10 Best Universities In Africa [2023 Rankings]

Young female college student sitting alone outside on a campus lawn between classes and doing homework on a laptop

Higher education is an essential element of personal and societal development, and Africa is home to some of the world’s top universities. In this article, we will explore the top 10 universities in Africa, based on their ranking and accolades. These institutions offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students, and they all have unique campus life experiences to offer.

Best Universities In Africa 2023

1. University of Cape Town

Located in South Africa, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the highest-ranked university in Africa and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It is a research-intensive university with a focus on social justice and sustainability. UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, science, engineering, health sciences, and law. The university has a diverse student body, with over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries.

UCT is known for its beautiful campus, which is set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and is home to a range of cultural and sporting activities. The university is also committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as a solar panel installation and a water-saving program.

2. University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public research university located in South Africa. It is the second-highest ranked university in Africa and is known for its strong research capabilities. UJ offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, education, and the arts. The university has a diverse student body, with over 50,000 students from more than 100 countries.

UJ is committed to creating a vibrant campus life for its students, with various cultural and sporting activities, as well as a range of student support services. The university is also focused on sustainability, with initiatives such as a green campus program and a recycling program.

3. The American University in Cairo

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a private research university located in Cairo, Egypt. It is the highest-ranked university in Egypt and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. AUC offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. The university has a diverse student body, with over 10,000 students from more than 100 countries.

AUC is known for its beautiful campus, which is located in the heart of Cairo and is home to a range of cultural and sporting activities. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a solar panel installation and a recycling program.

4. University of Witwatersrand

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) is a public research university located in South Africa. It is the fourth-highest ranked university in Africa and is known for its strong research capabilities and social impact. Wits offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, education, and the arts. The university has a diverse student body, with over 40,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Wits is known for its vibrant campus life, with various cultural and sporting activities, as well as a range of student support services. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a green campus program and a recycling program.

5. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University is a public research university located in South Africa. It is the fifth-highest ranked university in Africa and is known for its strong research capabilities and social impact. Stellenbosch University offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, education,and the arts. The university has a diverse student body, with over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Stellenbosch University is known for its beautiful campus, which is located in the heart of the Western Cape and is home to a range of cultural and sporting activities. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a green campus program and a recycling program.

6. Cairo University

Cairo University is a public research university located in Cairo, Egypt. It is the highest-ranked university in Egypt and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. Cairo University offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. The university has a diverse student body, with over 250,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Cairo University is known for its vibrant campus life, with various cultural and sporting activities, as well as a range of student support services. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a solar panel installation and a recycling program.

7. University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria is a public research university located in South Africa. It is the seventh-highest ranked university in Africa and is known for its strong research capabilities and social impact. The University of Pretoria offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, education, and the arts. The university has a diverse student body, with over 50,000 students from more than 100 countries.

The University of Pretoria is known for its beautiful campus, which is located in the heart of the city and is home to a range of cultural and sporting activities. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a green campus program and a recycling program.

8. University of Sousse

The University of Sousse is a public research university located in Sousse, Tunisia. It is the highest-ranked university in Tunisia and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. The University of Sousse offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. The university has a diverse student body, with over 25,000 students from more than 100 countries.

The University of Sousse is known for its vibrant campus life, with various cultural and sporting activities, as well as a range of student support services. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a solar panel installation and a recycling program.

9. Ain Shams University

Ain Shams University is a public research university located in Cairo, Egypt. It is the highest-ranked university in Egypt and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. Ain Shams University offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. The university has a diverse student body, with over 250,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Ain Shams University is known for its vibrant campus life, with various cultural and sporting activities, as well as a range of student support services. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a solar panel installation and a recycling program.

10. Rhodes University

Rhodes University is a public research university located in South Africa. It is the tenth-highest ranked university in Africa and is known for its strong research capabilities and social impact. Rhodes University offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, health sciences, education, and the arts. The university has a diverse student body, with over 8,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Rhodes University is known for its beautiful campus, which is located in
the heart of the Eastern Cape and is home to a range of cultural and sporting activities. The university is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as a green campus program and a recycling program.

Conclusion

Africa is home to some of the world’s top universities, which offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students. Whether you are interested in research, innovation, social impact, or just want to experience a vibrant campus life, these universities have something to offer. We hope this list of the top 10 universities in Africa has been informative and helpful in your higher education journey.