Wits jumps in Shanghai rankings
PARKTOWN – Wits University has jumped into the top 201 to 300 category of the 2014 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The results were released on 15 August by the Center for World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. This year, four South African universities have been recognised by the prestigious Shanghai rankings, which focuses primarily on the quality of scholarship at universities.
Two of these institutions, Wits University and the University of Cape Town, were ranked in the top 201 to 300 category, and two others, the University of Stellenbosch and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, were ranked in the top 401 to 500 category.
In a statement the University said, “Wits University is mindful of the fact that different ranking systems use different methodologies, and that their results must therefore be approached with a level of measured circumspection. For this reason and others, we believe that as a university we should not be driven by ranking systems.
“Rather, our focus should be on building a nationally responsive and globally competitive institution.”
To this end the university said it would be concentrating on research and teaching, and embedding the institution in the work that was necessary to South Africa, the continent of Africa, and the rest of the globe.
“We are truly appreciative of this recognition, and we are particularly appreciative of our staff, students and alumni to whom these accolades really belong.”
Details: www.shanghairanking.com/Academic-Ranking-of-World-Universities
