Teaching and Learning

NWU shines again in the top seven in rankings

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:51:12 +0000

NWU shines again in the top seven in rankings

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:51

The North-West University (NWU) is still among the cream of the crop locally and internationally. The latest rankings of the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy again placed the NWU among the top seven South African universities in its 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

ARWU lists the NWU in the 601 to 700 ranking category internationally – a considerable achievement, as only the best 1 000 out of more than 2 500 universities that are actually ranked annually are published. The ShanghaiRanking Consultancy published this ranking list on 15 August.

It is a continuation of excellence

The NWU has continued its strong showing in various rankings by different ranking agencies. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, published on 4 June, also placed the NWU among the top seven South African universities in the Top Global Universities rankings for 2025.

The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) ranked the NWU among the top 4,2% of the world’s best universities on 13 May, and the Young University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE) put the NWU 183rd out of 673 universities on the list of the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.

More about the ARWU rankings

ARWU uses six objective indicators to rank world universities. These are: the number of alumni who win Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals (10%); the number of staff who win Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals (20%); the number of highly cited researchers in 21 broad subject categories (20%); the number of papers published in Nature and Science (20%); the number of papers indexed in the Science Citation Index-expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index (20%); and the per capita academic performance of an institution (10%).

To read more about this year’s ARWU rankings, visit: https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2024, or for more about the NWU’s performance in the various rankings, visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings.

Groundbreaking research leads to comprehensive and effective approach to forensic interviewing

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 07:53:18 +0000

Groundbreaking research leads to comprehensive and effective approach to forensic interviewing

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 08/19/2024 - 09:53

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit recently celebrated a significant milestone with delivering the first PhD graduate in social sciences with relational dynamics and development. The groundbreaking research of Dr Constant Laubscher van Graan focuses on relational dynamics in forensic investigations.

His study has significantly contributed to the field of commercial forensic investigations by shedding light on the complex dynamics that unfold during interactions between multiple stakeholders.

Dr Van Graan, a senior lecturer and leader of the Forensic Accountancy programme at the NWU, recognised the inadequacy of traditional interviewing methods in comprehending the intricacies of human interaction within forensic investigations, particularly in the South African context.

His innovative work has culminated in the development of the Ponaletso Commercial Forensic Interviewing (CFI) Framework, which integrates the person-centered approach (PCA) and the PEACE model to provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to forensic interviewing. His framework aims to enhance the gathering of reliable and admissible information during interactions with suspects and witnesses.

"My research broadly reiterates that, when you respect people and acknowledge their complexities, they are more willing to engage. This is a central theme of the social sciences and, up until now, has been neglected in the forensic investigative context,” he says.

“Empathy, congruence (genuineness) and acceptance are core qualities that need to be exhibited by the investigator, and this links with their ability to be aware of the relational dynamics at play. These qualities are visible in many contexts and, if applied correctly, enrich the engagement and interaction between individuals," he explains.

He says that his interest in relational dynamics and development within the commercial forensic investigative context was sparked by the lack of knowledge about forensic investigative interviewing. This type of interviewing is a crucial tool for gathering evidence during fraud investigations.

"There is no standard interviewing technique for investigators in South Africa and current international guidelines usually do not take into consideration the complexities of human beings. Relational dynamics can help us understand the interactions between investigators and interviewees (i.e. suspects and witnesses) and pave the way for new approaches to interviewing in South Africa and the rest of the world. This gap intrigued me, and I wanted to explore it further," he reveals.

Looking ahead, he envisions real-world application of his conceptual framework in commercial forensic investigative practices.

Throughout his research journey and as a forensic accountant, Dr Van Graan encountered a myriad of challenges, from logistical issues in interviewing participants to grasping complex new methodologies in the field of social sciences. However, his determination and focused approach enabled him to overcome these obstacles.

"I also had to be open to modifying my study when new information or data arose. To stay sane through these challenges, I focused only on things I could control and made peace with the rest. It wasn't easy, but ultimately, the determination to finish at all costs, even if it took longer than expected, helped me cross the finish line," he says.

He adds that they are busy developing an electronic version of the framework, which may be of significant importance to the forensic industry.

“Watch this space," he says.

Dr Constant Laubscher van Graan.

Prof Lené Graupner named Academic Industrial Psychologist of the Year

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 08:15:39 +0000

Prof Lené Graupner named Academic Industrial Psychologist of the Year

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:15

The field of industrial and organisational psychology has witnessed a remarkable evolution over the years, and at the forefront of this transformative journey is the North-West University’s (NWU's) Prof Lené Graupner.

Prof Graupner, a registered industrial psychologist and professor at the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources on the Potchefstroom Campus, recently received the prestigious Academic Industrial Psychologist of the Year award from the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa. This well-deserved recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the academic and professional realms of industrial psychology.

She says the significance of winning the award extends beyond individual recognition.

"Winning the award means that our work in industrial and organisational psychology is being recognised at an academic level. However, it's important to note that this achievement is a result of teamwork. I am part of a team of colleagues, researchers and academics who collaborate to solve problems and offer solutions for the industry," she explains.

She adds that this honour reinforces the pivotal role that industrial psychology plays in addressing the evolving demands of the industry, and emphasises the impactful solutions provided by dedicated professionals in the field.

Prof Graupner began her career in the South African Police Service (SAPS) before moving to tertiary education. She specialises in workplace and trauma counselling, training industrial psychologists, and prioritising employee well-being in organisational settings. As a National Research Foundation C2-rated researcher, she equips industrial psychologists with counselling skills and has supervised numerous research projects.

She says her passion for understanding human potential and personalities was sparked while studying for her honours degree industrial and organisational psychology.

"During this time, I started working with psychometric assessments. A whole world opened up for me to see how human potential can be developed, the structure of personalities and how people differ. As assistant, I was privileged to work with Prof Ian Rothmann, scoring personality assessments and observing him and his colleagues in practice work doing consultancy work for organisations. I was sold to industrial psychology, seeing how people grow and flourish was life-changing for me," she says.

Her commitment to preparing industrial psychologists led her to develop the Framework for Inspiring Growth, a groundbreaking workplace counselling model. This model equips students and practitioners with essential counselling skills for their professional roles.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Prof Graupner has encountered numerous challenges, showcasing her resilience and determination.

"An important challenge we face is personal growth and development, as well as overcoming uncertainties and self-doubt. Every time I applied for honours, master’s and PhD selection, I doubted that I would be chosen. When I was selected, I put a lot of pressure on myself to prove my worthiness. In the end, it's about seizing each opportunity and making the most of it. It's not just about ourselves – it's about the people we serve and assist, and about striving to improve our skills to do so effectively," she shares.

Looking ahead, Prof Graupner envisions a promising future for industrial psychology, particularly within the realm of work-related well-being.

"As organisations increasingly prioritise the well-being of their employees, the expertise of industrial psychologists becomes indispensable in fostering a thriving work environment. I aim to continue shaping the future of industrial psychology by advocating for the pivotal role of industrial psychologists in addressing workplace well-being, and guiding organisations on strategic approaches to ensure the flourishing of their workforce," she says.

In light of her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment, Prof Graupner emphasises the significance of skills development, trustworthy mentorship and the impact of mentoring others.

Prof Lené Graupner.

NWU researchers take aim at bridging continents

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:46:08 +0000

NWU researchers take aim at bridging continents

by Steve Maphakathe

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:46

In their pursuit of driving innovation and expanding the North-West University’s (NWU’s) global research, a delegation of nine researchers recently embarked on a fruitful international visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

The researchers visited two prestigious institutions, the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) and the University of Lincoln, and were cordially received by their UK counterparts.

The primary goal of the visit was to foster international collaboration and potential partnerships aimed at research, teaching and programme development, with special emphasis on the Africa Trade Platforms project.

The NWU’s researchers included Prof Steve Dunga, Prof Zandri Dickason-Koekemoer, Prof Suné Ferreira-Schenk, Prof Ireen Choga, Ermie Steenkamp, Prof Carli Bezuidenhout, Dr Jabulile Makhalima, Dr Jacques de Jongh, and Dr Lorainne Ferreira.

They are affiliated with the research focus area Trade, which specialises in the fields of development economics, international trade, supply chain management and transport, applied economics and econometrics, and financial markets.

Laying the groundwork with the LSE

During their visit to the LSE, the researchers engaged in a series of meetings with notable individuals including Prof Tim Allen, director of the Firoz Laljii Institute for Africa. Other notable individuals from the Firoz Lalji Institute included Fadil Elobeid, Africa engagement project manager, Dr Martha Geiger Mwenitete, chair of strategic development and institute manager, Dr Marta Soprana; research fellow in the Department of International Relations, and Richard Alexander from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

The delegation also met with Prof Abigail McKnight, director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE), and Dr Kitty Stewart, associate director of the CASE, respectively.

The meetings resulted in potential joint research initiatives and the sharing of data and resources with Prof David Luke, strategic director at the Firoz Lalji Institute. Prof Luke is set to be appointed as an extraordinary research professor at the NWU and this will complement the ongoing collaboration on research articles meant for publication.

Dr de Jongh highlighted the NWU’s capabilities and encouraged research discussion during his lecture titled “Global forces and local realities: Economic development in South African Customs Union (SACU) amidst ‘slobalisation’”.

The meeting with Prof McKnight and Prof Stewart from the CASE was also fruitful, with common interests in poverty research being identified and workshops being planned to align research interests and future projects.

Dr Alexander and Dr Soprana showed interest in serving as external examiners for examining postgraduate NWU dissertations in their fields of study. Dr Soprana also agreed to provide a guest lecture in applied international macro-economics .

Paving the way with the UL

The NWU delegation’s visit to the University of Lincoln (UL) aimed to build on a signed memorandum of understanding between the institutions to formalise various areas of collaboration. Prof Dunga, Prof Choga and Dr De Jongh were met by the economics team at the UL, led by Prof David Gray, economic programme development manager. They exchanged ideas for joint research projects - particularly in development economics - and the potential co-hosting of the fLincoln Conference on Development Economics in South Africa.

Opportunities for staff exchanges, guest lectures and team teaching were explored, following a recent guest lecture by the UL’s Dr Abbas Ali Gilani for NWU honours students in econometrics.

The delegation further reviewed programmes from both universities to assess the feasibility of joint offerings and expressed interest in joint supervision of postgraduate students. Colleagues from both institutions committed to participating in weekly seminars where research ideas and current research projects will be shared to further promote collaboration.

Overall, the visit to the UK was prosperous, creating the foundation for robust international partnerships and collaborative research projects.

At the back from the left are Prof Ireen Chonga, Dr Jabulile Makhalima, Prof Ermie Steenkamp, Prof Zandri Dickason-Koekemoer, Prof Suné Ferreira-Schenk, Prof Steve Dunga and Dr Jacques de Jongh. In front from the left are Prof Carli Bezuidenhout and Dr Lorainne Ferreira.

The NWU researchers at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences in London, UK.

bpSA helps 100 students to overcome the final hurdle

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:11:05 +0000

bpSA helps 100 students to overcome the final hurdle MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 06/27/2024 - 12:11

bp Southern Africa has responded to the plight of North-West University (NWU) students as part of its centenary commemorative initiatives. The company has donated R2,5m to help 100 of the university’s students clear their outstanding fees, enabling them to enter the working world with confidence.

Answering a parliamentary question earlier this year, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said 56 627 students at the NWU have outstanding fees.

“While we acknowledge the need is great, we wanted to do our part to help some of these students into their next chapter. We have a long and proud relationship with South Africa, going back a century, and we owe our longevity to the communities and customers of this country – this is another way we are giving back,” says Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bpSA.

“Over the last decade, we’ve been investing heavily in education, both within bpSA and for beneficiaries outside of bp. When we founded the Energy Mobility Education Trust (EMET) 10 years ago, the aim was to change the lives of young black South Africans and create a good pipeline of future skills across a broad range of disciplines, but particularly in maths and science. Since 2014, the trust has invested approximately R247 million to benefit 3 754 young people through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and skills development,” she adds.

The trust’s focus is on developing skills in STEM, with particular focus on nurturing black learners and students from underserved areas in South Africa.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice chancellor of the NWU, says many highly talented students face a tragic shortfall in funding, which needs to be addressed urgently.

“We are thankful for bpSA’s commitment to social and economic development in South Africa and I am confident that you can benefit from the innovative research and skilled graduates that the NWU produces, which can lead to potential collaborations in various fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, law, and accounting – to mention just a few. As we celebrate our 20 years of existence, we hope that you will open your doors to our students to engage with industry leaders, gain practical experience, and contribute to solving real-world challenges.”

“I want to thank you for being one of the chosen ones to have their debt settled by bpSA. I am extremely appreciative of your efforts,” says Ntokozo Radebe, one of the 100 recipients of the bursary.

Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bpSA, hands the cheque for R2,5m to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice chancellor of the NWU.

First-ever Gauteng open day breaks new ground

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:53:35 +0000

First-ever Gauteng open day breaks new ground

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/03/2024 - 12:53

It was another first for the North-West University (NWU) and a day that will live long in the memory of all those who attended it. On Saturday, 1 June, the NWU held its inaugural Gauteng open day at Supersport Park in Centurion.

Learners from schools from across the province were in attendance to get their first taste of what the NWU has to offer. More than 30% of the NWU’s students hail from Gauteng, and the province plays a critical role in the makeup of the NWU, which is one of the biggest universities in the country.

With each step like this open day, the NWU becomes stronger, more relevant and better positioned than ever before. The event also formed part of the university’s celebrations of its 20th year of existence since its establishment in 2004.

All eight of the NWU’s faculties were represented at the event, as were residences from all three the NWU’s campuses, its support structures and more. Supersport Park was also transformed with the distinctive colours of the university, and everyone who attended had a great time.

The Gauteng open day was followed by an alumni event at the same venue on Saturday night, which also saw a spectacular laser show about the NWU on the famous grounds.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor of the NWU, underlined the significance of the open day at the alumni function, saying: “Today the North-West University spread its wings and soared to a new destination: our first ever Gauteng open day. We made history, as we so often do, because that is what the NWU does. Today, we brought our ethic of care, our expertise and the promise of a better future to a whole new audience. We showed our commitment to reaching out to corners unexplored, to walking on paths untrodden and to making opportunities accessible for all.”

The principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, said that although many goals have been achieved, these will be surpassed in the years to come:

“Central to our strategy is our vision, which is to discover new frontiers and opportunities that benefit society, advancing our relevance and impact. We aim to achieve this vision by providing knowledge and excelling in innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and focused engagement with the community.”

He concluded: “As we look ahead, we are filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The future holds immense possibilities, and we are ready to embrace them. We will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact on society. Our commitment to academic excellence, social justice and community engagement will remain the cornerstone of our efforts. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond, when we will continue to discover new frontiers, disrupt for the better, and make an indelible impact on society.”

Cheers!

NWU continues its impressive climb among top global universities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 15 May 2024 09:06:22 +0000

NWU continues its impressive climb among top global universities

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/15/2024 - 11:06

The North-West University (NWU) has continued to improve its ranking and shines among the top global universities. This is evident in recent rankings by both the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) and the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings.

The latest Global 2000 list, which is published by the CWUR, places the NWU among the top 4,2% of the world’s best universities. This outstanding achievement was published on 13 May on the cwur.org website. The NWU was ranked according to academic performance among 20 966 universities worldwide.

It is not the first time that the university has excelled in these rankings, as it has continued to improve its showing in this list. In the 2024 edition of the Global 2000 list, the NWU has shown that its continued striving towards excellence is paying off, outperforming its impressive showings of last year ─ the NWU was then ranked among the top 4,4% – as well as in 2022, when the NWU was ranked in the top 4,5%.

The ranking is also an improvement on last year’s overall score of 71,1 to 71,3. The NWU is now ranked 869th in the world. This means that the NWU has climbed 18 places up the ranking ladder since being placed 887th last year. It is ranked 825th for research and 1 682th for employability. The NWU retained its tenth position in Africa and is still seventh (the same as last year) in South Africa.

According to Dr Nadim Mahassen, president of the CWUR, they publish the largest academic rankings of global universities. The rankings are set apart from others in that they use objective indicators for their four pillars: education; employability; faculty; and research. They do not rely on surveys and university data submissions.

The CWUR also places equal emphasis on student- and faculty-related indicators and employed 62 million outcome-based data points for this year’s rankings.

The CWUR is a leading consulting organisation that provides policy advice, strategic insights and consulting services to governments and universities to improve educational and research outcomes.

Also shining among young universities

It is not only the CWUR that recognises the NWU’s excellence. The latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings placed the NWU 183th out of 673 universities on their list of the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger. Only universities that fall in this specific age category are considered for these rankings. The NWU celebrates its 20th year of existence this year and therefore qualified for these specific rankings. The THE also publishes other rankings that include the World University Rankings.

The THE Young University Rankings uses 13 calibrated performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons. These rankings include institutions that were founded between 1973 and the present.

The THE rankings group the performance indicators into five areas: teaching (the learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation); citations (research and influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry income (knowledge transfer). Follow the links for more information on the 2024 CWUR rankings (http://cwur.org/2024.php), and the THE Young University Rankings (https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/young-university-rankings), or visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings for more information about the NWU’s performance in the various rankings.

Journey to NWU Medical School continues

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 09 May 2024 11:36:13 +0000

Journey to NWU Medical School continues

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/09/2024 - 13:36

Each step is more exciting than the previous one as the destination comes more clearly into view. On Wednesday, 8 May, a delegation from North-West University (NWU) met with general practitioners and specialists in the private sector in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District to provide an overview of the university’s journey to implement the NWU Medical School.

The event, held at the C’est La Belle venue in Klerksdorp, also aimed to brief the practitioners on the modules that the Medical School will offer and to extend an invitation to participate in these modules on a voluntary basis.

Present from the NWU Medical School project team were Prof Awie Kotzé, executive dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof Petra Bester, director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) and the operations lead of the NWU Medical School project team; and Prof Binu Luke, project lead of the NWU Medical School and chief specialist physician and technical adviser in the North West Department of Health.

Prof Bester opened the proceedings by saying, "I woke up this morning with the thought: 'It takes a village to raise a child.' It is going to take the whole province working together to make a success of the NWU Medical School."

Joining the event digitally Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, reiterated the importance of meeting the stakeholders who will help make the endeavor successful. He also reaffirmed that the NWU is a society-centric university aiming to change not only the lives of people in the province but also those in South Africa and the world.

Prof Kotzé began his address by stating, "This must be done right from the beginning," emphasizing that there is no room for mistakes. He noted how the NWU is collaborating with role players and other medical schools across the country to develop a unique and appropriate medical curriculum tailored to the needs of South Africa.

Following him, Prof Luke outlined the remaining tasks and the vast scope of the project. He highlighted the unique attributes that a NWU Medical School graduate should possess, including being an effective communicator, socially conscious and community-oriented, an ethical team player, proficient in state-of-the-art technology, and a product of a collaborative effort between the North West Department of Health, North-West University, and the private sector, among others.

A similar event will be held at NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus on 28 May.

Prof Petra Bester

Prof Awie Kotzé

Professional development camp equips future educators

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:40:31 +0000

Professional development camp equips future educators MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:40

In line with its educational vision for 2025, the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Education recently organised a professional development campus to provide students with a deeper insight into the demands of their future careers.

Hosted by esteemed educators and professionals in the field, the camp sought to immerse students in real classroom scenarios and equip them with the necessary skills and mindset for success in the job market.

One of the key presentations was delivered by Itumeleng Lesabe, who underscored the importance of reading for meaning in the classroom. She provided valuable strategies for improving reading deficits among students, emphasising techniques such as decoding, inference and prosody. Itumeleng also stressed the distinction between reading for meaning and reading fluency, offering practical advice on implementation through group discussions and whole-classroom activities.

Dr Nothile Kunene addressed the challenges and expectations facing new language educators from a curriculum perspective. Her presentation covered various aspects including teamwork, quality teaching, and effective communication. She emphasised the need for innovation and professionalism while navigating issues such as underperformance and disciplinary matters.

Kabelo Noosi delved into the role of language in decolonising education, highlighting its significance in conveying messages and shaping identities. He shed light on the challenges faced by African languages in South Africa and proposed solutions such as using indigenous languages as mediums of instruction and fostering translanguaging practices to bridge linguistic divides.

Ethics and professionalism in the teaching profession were the focal points of the joint presentation by Boitumelo Molokwane and Shadikgolo Mokoena. They stressed the importance of ethical conduct, professionalism and clear communication in representing oneself and the institution positively.

Furthermore, Hopolang Khanye provided insights into teaching poetry, advocating for interactive and innovative approaches to engage learners. He stressed the use of technology as a tool to spark interest and inclusivity in the classroom.

Lastly, Mathai Monyakane shared tips on teaching literature, focusing on critical analysis and interpretation of novels. She encouraged the future educators to utilise creative techniques such as discussing cover pages and employing real-life examples to enhance students' understanding and engagement.

Overall, the professional development camp served as a valuable platform for aspiring educators to gain practical insights and skills essential for their future careers in teaching. With a focus on innovation, ethics, and effective communication, the camp aimed to empower the next generation of educators to meet the challenges of the evolving educational landscape.

The NWU’s next generation of educators who attended the professional development camp.

QS rankings place three NWU subject groups in the top 700

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:09:13 +0000

QS rankings place three NWU subject groups in the top 700

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/10/2024 - 14:09

The North-West University (NWU) continues its impressive showing in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject rank three of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 700 globally, with one of these in the top 400. These include agriculture and forestry, physics and astronomy, and medicine.

Although the NWU does not have a medical school, it offers subjects that fall within the medicine category. These subjects will form a strong foundation for the NWU Medical School, which is envisaged to enrol students from 2028.

The 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked the NWU in the 301 to 350 category for agriculture and forestry, 601 to 650 category for medicine and health sciences, and in the 601 to 640 category for physics and astronomy. This is the first year that the NWU has featured in the ranking table for physics and astronomy. The university improved its ranking for agriculture and forestry from last year’s 351 to 400 ranking.

QS published the rankings on 10 April and included 1 559 institutions, ranked across 55 subjects in five broad subject areas.

QS used five indicators to determine a place on the rankings table. These included academic reputation; employer reputation; citations per paper; the h-index (measuring the stability of the impact and quality of the work published by the institutions’ scientists and scholars); and the International Research Network (IRN) (measuring the efficiency of establishing stable research collaborations in all the broad subject areas).

This is not the first time the NWU has excelled in the QS rankings. Globally, the NWU was ranked in the 801 to 850 category in June last year for the 2023/2024 QS World University Rankings. This placed the NWU among the top seven South African universities. The NWU was also ranked among the top eight out of 43 institutions on the continent in the QS Sustainability ranking. The Sustainability ranking looks at higher-education institutions’ response to crucial environmental, social and governance issues.

To learn more about the NWU’s performance in various rankings, visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings.