The University of Pretoria (UP) has secured a global ranking of 78 out of 1,650 institutions in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings. UP ranks as the second-best university in Africa and South Africa, reflecting its growing influence in driving sustainable development through teaching, research, and partnerships.
Performance across key goals
UP has excelled in advancing specific SDGs, recording significant improvements in several areas. The university achieved a global top-25 ranking for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also placed in the top 100 for six other goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). These results highlight the depth of performance across a broad range of development objectives.
On a national level, UP demonstrated leadership by holding the number-one spot in South Africa for SDGs 3, 5, and 9. Seven other goals ranked second, and one ranked third. This means that 11 of the university’s ranked SDGs are positioned among the top three institutions in the country. The university also secured a top-300 global ranking for four additional goals, including Quality Education and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Additional SDG highlights
The 2026 Times Higher Education results demonstrate exceptional depth of performance across multiple SDGs. UP improved its ranking for Decent Work and Economic Growth to 20, while the institution achieved a 101-200 placement for Affordable and Clean Energy.
These achievements formed part of a full institutional submission to the rankings. UP’s annual Sustainable Development Report provides a transparent account of the university’s contribution to the goals.
Regional context and leadership
Located in the South African capital, UP is home to the country’s only Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Gordon Institute of Business Science. The institution acts as a key African partner in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063. The university’s approach blends academic excellence with a focus on people, sustainable development, and addressing pressing global challenges.
Initiatives driving impact
UP has launched initiatives to address interconnected environmental, agricultural, and health challenges. The UNU Hub on Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa places the university at the center of efforts to improve climate resilience and food security. The university also hosted Africa Week 2025, gathering more than 300 leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss global security and economic resilience.
UP signed a 25-year renewable energy partnership with ATTSolar to build a 10.5 MW solar photovoltaic facility in Pretoria. The project will supply clean electricity to the Hatfield and Hillcrest campuses. This infrastructure investment strengthens the university’s energy resilience while contributing to broader sustainability targets. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, stated that these results affirm the institution’s commitment to creating knowledge that addresses society’s complex challenges.
