The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is now ranked number one in South Africa and on the African continent among universities that are younger than 50 years worldwide, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings, released on May 14, 2024. UJ has also achieved its highest-ever position, soaring to 60th place among universities in the same category.

Huge improvement

This marks a significant leap from the university’s previous ranking in the 151-200 band, demonstrating its relentless commitment to student success, cutting-edge research and societal impact.

UJ also claimed the top spot in Africa and South Africa, reaffirming its standing in the region. The THE Young University Rankings assess universities across key pillars including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, providing a comprehensive evaluation of institutional performance.

The 2024 ranking includes 673 universities, up from 605 in 2023. A further 499 institutions are listed with “reporter” status, meaning that they provided data but did not meet our eligibility criteria to receive a rank.

Global excellence

This recognition of UJ by THE Young University 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.

In addition to its remarkable performance in the THE rankings, UJ has also secured a notable global position of 624 in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) for 2024. With a staggering 20,966 institutions evaluated for the 2024 edition of the CWUR, this assessment stands as one of the largest academic rankings of global universities.

Only the top 2,000 institutions from this rigorous evaluation attained a coveted spot on the published global list.  UJ’s consistent upward trajectory in the CWUR reinforces its status as a premier educational institution in South Africa and beyond.

Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, expressed his delight in the University’s latest achievements.

“These rankings are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students. UJ remains resolute in its mission to deliver world-class education, drive impactful research and innovation that contributes to societal advancement,” he says.

“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.”

Learn more about UJ here.