In a significant achievement for African higher education, two universities from the continent have secured spots in the Times Higher Education (THE) Most International Universities in the World 2025 rankings. The University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa ranked 60th, while Cairo University in Egypt claimed the 187th position. Their inclusion in this prestigious list of 217 global institutions underscores Africa’s growing influence in the international academic arena.
The rankings assess universities based on several criteria, including the proportion of international students and faculty, global research collaborations, and overall reputation. These factors provide a snapshot of each institution’s integration into the global academic landscape.
UCT, Africa’s highest-ranked university for internationalization, has long been recognized for its strong research output, diverse student body, and extensive global partnerships. Similarly, Cairo University, one of Egypt’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, continues to strengthen its international presence through exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives.
Despite these successes, African universities still face significant barriers in expanding their global reach compared to their counterparts in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Challenges such as limited funding, visa restrictions, and insufficient government support for higher education mobility programs have slowed the pace of internationalization for many African institutions.
While African universities have made impressive strides, universities in Hong Kong dominated the 2025 rankings, with four institutions claiming the top spots and a fifth ranking 11th. City University of Hong Kong retained the first-place position for the second consecutive year. At the same time, major research powerhouses like the United States, China, Germany, and France maintained a strong presence in the rankings, although many of their institutions experienced a decline in performance.
Unlike their counterparts in more established academic hubs, African universities operate within a landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities. While funding gaps and policy limitations persist, African institutions are actively enhancing their global engagement through strategic partnerships, increased foreign student enrollment, and greater investment in international research collaborations.
The inclusion of UCT and Cairo University in the THE 2025 rankings reflects the steady progress of African higher education on the world stage. As more universities across the continent adopt internationalization strategies, Africa’s presence in global rankings is expected to grow, positioning the region as a rising force in higher education.
As African universities continue to innovate and collaborate globally, their place in the international academic community is likely to strengthen, fostering greater academic exchanges, research breakthroughs, and cultural diversity in the years to come.
Article by RB Reporter
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