The best universities in Africa stretch across several countries. Each region on the continent has at least one top university. Universities in South Africa dominate the list with seven universities while Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria have one each. This article provides detailed information about the top ten best universities in Africa.
The universities listed here are based on the UniRank report. Some of the criteria used by the report include:
- The universities must be currently approved by their respective government regulators.
- The university must offer Bachelor’s degree courses from four years and above.
- Furthermore, Masters and Doctorate degrees must be offered in these universities.
- The university must also use the traditional physical method of delivering lectures in their system.
Top Universities in Africa in 2020
University of Pretoria, South Africa
University of Pretoria is located in the capital of South Africa. It is a multipurpose research institution and offers courses in all the three-degree certificates like Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
University of Cape Town, South Africa
University of Cape Town is the oldest university in South Africa. The school started in 1829, and was called South African College. Above all, the school is a public research institution and offers courses in all the degree certificates including Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
The University of Witwatersrand, South Africa is often referred to as the University of Wits or Wits for short. It is a public research multi-campus university located in the northern area of central Johannesburg. It also offers courses in all the degree certificates like Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorates.
University of Johannesburg, South Africa
The University of Johannesburg is one of the newest universities on the list. It started on the 1st of January, 2005 as a merger between the Technikon Witwatersrand, the Rand Afrikaans University, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. Also, it offers courses in all the three remarkable degrees like Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Like the University of Johannesburg mentioned previously, The University of KwaZulu-Natal was also recently established on 1 January 2004. It is a result of the merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. This South African school offers courses in the three remarkable degrees like Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Stellenbosch University is a public research institution located in a town in Western Cape province. It also offers courses in all the three remarkable degree certificates like Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate.
University of Nairobi, Kenya
University of Nairobi is one of the oldest university on the continent. The University started in 1956. However, it was not until 1970 that it became an independent school. Also, the University of Nairobi is a collegiate research institution and one of the largest universities in Kenya.
University of Lagos, Nigeria
The University of Lagos is popularly referred to as UNILAG. It ranks as one of the first five universities established in Nigeria. It started in 1962. Unilag is located in Lagos state, the economic hub of the state. As a result, the school has gained wide acclaim in the country and Africa. The institution often ranks well among universities on the continent. Its major rival is the University of Ibadan in Oyo state.
North-West University, South Africa
North-West University has three main campuses at Mahikeng (previously Mafikeng), Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark. After successfully merging with other schools, it became one of the largest universities in South Africa with over 64,081 students. In addition, the university offers courses in the three notable degree certificates.
Cairo University, Egypt
Cairo University is a public research institution. Egyptian University was its former name from the period of 1908 to 1940. After that, from 1940 to 1952, it became King Fuad I University. Today, it is Egypt’s premier public university. The school also awards degree in Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctorate.
In conclusion, high-quality education is a big stepping stone for young people in Africa. Attending one of the universities on this list has the potential to lead to a bright future.
