The University of Botswana (UB) has recorded a significant rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR), moving from Quartile four (4) in 2025 to Quartile three (3) in 2026.
The advancement marks a major milestone in UB’s growing global competitiveness and academic excellence. Out of 2,191 universities ranked worldwide, UB now falls within the 1001-1200 band, reflecting its expanding international presence and reinforcing its transformation into a mid-tier university with increasing global impact.
In Africa, UB maintained a strong Quartile two (2) position in both the continental and Sub-Saharan Africa categories, ranking 37th out of 141 universities in Africa and 16th out of 56 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Such performance places UB firmly among the top half of ranked African universities, a remarkable feat in a competitive landscape dominated by South African, Egyptian and Nigerian institutions.
Within the Southern, Central and East African sub-region, UB achieved an impressive second-place ranking, placing it firmly in Quartile one (1) when South Africa is excluded. This milestone cements UB’s status as a leading university in the sub-region, recognised for academic quality, resilience and growing influence.
At national level, UB retained its number one (1) position in Botswana, maintaining leadership among the country’s ranked institutions. Such consistent performance underscores the University’s pivotal role in advancing Botswana’s higher education and research agenda while also supporting the country’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
UB’s performance across the ranking pillars shows a university that is steady, ambitious and evolving. In Teaching, UB maintained a stable performance with a strong foundation of qualified faculty and structured learning environments. Ongoing investments in staff development and postgraduate training are expected to yield further improvement in the coming years.
In the Research Environment, UB continues to build capacity through new partnerships, postgraduate supervision and the establishment of research centres that address national priorities such as health, climate change and indigenous knowledge systems.
In Research Quality, UB maintained its position in Quartile two (2), confirming that its scholarly output continues to gain strong international recognition and citation impact particularly in public health, Release THE UNIVERSITY RANKINGS  environmental science and social sciences. The achievement highlights UB’s growing contribution to global scholarship and the value of its research to society. The University also retained its Quartile two (2) position for International Outlook, demonstrating consistent strength in attracting international students and staff as well as in fostering global collaborations. Through partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, UB has strengthened its visibility and reputation as a regional academic hub.
Although UB remained in Quartile four (4) for Industry Income, the University views this as a strategic opportunity to enhance collaboration with the private sector, expand consultancy services and commercialise its research outputs as Botswana moves towards a knowledge-driven economy.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Norris, said the results “demonstrate the hard work and commitment of our staff and students,” adding that “this achievement reflects UB’s determination to become a globally competitive institution that produces knowledge, innovation and graduates who drive Botswana’s transformation agenda.”
UB’s continued progress in the global rankings reflects a university in transition - stable in its core areas, strong in research quality and strategically positioned for future growth. With continued investment in teaching, research infrastructure and internationalisation, the University of Botswana is well placed to further enhance its standing and reinforce its role as a leading centre of academic excellence, innovation and societal impact in Africa and beyond.
