The University of Cape Town (UCT) has returned to the global top 150 universities, with Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela congratulating the institution on its improved position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027.
UCT climbed to joint 147th place globally, up from joint 164th in the previous year's rankings. The result makes UCT the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa and officially retains its position as Africa's highest-ranked university.
The ranking is significant for UCT students and prospective students, as the university's international standing can contribute to the global visibility of its teaching, research and academic opportunities.
UCT Returns To Global Top 150
UCT shares 147th place with four other universities: Case Western Reserve University in the United States, Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in Italy, and the University of Osaka in Japan.
Manamela congratulated UCT's leadership, academics, researchers, staff and students for their contribution to the university's international standing.
“Its return to the global top 150 is a significant achievement for UCT and South African higher education,” Manamela said.
Other South African universities in the ranking include the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), University of Stellenbosch, University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Western Cape, and NorthWest University - which all made it into the top 1000 globally.
The Minister also praised UCT for hosting the first Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit (WAS) on African soil in partnership with the University of Bristol.
UCT Hosts Global Higher Education Summit
The three-day Times Higher Education World Academic Summit took place at UCT from 29 September to 1 October 2026.
The summit was held under the theme, “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence”, bringing together global leaders in higher education, research, policy, business and civil society.
Discussions focused on how universities can use human, artificial and collective intelligence to help create fairer, more sustainable and future-ready societies.
Manamela congratulated UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela, the university's leadership, staff and students for hosting the event.
“I congratulate Professor Mosa Moshabela, the university’s leadership, staff and students.
“This achievement reflects the sustained work of a university community whose contribution reaches well beyond its campus. UCT has also done our country and continent proud by bringing this important global conversation to Africa,” Manamela said.
AI And The Future Of Higher Education
Manamela participated in discussions at the summit covering the relationship between government and universities, international collaboration, artificial intelligence (AI), and the responsibility of higher education institutions to expand opportunities.
He said universities should retain their autonomy while remaining closely connected to the communities they serve.
“Government must protect academic freedom and create the conditions for teaching, research and innovation to flourish.
“Together, we must ensure that this work improves people’s lives,” the Minister said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of helping students and lecturers develop the skills needed to use artificial intelligence responsibly.
He said this should be supported by investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity and training, ensuring that students are equipped for a changing education and employment landscape.
Expanding Opportunities For Students
Manamela acknowledged the progress made by other South African universities in the latest global rankings and highlighted the importance of academic excellence and sustained institutional efforts.
He said universities have an important role to play in ensuring that students from different backgrounds can access quality education and that research contributes to addressing South Africa's social and economic challenges.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that a young person’s background does not determine their access to quality education and that the knowledge produced in our universities helps us confront unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Manamela said.
The Minister also called for stronger partnerships between universities and industry. These partnerships could help expand practical learning, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for students and graduates.
More Opportunities Through Global Collaboration
Delegates at the summit were encouraged to turn discussions into practical partnerships, joint research projects and opportunities for students and academics across Africa.
Manamela said international collaboration should provide meaningful opportunities for African universities and their students to participate in global knowledge creation.
“International collaboration must involve a real exchange of knowledge and opportunity. African universities have much to contribute.
“We must help shape the future of higher education,” Manamela said.
