By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been ranked among the top 6% of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide for the second year in a row, as it continues to strengthen its global profile in the 2026 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.
Earlier this week, Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, said the latest ranking evaluated more than 32000 HEIs globally, positioning DUT within a select group of universities recognised for digital visibility, research excellence and commitment to open access knowledge.
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DUT has climbed 1039 positions in the latest Webometrics global university ranking over the past year, advancing from 2855th place in 2024 to 1816th in 2025.
“In South Africa, the ranking included 124 institutions, among them all 26 public universities, reflecting a highly competitive national higher education environment,” Khan said.
Khan said DUT was previously ranked in the same top 6% of universities worldwide in 2025, as South Africa’s leading University of Technology, sustaining academic and digital performance.
Since 2004, the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities has been published by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), the largest public research organisation in Spain.
“Unlike many global rankings that primarily focus on long-established, globally recognised universities, Webometrics evaluates a broad spectrum of institutions, including those in the Global South that are often overlooked,” Khan said.
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“The ranking aims to promote open access to knowledge produced by universities and places emphasis on the quantity and quality of higher education web content.”
According to Webometrics, Khan said the rankings influence academic behaviour and institutional direction, and noted that “one of the most powerful tools for initiating and consolidating change in academia, increasing scholars’ engagement, and establishing long-term strategies.”
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, welcomed the achievement and said the results reflect the university’s sustained focus on impactful and accessible scholarship.
“This recognition affirms DUT’s commitment to producing high-quality, socially responsive, impactful research that is visible, accessible and relevant beyond our institutional boundaries,” Nemavhola said.
Nemavhola said that the Webometrics 2026 ranking has highlighted the collective efforts of the university’s academic community.
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“Being placed in the top 6% globally, out of more than 32000 institutions, is a significant milestone,” he said
“In line with our ENVISION2030 strategy, it speaks to our growing research excellence, our digital maturity and our determination to contribute knowledge that makes a meaningful difference to society.”
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