
Africa’s higher education landscape has continued to evolve, with universities across the continent making remarkable strides in academic excellence, research, and global recognition.
While South Africa and Egypt have long dominated the rankings, institutions in Morocco, Nigeria, and other nations are also gaining prominence.
The growing emphasis on research, technological innovation, and international partnerships is reshaping the continent’s academic standing on the world stage.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 highlight the progress of African universities in research, innovation, and global influence.
This year’s rankings assessed over 2,000 universities across 115 countries, using indicators such as teaching quality, research impact, international outlook, and industry collaboration.
South African universities continue to set the benchmark for excellence, while Egyptian institutions are rapidly expanding their global presence.
Meanwhile, universities in Morocco and Nigeria are making steady advancements, demonstrating Africa’s potential to become a key player in global education.
As the continent’s institutions strengthen their global ties and expand research output, their influence is expected to grow even further.
Below is a list of Africa’s top 10 best universities in 2025, ranked based on their academic reputation, research achievements, and international collaborations.
1. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
As Africa’s highest-ranked university, UCT continues to set the standard for academic excellence on the continent.
Established in 1829 as the South African College, it became a fully recognized university in 1918, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With six faculties and over 30,000 students, UCT is home to a thriving academic community that excels in research, innovation, and policy development.
The university is also the only African institution in the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF) under the World Economic Forum, a distinction shared with only 26 of the world’s top universities.
2. Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University (SU) has been a cornerstone of South African higher education since it gained full university status in 1918. It has 139 departments across 10 faculties, offering programs in both English and Afrikaans.
SU has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. In 1999 it launched Africa’s first microsatellite, SUNSAT, a major milestone in space technology.
The university is known for its strong research focus, particularly in engineering, social sciences, and environmental studies.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Popularly known as Wits University, this Johannesburg-based institution has a long history tied to South Africa’s mining industry. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines, it has evolved into one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities.
With over 40,000 students, Wits offers top-tier programs in engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences. It is also known for its commitment to innovation and has produced multiple Nobel laureates.
4. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)
Unlike the older South African institutions, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a relatively new player in African higher education.
Established in 2013 and officially inaugurated in 2017, UM6P is a non-profit private research university with campuses in Benguerir, Rabat, Laâyoune, Paris, and Montreal.
The university is home to Africa’s most powerful supercomputer and has partnerships with MIT, HEC Paris, McGill University, and the Max Planck Society. UM6P is a leader in sustainable development, engineering, and applied sciences.
5. University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
Formed in 2005 through the merger of Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and Vista University, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has grown into one of South Africa’s largest institutions, with over 50,000 students, including 3,000 international students from 80 countries.
UJ is renowned for its strong focus on innovation, technology, and business education, making it a key player in Africa’s higher education landscape.
6. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (Egypt)
Established in 2009 through a collaboration between the Egyptian and Japanese governments, E-JUST is a research-focused university specializing in science, technology, and engineering.
It has consistently ranked as one of Egypt’s best universities, placing between 601–800 globally.
With strong industry partnerships and a curriculum influenced by Japan’s education system, E-JUST is positioning itself as a leader in scientific research and innovation on the continent.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
Formed in 2004 through a merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of South Africa’s most research-intensive institutions.
The university has five campuses in the KwaZulu-Natal province and offers programs in medicine, law, engineering, and humanities.
UKZN has produced some of Africa’s top medical researchers and continues to play a leading role in public health and scientific studies.
8. American University in Cairo (Egypt)
Founded in 1919, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is a private research university that provides an American-style education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
With students from over 50 countries, AUC boasts a diverse academic environment and a faculty that includes business professionals, journalists, diplomats, and global experts.
It is accredited in both the United States and Egypt, making it one of Africa’s most internationally recognized institutions.
9. Future University in Egypt
Established in 2006 by the Azazy Group, Future University in Egypt (FUE) is a private institution in New Cairo that has gained recognition for its focus on research, technology, and entrepreneurship.
While relatively new compared to Egypt’s older institutions, FUE has quickly established itself as a leader in medical sciences, engineering, and business studies, attracting students from across the region.
10. Kafrelsheikh University (Egypt)
Located in Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt, Kafrelsheikh University was officially established in 2006, although its buildings were previously part of Tanta University. It has around 30,000 students and 1,500 faculty members.
Kafrelsheikh is gaining recognition as an emerging research hub. It ranks fourth in Egypt for international research citations and is the second most environmentally friendly university in the Arab world, according to the Global Green Metric ranking.
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