UKZN features prominently in largest university rankings

The Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), which publishes the largest academic rankings of global universities, has placed UKZN in the top four best universities in South Africa, and in the top 500 globally.

CWUR is a leading consulting organisation providing policy advice, strategic insights and consulting services to governments and universities to improve educational and research outcomes. It publishes authoritative global university rankings known for objectivity, transparency and consistency, and they are trusted by students, academics, university administrators and governments from around the world.

Published in August, the 2019/2020 CWUR rankings, featuring 20 000 universities, lists six other South African universities. The rankings were based on seven objective and robust indicators, namely quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty, research output, quality publications, influence and citations.

"We are extremely proud that UKZN has maintained its position as one of the top four universities in South Africa according to the latest Centre for World University Rankings," said Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research.

"Our ranking at 424 globally in terms of research performance is an indication of our research standing not just in South Africa, but also recognition as a top research-led university on the continent and globally.

"One of the indicators used in the Centre for World University Rankings is the employment profile of our alumni. In this indicator, UKZN was ranked 267 globally, indicating the impact that our alumni are making in industry, business, private sector, government and civil society. I would like to congratulate our staff, students, alumni and stakeholders for their contributions to our achievements in the global ranking," said Ramjugernath.

For the quality of education, UKZN was ranked 484 and it was not ranked under quality of faculty.

Other South African universities that featured on the list are the University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, University of Johannesburg as well as North-West University.

Dr Nadim Mahassen, CWUR President, congratulated UKZN on its outstanding performance, saying: "This puts your institution in the top 2.2% worldwide, which is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations!"

For a comprehensive view of the rankings, click here.

Author: Sithembile Shabangu