UKZN Ranks Among World’s Best in 10 Subjects

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has once again cemented its position as a global leader in academia, earning a prestigious place among the world’s top universities in 10 subjects in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

This remarkable achievement underscores UKZN’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research impact, and international collaboration.

The 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released by renowned global Higher Education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds, offers a comprehensive analysis of more than 18 300 university programmes across 1 700 institutions in 100 locations worldwide. The rankings span 55 academic disciplines and assess performance across five broad faculty areas: Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.

Expressing immense pride in the University’s performance, UKZN’s Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, highlighted the significance of this milestone: ‘Being recognised in the QS rankings is a testament to our relentless pursuit of academic and research excellence. It reaffirms our exceptional research output, high-quality teaching, and meaningful cross-border collaborations. These achievements reflect the dedication of our academics, researchers, and students in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.’

This year, UKZN’s Chemistry programme saw an impressive upward movement in the rankings, further strengthening the University’s reputation in STEM disciplines. The Institution also secured rankings in Education, Materials Science, Mathematics, Development Studies, Agriculture and Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Medicine – showcasing its diverse academic strengths.

‘This accomplishment is a collective triumph for UKZN, made possible by the hard work, passion, and dedication of our academic community. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this outstanding achievement!’ added Zondo.

Mr Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: ‘Our largest-ever subject rankings continue to highlight the evolving landscape of global Higher Education. While countries that have traditionally dominated the rankings maintain their stronghold, they are increasingly being challenged by emerging Higher Education markets.

‘This shift is evident in the impressive performances of institutions across Asia and the Middle East – a trend that is likely to accelerate as universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada face financial pressures.’

Global Highlights

• United States: US universities lead in 32 subjects, with Harvard University securing the top spot in 15 disciplines, followed by MIT, which ranks first in 11 subjects.
• United Kingdom: UK institutions top 18 subject tables, with the University of Cambridge leading in four subjects and the University of Oxford in three.
• Canada: Canadian institutions continue to shine, with the University of British Columbia ranking in 52 subjects – one of the highest worldwide.

UKZN’s continued presence in these global rankings reflects its standing as a Premier University of African Scholarship, demonstrating its influence on the African continent and international stage.

View UKZN’s performance in this year’s QS subject rankings here.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied