Top 10 universities in Africa to Study in 2023
In this article we will talk about the list of the top 10 best African Universities to study in 2023 for students, these universities are ranked based on various factors such as academic reputation, research impact, faculty-to-student ratio, student satisfaction, internationalization, and employer reputation.
We also contacts the accurate works and data of different organizations and publications that used accurate methodologies to rank universities, for example we pursue the great work of one of the most widely recognized rankings that is the QS World University Rankings, which uses a combination of factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty, and internationalization to rank universities.
However we checked other well-known university rankings include the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Academic Ranking of World Universities (also known as the Shanghai Rankings), and the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings.
But what we are saying is it’s important to note that university rankings are just one factor to consider when choosing a university, and it’s important to do your own research and consider other factors such as location, available programs, tuition fees, and student life that suit your own interest and capacity before making a decision to enroll in their programs.
Top 10 Universities in Africa
#1 in top 10 Universities in Africa
University of Cape Town
South Africa|Cape Town
Global Score: 68.0
Enrollment: 21,069
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a university located in Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in 1829 as the South African College and is the oldest university in the country. UCT is widely regarded as one of the top universities in Africa and consistently ranks as one of the top 200 universities in the world.
UCT offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of academic fields, including commerce, engineering, humanities, law, health sciences, science, and social sciences. The university has a diverse student body, with over 29,000 students enrolled, including a large number of international students from more than 100 countries.
UCT has a strong research focus and is home to many research centers and institutes, including the African Climate and Development Initiative, the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and the Poverty and Inequality Initiative. The university is also a member of several prestigious international academic networks, including the Worldwide Universities Network, the Association of African Universities, and the International Association of Universities.
Some notable alumni of UCT include former South African President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and acclaimed novelist J.M. Coetzee
#2 in top 10 Universities in Africa
University of Witwatersrand
South Africa|Johannesburg
Global Score: 60.8
Enrollment: 26,871
The University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits University, is a public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 1896 as the South African School of Mines, and later became the University of the Witwatersrand in 1922.
Wits University is known for its academic excellence and research output, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five faculties: Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science.
The university has a diverse student body, with approximately 37,000 students enrolled, including over 4,000 international students from more than 100 countries. Wits is also a member of the Association of African Universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and the Worldwide Universities Network.
Wits University is committed to advancing social justice and addressing the challenges facing South Africa and the African continent, and is home to numerous research centers and institutes focused on issues such as public health, social and economic inequality, and sustainable development.
#3 in top 10 Universities in Africa
Stellenbosch University
South Africa|Stellenbosch
Global Score: 58.1
Enrollment: 24,907
Stellenbosch University is a public research university located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It was founded in 1918 as a university college and gained full university status in 1950. The university is one of the oldest and most prestigious in South Africa, and is known for its high academic standards and research excellence.
Stellenbosch University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The university has ten faculties and more than 30 research centers and institutes. The language of instruction at the university is primarily Afrikaans and English, although some courses are also taught in Xhosa and Sotho.
The university has a strong reputation for research, and has produced a number of Nobel laureates and other notable academics. Stellenbosch University is also known for its beautiful campus, which features a mix of historic and modern buildings set against the backdrop of the Stellenbosch Mountains.
#4 in top 10 Universities in Africa
University of Ibadan
Nigeria|Ibadan
Global Score: 56.1
Enrollment: N/A
The University of Ibadan (UI) is a public research university located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It is the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria, and also the first university to be established in the country. The university was founded in 1948 as a college of the University of London, and became an independent university in 1962.
UI has a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various fields, including agriculture, arts, education, engineering, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes that conduct research in various areas of science and technology, as well as social sciences and humanities.
UI is recognized as one of the top universities in Nigeria and Africa, and it has produced several notable alumni, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, and many other distinguished scholars, writers, and leaders in various fields.
#5 in top 10 Universities in Africa
Cairo University
Egypt|Giza
Global Score: 55.6
Enrollment: 208,524
Cairo University is a public research university located in Giza, Egypt. It was founded in 1908 and is one of the oldest and largest universities in Egypt and Africa. The university has a diverse student body, with students from many different countries studying there. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields such as engineering, medicine, law, arts, and social sciences.
Cairo University has a number of distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates in various fields, prominent politicians, academics, and businesspeople. The university is known for its strong research programs and has many research centers and institutes, including the Center for Special Studies and Programs, the Institute of African Research and Studies, and the National Cancer Institute.
The campus of Cairo University is spread over a large area in Giza and includes many academic buildings, research centers, and libraries. The university also has a number of sports facilities, including a stadium, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
#6 in Top 10 Universities in Africa
University of Kwazulu Natal
South Africa|Durban
Global Score: 55.6
Enrollment: 208,524
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville.
UKZN has five campuses, namely: Edgewood (in Pinetown), Howard College (in Durban), Medical School (in Durban), Pietermaritzburg (in Pietermaritzburg), and Westville (in Durban). The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, humanities, law, management, science, and social sciences.
UKZN is a leading research university in South Africa and is home to several research centers and institutes, including the African Centre for Crop Improvement, the Centre for Civil Society, and the Centre for Creative Arts. The university is also known for its strong focus on community engagement and social justice, and it has several programs and initiatives that aim to address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa and the African continent.
UKZN has produced several notable alumni, including political figures, scientists, and academics, such as former South African president Jacob Zuma, Nobel laureate Aaron Klug, and renowned author and academic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
#7 in Top 10 Universities in Africa
University of Johannesburg
South Africa|Johannesburg
Global Score: 53.9
Enrollment: 29,167
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was formed in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University.
UJ offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, health sciences, humanities, education, law, and management. It has four campuses located in Auckland Park, Bunting Road, Doornfontein, and Soweto.
The university is committed to research and innovation, and has a number of research centres and institutes focusing on various areas, such as nanotechnology, biodiversity, energy, and public health.
UJ is also known for its strong commitment to social justice, diversity and inclusivity, and has been ranked as the second most diverse university in South Africa. It has a large student body of over 50,000 students from diverse backgrounds and cultures
#8 in Top 10 Universities in Africa
Mansoura University
Egypt|Mansoura
Global Score: 53.3
Enrollment: N/A
Mansoura University is a public research university located in Mansoura, Egypt. It was founded in 1972 and has since become one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Egypt.
Mansoura University has 23 faculties, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, agriculture, law, arts, science, education, and veterinary medicine. The university also has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, the Center for Cancer Research, and the Institute of Environmental Studies and Research.
Mansoura University is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, and it has been recognized as a leading research university in Egypt. The university has several research collaborations with international universities and institutions, and it has produced several research breakthroughs in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and engineering.
Mansoura University has a large and diverse student population, with students coming from all over Egypt and other countries in the region. The university has several student clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop their leadership and interpersonal skills.
#9 in Best Universities in Africa
University of Pretoria
South Africa|Hatfied (South Africa)
Global Score: 53.1
Enrollment: 36,493
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a public research university located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was founded in 1908 and is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
UP has seven faculties, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of fields including humanities, law, management, engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, and theology. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Human Rights, the Centre for Environmental Law, and the Future Africa Institute.
UP is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, and it has several research collaborations with international universities and institutions. The university has produced several research breakthroughs in fields such as engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.
UP is committed to promoting social justice, diversity, and sustainability, and it has several programs and initiatives that aim to address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa and the African continent. The university also has a diverse student population and a vibrant student life, with several clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop their leadership and interpersonal skills.
#10 in Top 10 Universities in Africa
North West University – South Africa
South Africa|Potchefstroom
Global Score: 51.7
Enrollment: N/A
The North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located in the North-West Province of South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of the University of North-West and the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.
NWU has three campuses, namely: Mafikeng Campus, Potchefstroom Campus, and Vanderbijlpark Campus. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, humanities, law, management, science, and social sciences.
NWU is known for its strong research focus, and it has several research centers and institutes, including the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, the Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, and the Optentia Research Focus Area. The university also has several research collaborations with international universities and institutions, and it has produced several research breakthroughs in fields such as agriculture, health, and engineering.
NWU is committed to providing quality education and promoting social justice and community engagement. The university has several programs and initiatives that aim to address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa and the African continent. NWU also has a diverse student population and a vibrant student life, with several clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop their leadership and interpersonal skills.
