NWU Among SA’s Top Eight: International Rankings Reflect Strategic Growth
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
In a significant nod to its academic vision and innovation, the North-West University (NWU) has secured its position among the top eight universities in South Africa, according to the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. This recognition not only reaffirms NWU’s reputation for global competitiveness but also signals the effectiveness of its forward-thinking strategy to remain relevant and impactful on the global higher education stage.
Strategic Momentum Backed by Global Recognition
The latest QS rankings, released on 19 June 2025, assessed 1,501 universities from 105 countries. NWU’s placement among South Africa’s top institutions, and in the top 16 universities on the African continent, speaks to its ongoing efforts to align academic output with global standards. The rankings measure a variety of indicators including academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, international diversity, and sustainability, with the latter two representing growing priorities in the international academic landscape.
QS remains one of the few global rankings to place dedicated emphasis on graduate employability and environmental responsibility, areas in which NWU is increasingly investing effort and innovation.
Flagship Academic Innovations Driving Reputation
Among the most prominent developments that may have influenced NWU’s improved performance are the establishment and planning of several new academic schools. These include the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, a proposed School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and a School of Veterinary Sciences.
These future-fit academic centres are part of a broader institutional strategy, “Taking the NWU Forward: 2024 and Beyond,” which outlines key pillars such as internationalisation, partnerships, and societal impact.
Through these targeted initiatives, the university aims to deliver research and education that speak directly to global challenges while fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.
Subject Strengths and Additional Rankings
In addition to the overall QS ranking, NWU’s subject-specific performance has also garnered attention. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (released in March 2025), four subject areas placed in the global top 850: Agriculture and Forestry (301–350), Environmental Sciences (501–550), Physics (551–600), and Medicine (701–850). These figures underscore NWU’s growing niche in applied and scientific fields, especially in areas relevant to sustainable development and public health.
Furthermore, the Global 2000 list released by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) earlier this month placed NWU in the top 4.1% of universities worldwide, further supporting its rising international stature.
Leadership Perspective on Academic Excellence
Prof Linda du Plessis, NWU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, attributed the university’s ranking success to a strategic alignment between academic focus and global trends. According to her, the rankings validate the contributions of NWU’s academic community and the relevance of its strategic priorities, which include leadership for results, systems thinking, private-public partnerships, and advancing the digital and green economy.
The recently introduced QS International Student Diversity Indicator also sheds light on NWU’s growing appeal beyond South Africa’s borders, although it currently ranks in the 801+ category for this metric, suggesting room for further growth in global student engagement.
Understanding the QS World University Rankings Methodology
The QS World University Rankings evaluate institutions based on several indicators:
Academic Reputation (40%): Assessed through a global survey of academics.
Employer Reputation (10%): Based on employer feedback regarding graduate employability
Faculty/Student Ratio (20%): Measures teaching capacity.topuniversities.com
Citations per Faculty (20%): Evaluates research impact.
International Faculty Ratio (5%) and International Student Ratio (5%): Assess diversity.
In 2026, QS introduced additional metrics:
International Research Network (5%): Evaluates global research collaborations.
Employment Outcomes (5%): Measures graduate employability.topuniversities.com
Sustainability (5%): Assesses environmental and social impact.nwu.ac.za
These comprehensive criteria provide a holistic view of an institution's performance.
A Forward-Looking Institution
NWU's ascent in global rankings is a testament to its strategic vision and dedication to excellence. By aligning its initiatives with global standards and societal needs, the university is poised to continue its upward trajectory, contributing significantly to both national development and the global academic community.
For more detailed information on the QS World University Rankings, visit topuniversities.com.
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