It became a university in 1922.
The university attracts a very diverse student body. It is known for its strong science and arts programs. It is a consistent leader in African higher education.
4. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is tied for fourth place. It is in Benguerir, Morocco. UM6P is a very new university. It was founded in 2017 by the OCP Group.
The university focuses heavily on research, innovation, and training. It concentrates on subjects key to Africa’s development. These areas include agriculture, mining, and sustainable development.
UM6P has high-tech facilities and a large budget. Its focus on industry partnership gives it a high ranking. It is a key part of Morocco’s modern education strategy.
5. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is tied for fifth place. It is in South Africa. UJ was created in 2005 from a merger of several older institutions. This merger created a major new urban university.
UJ has a very high number of students. It is committed to access and academic success for a diverse population. It conducts a large volume of research.
The university is very active in the city of Johannesburg. It is known for its strong focus on global excellence and African identity. It has quickly climbed the international rankings.
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is tied for sixth place. It is in South Africa. UKZN was formed in 2004 through a merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. This merger created a comprehensive institution.
UKZN is a major research university. It is known for its strong programs in health sciences and African studies. It is dedicated to serving its diverse regional community.
The university has multiple campuses across the province. It plays a major role in regional development and social change. Its research output is highly valued.
7. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is tied for seventh place. It is in South Africa. UP started in 1908 as the Pretoria section of the Transvaal University College. It became an independent university in 1930.
UP is a large, public research university that is known for its strong programs in veterinary science and law. It is a major contributor to South Africa’s highly skilled workforce.
The university has a long history of academic excellence. It has a high research income and is well-regarded for its learning environment.
8. American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo (AUC) is tied for eighth place. It is in Egypt. AUC was founded in 1919 by Americans. It was established to provide an American-style liberal arts education in the Middle East.
AUC is an independent, English-language university. It is a center for liberal arts education, public service, and research. It plays an important role in the region’s intellectual life.
The university attracts a mix of local and international students. Its high standards and international connections boost its ranking. It has a modern campus on the outskirts of Cairo.
9. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology
The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) is tied for ninth place. It is in Borg El Arab, Egypt and was established in 2010. It is a cooperation project between the Egyptian and Japanese governments.
The university has a strong focus on practical, research-oriented science and engineering. It uses the Japanese approach to education. This includes small class sizes and close professor-student relationships.
E-JUST is a key part of Egypt’s plan for high-tech industrial growth. Its strong research quality gives it a high ranking.
10. Kafrelsheikh University
Kafrelsheikh University is tied for tenth place. It was a branch of Tanta University located in Egypt. It became an independent university in 2006. It is a relatively young, public institution.
The university has rapidly increased its research activity. It is known for its agriculture and veterinary medicine programs. It focuses on serving its region in the Nile Delta.
Its sudden rise in the rankings is due to a huge increase in its research influence and citation impact. It has become a key player in Egyptian research.
