Cape Town hosts world’s higher education elite while SA universities rise
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The Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in Cape Town highlighted the rising global standing of South African universities. The University of Cape Town led the country's performance, with several other institutions improving their rankings as they integrate AI into their curricula.
Why it matters
The improved rankings reflect the growing influence of African academic institutions in the global research and education landscape.
South African universities are climbing the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, and leaders at the Cape Town summit say the next step is embracing AI and teaching students to use it well.
30 Sep 2026 University of Cape Town. (Photo: Gallo Images / Jacques Stander) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper The world’s higher education leaders gathered on African soil as Times Higher Education launched its 2027 World University Rankings at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Opening the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit, Times Higher Education chief global affairs officer, Phil Baty, said the rise of African institutions was no longer a side story. “It’s clear to all of us here, African universities are shapers not just of their own futures, but of all of our futures,” said Baty.
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