The University of Pretoria (UP) is ranked third in South Africa and fourth in Africa in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings for 2023. The rankings were released on 26 June 2023 and measure 88 universities across 20 Sub-Saharan countries.

According to THE, the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings were developed to assess the impact of Sub-Saharan universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges in the region – challenges which affect more than a billion residents. The development work for the ranking was undertaken in consultation with university leaders across the region.

The rankings use a hybrid methodology that covers five key pillars: Resources and Finance, Access and Fairness, Teaching Skills, Student Engagement, and Africa Impact. Each of the five pillars have several metrics assigned to them, and the measurements are mostly based on a university’s impact on any of the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2023 rankings indicate that UP’s greatest strength lies in Student Engagement, where it scored an impressive 88.6 out of 100. This is closely followed by Resources and Finances, with a score of 85.3, and Africa Impact, with a score of 80. In four out of the five pillars, UP secured second position in South Africa.

“Congratulations to the entire UP community on this great achievement,” said Professor Themba Mosia, UP’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “This ranking will ensure that UP continues to shine nationally, on the African continent and in the world.”

One of the key measurement tools used to create the current rankings was a survey that collected opinions from more than 20 000 students. They were asked a range of questions, encompassing their perception of the level of intellectual stimulation provided by the university’s teaching, the extent to which it fostered critical thinking skills, and the opportunities they were afforded to engage with both faculty members and fellow students.

UP’s role as a catalyst for promoting beneficial transformations across Africa

“Students’ opinions about universities’ offerings, including campus safety, the professionalism of lecturers and academic excellence, help to identify areas for improvement and make impactful changes. Collecting feedback from students helps universities move from a teacher-centred approach towards a student-centred one, and will help improve the quality of education and foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making. I am extremely grateful to the students, staff, researchers, alumni, and partners who are living the values and principles as enshrined in our Strategic Plan - 2025,” said Prof Mosia.

In terms of Resources and Finance, UP ranked second in the country. This pillar acknowledges institutions that exhibit financial stability and possess the ability to deliver a superior learning experience. In terms of Teaching Skills, UP also ranked second. This pillar evaluates the effectiveness of institutions in fostering skills development and equipping students with the necessary tools to excel in the professional realm.

UP was ranked second for Africa Impact, which measures the extent to which higher education institutions make positive contributions to the region and foster the growth of a strong collaborative network.

“This aspect highlights UP’s role as a catalyst for promoting beneficial transformations and advancement across Africa,” Prof Mosia said.