The University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela celebrated the institution’s rise from 171 to 150, in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, describing it as a recognition of the real-world impact of UCT’s research, teaching and global partnerships.

UCT has been ranked 150th globally, after the evaluation of 8 467 universities across 106 locations, including 112 new entrants, with 11 South African institutions participating. 

Moshabela said the rank jump is the highest in a decade for UCT, amid an increase of ranking institutions. 

He said the ranking reinforced UCT’s status as Africa’s highest-ranked university for another year.

“This excellent improvement in standing reflects a consistent, concerted effort from the university over recent years. While being placed high on the rankings is a cause for celebration and recognition of the hard work put in by staff and students, our mission remains rooted in generating quality, relevant knowledge that matters – for Africa and the world,” Moshabela said.

UCT’s area of strength is its citations per faculty, which made up 20% of the overall score, with Moshabela noting that UCT ranked 176 in this area, up 118 places from 294 in the previous year.

UCT acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation Professor Jeff Murugan said the university’s researchers were tackling critical challenges such as infectious diseases, AI for development and energy innovation.

“Their work is being cited by peers worldwide. This reflects UCT’s investment in research excellence,” he said.

For international research networks, which made up 5% of UCT’s overall score, UCT ranked 24, up 12 places from 36, with Murugan noting that the rise bears out the university’s expanding global footprint through participation in global research partnerships to advance knowledge exchange and strengthen collaborative research.

“The Africa Charter, central to this effort, establishes an African-centred framework that prioritises equitable collaboration, recognises indigenous knowledge systems, and sets new standards for impactful, accountable research partnerships,” stated Murugan.

He further noted the university’s sustainability ranking of 45, which was up with five places from 50 and which made up 5% of the overall score.

He highlighted that UCT had long championed sustainability and commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 through various initiatives.

“Our work on water security, biodiversity, inequality and climate resilience – led by renowned scholars in these fields – has fast gained international recognition,” he said.