Five NWU subject groups earn global recognition in ShanghaiRanking - IOL
North-West University’s strong performance in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects reflects the institution’s commitment to research excellence, international collaboration and meaningful impact.
Five North-West University (NWU) subject groups have secured positions in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), which was officially released on 15 September 2026.
Nursing is NWU’s highest-ranked subject group, placing in the 151–200 category globally. Mathematics, management and business administration are ranked in the 201–300 category, while psychology is positioned in the 401–500 category.
Mathematics and psychology retained the same ranking categories they achieved in the previous year. Nursing and management are new additions to NWU’s ranked subject groups in 2026, demonstrating progress across a broader range of academic disciplines.
The GRAS assesses universities in fields that include natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences. Its evaluation uses nine objective indicators grouped into five categories: world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.
Approximately 20 000 subject units from nearly 2 000 universities across 100 countries and regions are included in the rankings. NWU’s presence therefore places its recognised subject groups within a highly competitive international academic environment.
The results support the purpose set out in NWU’s strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, which prioritises internationalisation, partnerships and impact. They also reflect the university’s growing international reputation and the contribution of its researchers, academics and institutional partners.
This progress is reinforced by developments such as the establishment of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the NWU Centre for Sustainable Mining, the NWU Veterinary School, and the university’s agriculture and artificial intelligence hubs. These initiatives are intended to extend NWU’s reach, promote diversity and strengthen operational excellence.
By advancing knowledge and building academic fields capable of earning international recognition, NWU shows how a clear institutional purpose can create visible impact. It strengthens the university’s reputation while affirming its role in research, education and innovation.
