Sub-Saharan Institutions Expand Global Presence
Sixty-nine universities from 16 sub-Saharan African countries were featured in the 2027 global ranking of the world’s best universities, according to TV BRICS. This figure represents an increase from the 55 universities from 14 countries that appeared in the previous edition of the ranking.
The expansion of African institutions aligns with a broader growth in the ranking itself. Globally, more than 2,000 universities from 118 countries and territories were included in the 2027 edition, an increase of 106 institutions compared to the prior year.
Top Performers and National Representation
The University of Cape Town recorded a notable improvement in the latest rankings, moving from the 164th position to 147th globally. This shift marks the institution's highest rank in seven years and its return to the global top 150 for the first time since 2020.
South Africa retained the largest representation among countries in the region, with 17 universities listed in the ranking. Five of South Africa’s institutions ranked among the global top 500, while eight were placed within the top 1,000.
Nigeria had the highest number of universities represented in the ranking overall, with 29 institutions featured. Three Nigerian universities were placed within the global top 1,000, specifically in the 801–1,000 range.
Ghana also saw representation in the upper tiers, with two universities placed in the 801–1,000 range.
New and Returning Entries
The ranking recorded new and returning entries from other African nations. Malawi made its debut in the global list, with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences placed in the 1,201–1,400 range. Ethiopia returned to the rankings with Mekelle University, which was also placed in the 1,201–1,400 range.
Methodology and Regional Outlook
The ranking was based on an analysis of nearly 20 million research papers, about one million votes from an academic reputation survey, and data from more than 3,000 universities worldwide.
Phil Baty, the ranking’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, characterized the growth of African institutions as a significant shift in global academia. "Make no mistake: Africa is a growing force in the geopolitics of knowledge, and its universities are earning a growing presence on the world stage," Baty stated.