Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has made history by securing the number-one spot in Africa in the prestigious 2026 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
Placing 200th globally out of more than 21,000 institutions evaluated, the Johannesburg-based university has firmly established itself within the top 1 per cent of higher education institutions worldwide. The milestone marks a triumphant moment for African academia, reflecting Wits’ enduring commitment to research excellence, cutting-edge innovation, and social impact.
Unlike many international league tables that rely on subjective reputation surveys, the CWUR is highly regarded for its rigorous, objective methodology. Drawing on 81 million data points, the system evaluates universities using measurable, outcome-based indicators across four core pillars: education, employability, faculty quality, and research performance.
Wits performed exceptionally well in metrics tied directly to real-world influence and graduate success, securing a remarkable global Employability Rank of 97th. This position highlights the world-class calibre and competitiveness of Wits graduates within the global marketplace.
