UJ Soars to New Heights: Achieves All-Time High Global Ranking in THE World University Rankings 2024
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has improved its global standing in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, now ranked among the top 500 universities globally in the 401-500 band. This is an all-time high for UJ, and a significant achievement for the university in its relatively short 20-year history.
The results, unveiled on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, have seen UJ climb up two bands from the 601-800 band in which it has consistently placed for the last seven years since debuting in the rankings in 2016. This year, UJ is ranked #4 in South Africa and Africa, up four places in South Africa from #8 last year.
UJ’s global ascent
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, welcomed the news of the university’s improved ranking. “This is a proud moment for UJ, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students,” he said. “We are committed to providing our students with a world-class education, and to conducting research that has a positive impact on society. Our improved ranking is a reflection of our progress towards these goals.”
The THE World University Rankings are the most prestigious and influential global university rankings, and are widely used by students, academics, and governments to assess the quality of universities around the world.
The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment of 18 performance indicators across five areas: Teaching (the learning environment); Research environment (volume, income and reputation); Research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence); International outlook (staff, students and research); and Industry (income and patents).
UJ’s improvement in the rankings is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on producing high-quality graduates who are ready to make a difference in the world. The university has made significant investments in research and innovation in recent years, and has also strengthened its international partnerships.
A global perspective
The 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings analysed over 2,600 institutions worldwide that submitted data and ranked 1,904 universities across 108 countries and regions. This milestone 20th edition reaffirms the importance of international recognition and collaboration in higher education and research.