Jamesty
Several African universities have distinguished themselves in 2025, as evidenced by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, which offer a thorough assessment of international institutions based on teaching quality, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry engagement. African universities have continued to make notable advancements in higher education, research, and innovation in 2025.
List Of Top 10 Best Universities In Africa 2025
1. University of Cape Town
In the year 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) received the highest ranking of any university in Africa. It is renowned for its academic excellence, significant impact on research, and varied student body. The institution of Cape Town (UCT) is the oldest institution in South Africa. It was founded in 1829 and is situated at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. It provides students with breathtaking views and a vibrant academic environment.
2. University of Witwatersrand
A famous public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits University, is a public institution. The university was initially established in 1896 as a mining school, but it has since developed into one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Africa, renowned for its strong emphasis on research, social justice, and academic brilliance.
3. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University (SU) is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious educational establishments in South Africa. It is renowned for its outstanding academic performance, innovative research, and beautifully landscaped campus. It is one of the oldest institutions in South Africa and has been crucial in the development of the intellectual landscape of the country. It is situated in the town of Stellenbosch, which is located in the province of Western Cape.
4. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and largest universities in South Africa. It is also well-known for its dedication to academic achievement, research, and innovation. With a strong emphasis on technology, business, and social reform, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has rapidly evolved into a worldwide known school since its founding in 2005, when it was formed through the amalgamation of three independent institutions.
5. Cairo University
It is widely acknowledged that Cairo University, which is sometimes referred to as Al-Qāhirah University or جامعة القا٭رة, is among the most esteemed and renowned educational institutions in Egypt and the Arab world. The institution was founded in 1908, and since then, it has been an important contributor to the growth of higher education in Egypt and in the Middle East. The institution is well-known for its extensive history, outstanding academic performance, and significant commitment to research. It places a significant emphasis on the fields of science, humanities, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
6. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in South Africa. It is renowned for its exceptional academic standards, cutting-edge research, and powerful emphasis on innovation. Since its founding in 1908, the University of the Philippines (UP) has developed into one of the most prestigious and largest educational institutions in Africa. It provides a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a number of different faculties. The institution is at the forefront of higher education in a variety of subjects, including engineering, law, medicine, business, and social sciences. It is situated in Pretoria, which is the administrative capital of South Africa. Furthermore, it is acknowledged for its global research collaborations and its dedication to resolving the most critical concerns that Africa is currently facing.
7. The American University in Cairo
In Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious educational institutions of greater significance. Having been founded in 1919, the American University in Cairo (AUC) has managed to uphold its reputation as a provider of a liberal arts education that blends strong academic training with a global perspective. The institution provides students with the resources necessary to excel in a wide variety of subjects by providing them with a one-of-a-kind educational experience that connects the tradition of Western education with that of Egyptian education.
8. University of Kwazulu-Natal
As one of the most prestigious educational institutions in South Africa, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is renowned for its outstanding academic performance, significant contributions to research, and unwavering dedication to the improvement of society. Having been established as a key player in the African higher education sector, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was created in 2004 as a result of the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. The University of Zambia (UKZN) is an institution that is recognized all over the world because of its strong emphasis on scientific innovation, healthcare research, and community development. It offers programs in engineering, medical, law, social sciences, and business that are among the best in the world, which is why it attracts students from all over Africa and internationally.
9. Ain Shams University in Cairo
The Ain Shams University (ASU) is a public university that is considered to be among the most renowned and oldest in Egypt. Established in 1950, this institution is renowned for its academic brilliance, innovative research, and commitment to community service. Its location in Cairo is also noteworthy. With a significant presence in the fields of medicine, engineering, the humanities, and the sciences, Ain Shams University is one of the most highly regarded educational institutions in Egypt and Africa. Ain Shams University is a prominent educational hub in the Middle East, boasting over 200,000 students. It provides a wide range of programs and has produced distinguished individuals in a variety of professions. Egypt’s scientific and cultural progress has been significantly aided by the contributions made by its hospitals, research institutions, and academic collaborations.
10. University of Sousse
A prestigious public institution, the University of Sousse may be found in the city of Sousse in the country of Tunisia. Since its founding in 2004, it has rapidly developed into one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the nation. It provides students with a wide variety of academic programs and participates in significant research endeavors among other things.It was a division of the University of the Center, which had been established in 1991 from the University of Monastir, that led to the formation of the university. In 2004, the University of the Center underwent a reorganization as a result of significant development, which resulted in the establishment of new universities in Sousse, Monastir, Kairouan, and Gafsa. The number of students attending the University of the Center increased from 45,000 in 2001-2002 to approximately 60,000 in 2003-2004 among 30 schools.
