The North-West University (NWU) begins 2026 on a positive trajectory, recording a notable improvement in the Computer Science subject group of the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings by Subject. This latest ranking underscores the continued commitment of the university to academic excellence and global relevance.
In the most recent THE Rankings by Subject, which was published on 21 January, the rankings place the Computer Science offerings of the NWU in the 601 to 800 group globally, while it featured in the 801 to 1 000 position last year.
Guided by our strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, the university’s improved Computer Science ranking forms part of a broader pattern of consistent performance across multiple disciplines. The NWU has retained its ranking positions in Arts and Humanities (501 to 600), Business and Economics (601 to 800), Medical and Health (formerly Clinical and Health) (501 to 600), Law (301 to 400), Life Sciences (601 to 800), Physical Sciences (601 to 800), and Psychology (301 to 400).
These results highlight the steady standing of the university across a wide academic spectrum and its ability to sustain quality and impact in diverse fields of study.
According to the THE, the Rankings by Subject methodology evaluates universities across 11 subject areas, using 18 performance indicators. These indicators assess elements such as teaching reputation, student-to-staff ratio and research reputation. The indicators are grouped under five core pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry, and International Outlook.
The methodology is carefully tailored for each subject area, considering discipline-specific research cultures and publication practices to ensure fairness and accuracy in the results.
Strategy drives international recognition
Commenting on the rankings, Prof. Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, notes that subject group rankings serve as international acknowledgment of the work produced by the academics and researchers of the NWU.
“The consistent success of the NWU in international rankings reflects the strength of our strategy,” she says. “It is anchored in four key priorities: results-oriented leadership, systems thinking and policy fluency, private-public value co-creation, and digital and green economy enablement. These priorities strengthen the focus of the NWU on globally relevant, sustainable solutions and its commitment to creating meaningful impact.”
Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, the principal and vice-chancellor, added that, “this strategic focus is reflected in initiatives such as the establishment and proposed establishment of future-fit academic schools, including the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Sciences. These and other cross-sectoral projects reinforce the emphasis of the university on internationalisation, partnerships and societal impact.”
For more information about the continued strong performance of the NWU in global rankings this year, visit www.nwu.ac.za/rankings, or to learn more about the THE Rankings by Subject, visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/by-subje….
