SA universities named best academic institutions in Africa – THE World University Rankings 2022
Three universities in South Africa topped the global rankings for the leading academic institutions in Africa, according to THE World University Rankings 2022., Post a Comment
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- Various
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- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
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[September 10, 2021September 9, 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/2021/09/10/)
Three universities in South Africa topped the global rankings for the leading academic institutions in Africa.
As per the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has retained its spot as the leading African university, claiming the 183rd rank.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch University and the University of Witswatersrand have both ranked within the 251-300 score range.
Overall, the University of Oxford, which led the way in the global search for a Covid-19 vaccine, has been named the world’s number one university for a sixth consecutive year.
The institution was then trailed by Harvard University and the University of California.
Photo credits: University of Cape Town
## UCT dominates rankings
Tying with the University of Notre Dame in the United States for the 183rd spot, UCT has shown prowess beyond the THE Rankings. Earlier this year, UCT topped five other major rankings boards.
The following educational ranking organizations have named UCT as the leading African institution:
- Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings
- Centre for World University Rankings
- Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities
- US News Best Global University Rankings
- World Report Best Global University Rankings
“\[That\] UCT continues to occupy the various top-ranking bodies is a testament to the work done by our researchers, to the support staff, and to each and everyone at UCT who works tirelessly to continue elevating this university to greater heights,” stated UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng.
Photo credits: Times Higher Education
## THE World University Rankings
An estimated 1,660 universities from 99 countries were ranked by Times Higher Education. Furthermore, the World University Rankings are the only global performance tables that judge research-intensive universities across all their core missions, namely: teaching (30%), research (30%), citations (30%), international outlook (7.5%), and industry income (2.5%).
Teaching, research, including the number of published academic papers, reputation for research excellence, income, and citations all contributed to the global rankings.
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Eligibility criteria
Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.
- Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible African country
- Willing to study in South Africa
- Strong academic record — typically a minimum GPA equivalent to a UK 2:1 / US 3.3
- English-language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter
- Two academic or professional references able to speak to your potential
Required documents
A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.
- Valid international passport (bio page scan)
- Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
- Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
- Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
- Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
- Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
- Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders
Deadline timeline
The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.
- 12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
- 6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
- 3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
- 1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
- Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the SA universities named best academic institutions in Africa – THE World University Rankings 2022?+
Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the the stated level level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to South Africa for the duration of the programme.
Is the SA universities named best academic institutions in Africa – THE World University Rankings 2022 fully funded?+
Funding model: Funding type varies — check the official site. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.
When is the application deadline?+
The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
What documents do I need to apply?+
At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.
How can I improve my chance of winning?+
Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.