In this prime location in Johannesburg stands the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a university with a long history that is particularly renowned for its mining programs. Ranked as the second-best university in Africa, Wits is also highly regarded worldwide for its programs in mining, medicine, and the arts and sciences. Career Outcomes for Individuals with a University of the Witwatersrand diploma
Africa’s Premier Academic Reputation
Wits’ core values are rooted in its consistently rising global rankings. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Wits ranks 291st globally, placing it 2nd in Africa and 2nd in South Africa. Additionally, it ranks 201st globally in the Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and 265th globally in the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings. As Africa’s leading university in research output, Wits boasts 381 NRF-rated researchers and maintains collaborative networks with top global institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London.
Flagship Programs: From Top 11 in Mining to Internationally Recognized Engineering
Wits’ flagship programs are centered on mining engineering and enjoy an excellent reputation in the global industry. Mineral and Mining Engineering ranks 11th globally in the QS Subject Rankings, and the university is striving to break into the global top ten. Wits’ School of Mining is one of the largest in the world, and its curriculum has integrated cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, data science, and automation into its teaching system.
Wits’ School of Medicine is one of the best in South Africa; it performed the world’s first human heart transplant and has conducted COVID-19 drug trials. Its MBA program holds international accreditation, and its actuarial science program exempts students from many South African actuarial exams; it is also recognized in the UK, Australia, and other regions.
Wits’ engineering degrees are accredited by the South African Engineering Council and recognized by engineering bodies in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. These engineering degrees are globally recognized—a distinction unmatched by other African universities. The accounting program holds Level 1 accreditation from South Africa’s premier accounting body, while architecture is recognized by the Commonwealth Association of Architects, and surveying is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Second-best employment outcomes in Africa
Wits graduates’ job placement rates demonstrate the quality of its education. In the 2025 African University Employability Rankings, Wits ranked second. In the QS Employability Rankings, Wits alumni have a greater influence than those from the University of Cape Town. Approximately 86.1% of graduates secure employment, with many joining major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Shell. Official data indicates that nearly all civil engineering graduates find employment.
