Generally, there are 54 countries in Africa. And each country has top universities that are well-known across the globe. Undoubtedly, each country also has the best universities In Africa for all aspiring students who want to study.
Also, There are many prestigious universities in Africa. Over 40 African universities are ranked in the QS World Universities rankings, with the majority in South Africa and Egypt. These universities are considered best due to their academic performance, resource availability, socially significant activities of graduates, and faculty expertise.
The best universities in Africa have produced top noble figures that are well-known in the world today. Therefore, This article will be listing the top 12 best universities in Africa and their ranking positions in the world.
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What Country Has The Most Universities In Africa?
Africa has over 1,300 recognized higher institutions that were discovered and included in the UniRanked database. About 625 of them are public institutions, and 611 are private institutions. As of September 2024, the report by Statista confirmed that Nigeria has the highest number of universities in Africa, with about 274 universities. Nigeria has about 149 private universities, 63 state universities, and 62 federal universities.
Top 12 Best Universities In Africa
Below is a list of the best universities in Africa:
1. University Of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town is a prestigious university founded in 1829, situated in South Africa. The university is the oldest in the country and considered the second oldest in Africa.
The university’s academic departments are grouped into 6 faculties such as health sciences, engineering, commerce, humanities, law, and science. The University of Cape Town campus is located at the foot of Table Mountain, offering spectacular views of the Devil’s Peak and across the city.
The University of Cape Town is ranked no 116 in the best Global universities, and it is one of the best universities in Africa.
2. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is one of the best universities in Africa. The university is the oldest extant university in South Africa that was recognized in 1918. Stellenbosch University is ranked 296 in QS World University rankings 2025.
Stellenbosch University is an innovative, inclusive, and future-focused institution. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across 10 different faculties.
3. Cairo University
Cairo University is one of the top leading universities in Africa, it is an Egypt public university founded in 1908.
Cairo University is one of the best public universities in Cairo. The university is ranked 350 in the QS World University rankings 2025. Cairo University has a good reputation for world-class in medical education and research.
4. University Of Lagos
University of Lagos is a highly reputable university in Lagos, Nigeria. The university is a public research institution, that was founded in 1962. The University of Lagos is ranked no 323 in Best Global Universities.
The University of Lagos offers a wide range of Programmes including Arts, Engineering, Law, Clinical Services, Medical sciences, Dental Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and more. It is among the Best Universities In Nigeria.
5. University Of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is a multi-campus public research university in Pretoria, South Africa. The university was founded in 1908. The University of Pretoria was ranked no 354 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The University of Pretoria is considered one of the best universities in South Africa for several reasons, including good academic excellence, diverse programs, cultural and extracurricular activities, good research output, and more.
6. University Of Ghana
The University of Ghana is one of the leading universities in Legon, Ghana. The university was established in 1948. It is one of the best universities in Africa.
The University of Ghana was ranked 851 in QS World University Rankings 2025. The university is one of the oldest and largest of the thirteen Ghanaian public universities. It is among the Best Universities In GhanaÂ
The University of Ghana offers courses in dentistry, allied health sciences, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and more.
7. University Of Nairobi
University of Nairobi is a prestigious research-intensive university with a good reputation and, a vibrant, excellent, and strong research culture. The University of Nairobi is ranked 1st in Kenya, no. 8 in Africa, and 824 in World universities rankings.
The university offers a wide range of courses in areas such as social sciences, medicine, law, agriculture, Arts, built environment and design, science and technology, and health sciences. It is among the best universities in Africa.
8. University Of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
University of Witwatersrand, also known as Wits University, is a collegiate research university located in the northern areas of Central Johannesburg, South Africa. The university was founded in 1922.
Wits University offers a wide range of courses in areas such as Medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, biomedical sciences, health sciences, biokinetics, clinical medical practice, and pharmacy.
The university was ranked 267 in QS World University Rankings 2025. It is among the best universities in Africa.
9. Mansoura University
Mansoura University is one of the biggest prestigious Egyptian universities that was founded in 1972, located in the middle of the Nile Delta in Egypt. Mansoura is the first government university to be accredited by the National Authority for Quality Education and Accreditation. The university was ranked no. 951 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
The university offers programs in different fields, including Arts, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Science, Computer and Information Sciences, Education, and Agriculture.
10. Rhodes University
Rhodes University is a public research higher academic institute in South Africa, founded in 1904. Rhodes University has consistently been nationally ranked as a top liberal arts college.
It is ranked 952 in QS World University rankings 2025. Rhodes University is one of the best universities in Africa. The university has earned a good reputation for its high-quality education, and all Rhodes degrees are highly recognized globally.
11. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is a highly reputable public research university in Ibadan, Nigeria, founded in 1948. The University is fondly referred to as the first university in Nigeria. The university was once a college of the University of London.
The University of Ibadan was ranked 1001 in QS World University rankings by Top universities and had an overall 3.8 stars; the university is also ranked 350 among the best global universities. The courses being offered at the University of Ibadan include Agriculture, Animal Science, Agricultural economics, environmental and agricultural engineering, Adult Education, Agronomy, and Anthropology.
12. Durban University Of Technology (DUT)
Durban University of Technology is a highly regarded multi-campus university situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The university was founded in 2002 with the merging of two institutions ML Sultan and Technikon Natal. Durban University of Technology is ranked 1223 among the best global universities. It is among the best universities in Africa.
DUT qualifications are recognized both Internationally and nationally. DUT offers a wide range of courses in different faculties, including Horticulture, biotechnology, food science, physics, mathematics, textile science, apparel technology, consumer science, sport studies, hospitality, Arts, engineering, maritime science, Homeopathy, emergency medical practices, and chemical engineering.
What Country Has The Best Universities In Africa?
The country with the best universities in Africa is South Africa. The country is home to 19 prestigious universities that were ranked among the top 100 in Africa. Also, There are about 6 South African universities in the Top 500 globally. The country has 26 public universities.
What Are The Top Five Universities In Africa?
The top five universities in Africa are the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, Cairo University, University of Lagos, and University of Pretoria.
Conclusion
Africa is one of the top continents with an advanced educational system. Also, there are several universities in Africa for students. These universities offer a variety of programs and degrees that are recognized and accepted worldwide. This article has listed the best universities in Africa and we hope it is helpful to your search.
Reference
- business tech.co.za
- Timeshigereducation.com
- Edugist.org
