North-West University Breaks Into Top 4.1% Globally Amid Expansion and Innovation

NWU’s Strategic Vision Drives Impressive Rise in 2025 Global University Rankings

The North-West University (NWU) is rapidly cementing its status as a leading academic institution, as evidenced by its impressive climb in global rankings. This progress comes largely as a result of its newly implemented strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, which strategically focuses on internationalisation, partnerships, and measurable impact. According to the 2025 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), published on 2 June, NWU now ranks within the top 4.1% of universities worldwide, a notable improvement from last year’s 4.2%.

Specifically, the university holds the 860th position out of 21,462 institutions globally for academic performance, placing it among the top seven universities in South Africa and the top eleven across Africa. Furthermore, NWU’s standing in employability and research has also improved, reaching 1,610th and 820th place respectively, with an overall score rising slightly from 71.3 to 71.5. This upward trajectory highlights the university’s growing influence both domestically and internationally.

Significant developments underpinning this success include the establishment of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the Centre for Sustainable Mining, the Veterinary School, and specialised hubs focused on agriculture and artificial intelligence. These initiatives foster innovation and promote diversity and operational excellence, aligning with the university’s broader strategic objectives. Additionally, NWU’s strong international presence is underscored by its 163 active institutional partnerships spanning 50 countries, which enhance its research capabilities and teaching quality on a global scale.

The Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), known for publishing the largest and most objective academic rankings of global universities, is unique in its methodology. It relies exclusively on robust outcome-based indicators across four key pillars, education, employability, faculty, and research, without depending on surveys or self-reported data. The ranking system equally emphasises student-related and faculty-related metrics. These are measured through seven specific indicators: education (25%), employability (25%), faculty (10%), and research broken down into output (10%), high-quality publications (10%), influence (10%), and citations (10%).

Dr Nadim Mahassen, president of CWUR, describes the agency as a leading consultancy providing policy advice and strategic insights to governments and universities, aimed at improving educational and research outcomes. He stresses that CWUR’s rankings are trusted worldwide for their objectivity, transparency, and consistency by students, academics, university administrators, and policymakers alike. NWU’s rising prominence in global rankings confirms its successful strategic direction and solidifies its reputation as a dynamic and influential player in higher education.

Editor's Note:

The North-West University’s impressive rise in the 2025 Global 2000 rankings reflects a powerful combination of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and relentless commitment to academic excellence. In an era where higher education faces unprecedented challenges, from rapidly evolving global standards to increasing demands for innovation and relevance, NWU’s clear focus on internationalisation, impactful partnerships, and research-driven growth offers a compelling blueprint for success. NWU's recent success underscores its rising global reputation and shows how effective strategies lead to real results. Building specialised schools, innovation centres, and strong international partnerships reflects the university’s innovative approach to learning and research. These efforts are essential for promoting diversity, operational efficiency, and meaningful impact.

Skoobuzz congratulates NWU on its achievements and eagerly anticipates its continued rise as a leading institution shaping the future of higher education in South Africa and beyond.