University of the Western Cape Shines In Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
UWC, an institution deeply embedded in community engagement and social transformation, has held its ground in the overall rank of 401-600 out of 1591 higher education institutions ranked globally.
This accomplishment echoes UWC’s vision of being a dynamic African university renowned for its leadership in teaching, learning, research and community engagement.
In alignment with its commitment to sustainable development, UWC submitted data for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories for the rankings. UWC shone particularly brightly in SDG 1, No Poverty, ranking in the top 101-200 universities out of the 876 institutions ranked, with a score of 61.3 in 2023.
A significant improvement was noted in SDG 4, Quality Education, which increased from 62.9 in 2022 to 66.4 in 2023, placing UWC in the top 201-300 institutions out of 1304 which were ranked.
For SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, UWC performed in the 101-200 band out of 901 institutions, scoring 67.9 in 2023. This SDG is particularly important in light of UWC’s identity as an equality and social justice champion. This progress underscores UWC’s commitment to providing quality education for postgraduate students seeking to advance their studies.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are a globally recognised benchmark of a university’s commitment to society. For 50 years, THE has been a leading global authority in higher education, providing powerful insights, analysis, and news. UWC’s consistent performance in these Impact Rankings is a testament to its dedication to its mission, vision, and the pressing issues facing South Africa such as water shortages and poverty.
As UWC continues to make its mark on the global academic landscape, it remains deeply rooted in its commitment to addressing local and regional challenges. This balance of global recognition and local relevance is what truly sets UWC apart as a leading institution of higher learning in Africa
Professor Tyrone Pretorius, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said: “UWC’s position in the THE Impact Rankings is a testament to our commitment to quality education, research, and reducing inequality. We strive to address local issues while making our mark on the global academic landscape as a leading African university. Despite the limitations of rankings, they provide a useful measure to reflect on our progress and the ongoing work in all 17 SDG indicators.”