The Number 2 University in South Africa: University of the Witwatersrand
When determining the number 2 university in South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg stands out as a powerhouse of academic excellence, research innovation, and historical significance. Frequently ranked just behind the University of Cape Town (UCT), Wits secures its position as the second-best university in the nation across multiple authoritative rankings in 2025.
Why Wits is South Africa’s Number 2 University
South Africa hosts 26 public universities, but Wits consistently ranks among the elite, trailing only UCT in global and regional standings. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Wits holds a global rank of 301-350, making it the second-highest South African institution after UCT (155). The QS World University Rankings 2025 places Wits at 267 globally, again second to UCT’s 171. Its blend of academic rigor, urban location, and research output cements its status as a top-tier university.
Key Highlights
- Founded: 1922 (evolved from the South African School of Mines, established 1896)
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Campus Size: Over 400 hectares across multiple campuses
- Student Population: Approximately 40,000 students (2024 Wits Annual Report)
- Global Ranking: 301-350 (THE 2025), 267 (QS 2025)
- African Ranking: 2nd in Africa (QS 2025)
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
Wits traces its origins to the South African School of Mines in Kimberley (1896), relocating to Johannesburg and becoming a full university in 1922. Known as “Wits” (from “Witwatersrand,” meaning “ridge of white waters”), it has been a crucible for social change, notably during apartheid, producing leaders like Nelson Mandela (law student) and Ruth First (anti-apartheid activist). Its urban setting in Johannesburg—South Africa’s economic hub—enhances its influence and connectivity.
Historical Milestone: First South African university to admit black students in 1940s (under restricted conditions)
Alumni Impact: Over 200,000 alumni, including 4 Nobel laureates (e.g., Aaron Klug, Chemistry 1982)
Research Legacy: Home to the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER), a global leader in social sciences
Academic Excellence: Stats and Strengths
Wits spans 5 faculties—Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science—offering over 3,400 courses. Its research output and teaching quality are key to its number 2 ranking.
Academic Stats
- Total Students: 40,000+, with 25,000 undergraduates and 15,000 postgraduates (2024)
- International Students: 10% from over 70 countries (QS 2025)
- Research Publications: Over 1,800 papers annually, with 900,000+ citations (EduRank 2025)
- Student-to-Staff Ratio: 16:1, ensuring quality interaction (THE 2025)
- Graduate Output: Approximately 10,000 graduates yearly
Wits excels in mining engineering (ranked 15th globally, QS Subject Rankings 2025), medicine (via the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre), and social sciences, reflecting its urban and industrial context.
Campus and Facilities: A Research Powerhouse
Spanning 400+ hectares, Wits operates across East and West Campuses in Braamfontein, plus specialized sites like the Education Campus and Medical School. Its facilities rival global standards:
- Libraries: 12 libraries with over 1.5 million volumes
- Labs: 50+ research labs, including the Wits Centre for Astrophysics
- Origins Centre: A museum showcasing human evolution, housing 40,000+ artifacts
- Sports: 20+ sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized pool
The Wits Planetarium, one of Africa’s few, supports astronomy education, while the Wits Art Museum enriches cultural studies. A 2024 student survey rated facilities at 88% “excellent”.
Research and Industry Ties: Driving Innovation
Wits’ research prowess is a cornerstone of its ranking. It hosts 33 research entities, including the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL) and the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
Research Funding: Over R1 billion annually (2024 Wits Report)
Citations: 20% above world average (EduRank 2025)
Industry Partnerships: Collaborates with 200+ companies, e.g., Sasol and Anglo American
Patents: Filed 50+ patents in the last 5 years (Wits Enterprise, 2024)
Its location in Johannesburg facilitates internships and job placements, boosting employability.
Employability and Alumni Success
Wits graduates are highly employable, with a QS Employment Outcomes score of 98.9/100 (2025), second only to UCT in South Africa. The Global Employability University Ranking (GEURS) 2025 ranks Wits at 201-250 globally.
Employment Rate: 82% of graduates employed within 6 months (Wits Career Services, 2024)
Top Sectors: Mining (30%), finance (25%), health (15%)
Notable Alumni: Nadine Gordimer (Nobel Literature 1991), Elon Musk (brief attendee), Desmond Tutu (honorary)
A 2024 employer survey ranked Wits grads among SA’s top 3 for workplace readiness.
Comparative Rankings: Wits vs. SA Peers
Here’s how Wits compares to other top South African universities in 2025:
| University | THE Rank 2025 | QS Rank 2025 | Students | Research Papers/Year | Employment Outcomes (QS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | 155 | 171 | 29,000 | 2,500+ | 95.8 |
| University of Witwatersrand | 301-350 | 267 | 40,000 | 1,800+ | 98.9 |
| Stellenbosch University | 283 | 283 | 32,000 | 1,200+ | 92.1 |
| University of Johannesburg | 401-500 | 312 | 50,000 | 1,500+ | 88.7 |
Wits’ higher student numbers, strong employability, and urban advantage secure its number 2 spot, though UCT leads in global rank and research volume.
Student Life: A Vibrant Urban Experience
With 40,000 students, Wits offers a dynamic community:
- Societies: Over 100 clubs, from debating to robotics
- Sports: 20+ teams, excelling in rugby and soccer
- Cultural Events: Hosts 50+ events yearly, like the Wits Arts Festival
A 2024 student poll gave campus life an 85% satisfaction rating, reflecting its lively yet supportive environment.
Conclusion: Wits’ Number 2 Triumph
The University of the Witwatersrand is South Africa’s number 2 university in 2025, blending academic prestige, research impact, and employability. With 40,000 students, a 267 QS ranking, and a legacy of innovation, Wits is a cornerstone of higher education. For students seeking excellence just a step behind UCT, Wits delivers.
