The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is ranked number three in South Africa and number four in Africa, according to the 2024 edition of the Academic Rankings of World Universities (ARWU).

The University is said to be the only one in the country that has improved its position in the latest global rankings, in what it says is a demonstration of the “robustness and impact of its academic and research programmes”.

ARWU said this is a significant achievement for a university that has only been around for less than 20 years.

UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi noted that the University remained steadfast in its commitment to addressing societal challenges through research and knowledge production.

“Our progress is not just about numbers and figures; it’s all about the positive and lasting impact we have on our students and the broader society,” he said.

UJ has, in the process, surpassed Stellenbosch University (SU).

UJ is ranked joint number three with SU in the 401-500 band, however, UJ has achieved a higher overall score than SU in South Africa based on the overall score calculation.

UJ is now ranked among the top 500 universities, moving up from the 501–600 band it was ranked in 2023, to the 401–500 band this year.

ARWU ranks more than 2 500 universities every year, and only the best 1 000 are published. Only eight universities from South Africa were ranked.

The latest news comes after UJ achieved its highest-ever position in global rankings, after being ranked number 36 in the world in the Times Higher Education Rankings, released in June 2024.