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University of the Witwatersrand
(Wits)
About
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a leading multi-campus public research university situated in the economic hub of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is known for its academic and research excellence, commitment to social justice, and the advancement of the public good. Wits University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in s...
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a leading multi-campus public research university situated in the economic hub of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is known for its academic and research excellence, commitment to social justice, and the advancement of the public good. Wits University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.
Ranking Overview
Ranked Top 240 worldwide across 4 major ranking systems
Ranked in 71 subject rankings
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings
Key Facts
- Students
- 26,928
- Student-Staff Ratio
- 22.4 : 1
- Int'l Students
- 6%
- Female : Male
- 60 : 40
- Staff
- 4,712
Historical Trend
Longitudinal View
QS
THE
ARWU
US News
Top Subjects
Best-performing areasSubject Rankings
Detailed breakdownUS News
20 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Infectious Diseases | 12 | 81.4 | 2027 |
| Public, Environmental and Occupational Health | =98 | 64.9 | 2027 |
| Social Sciences and Public Health | =131 | 59.4 | 2027 |
| Immunology | 133 | 35.2 | 2027 |
| Clinical Medicine | =176 | 57.0 | 2027 |
| Arts and Humanities | =210 | 42.5 | 2027 |
| Geosciences | =220 | 41.6 | 2027 |
| Ecology | 232 | 37.4 | 2027 |
| Microbiology | 240 | 14.9 | 2027 |
| Physics & Astronomy | =270 | 50.8 | 2027 |
| Environment/Ecology | =417 | 41.5 | 2027 |
| Plant and Animal Science | =462 | 35.8 | 2027 |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | =478 | 25.2 | 2027 |
| Chemistry | =479 | 45.6 | 2027 |
| Mathematics | 497 | 20.1 | 2026 |
| Psychiatry/Psychology | =498 | 24.1 | 2027 |
| Biology and Biochemistry | =674 | 20.2 | 2027 |
| Engineering | =721 | 35.9 | 2027 |
| Computer Science | =797 | 21.4 | 2027 |
| Materials Science | =980 | 19.0 | 2026 |
QS
37 subjectsARWU
25 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health | 51-75 | - | 2025 |
| Mining & Mineral Engineering | 76-100 | - | 2023 |
| Physics & Astronomy | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Ecology | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Nursing | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Geography | 151-200 | - | 2025 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 151-200 | - | 2017 |
| Communication & Media Studies | 151-200 | - | 2019 |
| Human Biological Sciences | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Clinical Medicine | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Economics & Econometrics | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Law & Legal Studies | 201-300 | - | 2024 |
| Sociology | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Earth & Marine Sciences | 301-400 | - | 2025 |
| Atmospheric Science | 301-400 | - | 2021 |
| Biological Sciences | 301-400 | - | 2025 |
| Politics | 301-400 | - | 2024 |
| Psychology | 301-400 | - | 2025 |
| Business Administration | 301-400 | - | 2019 |
| Mathematics | 401-500 | - | 2018 |
| Chemical Engineering | 401-500 | - | 2020 |
| Environmental Sciences | 401-500 | - | 2018 |
| Biotechnology | 401-500 | - | 2022 |
| Pharmacy & Pharmacology | 401-500 | - | 2017 |
| Education & Training | 401-500 | - | 2025 |
THE
11 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical & Health | 151–175 | 51.0 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences | 151–175 | 48.6 | 2026 |
| Arts & Humanities | 176–200 | 41.0 | 2026 |
| Education & Training | 201–250 | 43.1 | 2026 |
| Law & Legal Studies | 201–250 | 37.7 | 2026 |
| Life Sciences | 301–400 | 42.4 | 2026 |
| Business & Economics | 301–400 | 39.5 | 2026 |
| Psychology | 301–400 | 38.3 | 2026 |
| Engineering & Technology | 401–500 | 39.1 | 2026 |
| Physical Sciences | 401–500 | 40.1 | 2026 |
| Computer Science | 601–800 | 30.0 | 2026 |
Organization Structure
Related unitsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the ranking of University of the Witwatersrand?
University of the Witwatersrand's performance in the latest university rankings: QS Rank 302, THE Rank 301–350, ARWU Rank 301-400, US News Rank 240.
When was University of the Witwatersrand founded?
University of the Witwatersrand was founded in 1922.
What are the top subjects at University of the Witwatersrand?
Top subjects at University of the Witwatersrand include: Infectious Diseases, Mineral & Mining Engineering, Development Studies, Public Health, Anthropology.
Where is University of the Witwatersrand located?
University of the Witwatersrand is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.