South African University Achieves Its Highest-ever Position In Global Rankings

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has consolidated its position among the leading institutions of higher learning in the world, soaring to its highest-ever position in the global rankings.

The educational institution secured the #36 position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings released in June this year. This is quite a feat for a university, considering that this year’s rankings included 1,963 institutions, an increase of 372 from the previous year. Its  standing in these global rankings marks a significant rise of 10 places from its previous position of #46 in the 2023 edition.

Consistently leading as the top university in Africa and South Africa, UJ has also maintained its #1 spot in both these regions.

This achievement is for its exceptional contribution to poverty alleviation, securing the top position in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty. UJ now ranks #3 globally in this SDG category, highlighting its firm commitment to research and support initiatives aimed at assisting impoverished students and local communities.

It also highlights UJ’s dedication to addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and collaborative partnerships.

UJ’s performance across individual SDGs is commendable, achieving top 100 rankings in six SDGs:

#3 for SDG 1: No Poverty

#6 for SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

#13 for SDG 5: Gender Equality

#46 for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

#53 for SDG 4: Quality Education

#93 for SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The univrsity’s rankings for other SDGs are as follows:

101-200 for SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

101-200 for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

201-300 for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

201-300 for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

301-400 for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

301-400 for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

401-600 for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

401-600 for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

401-600 for SDG 13: Climate Action

Apart from its showing in the THE Impact Ranking, UJ continues its strong performance in the QS World University Rankings, maintaining its position among the top 350, globally. UJ is also recognized as the most improved African institution over the past five years. Previously, the THE Young University Rankings named UJ as the leading university in South Africa and Africa among institutions under 50 years old.

“This recognition of UJ in the various global rankings highlights the university’s rapid growth and outstanding potential in the global academic arena. Despite its relatively short history of 20 years of existence, UJ has demonstrated exceptional progress, challenging well-established institutions, some of which have more than a century of legacy,” says Letlhokwa George Mpedi, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

“The university remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing societal challenges through research and knowledge production. Our progress is not just about numbers and figures; it’s all about the positive and lasting impact we have on our students and the broader society.”