NUST retains top spot in Namibia, climbs global impact rankings

Reflects stronger focus on sustainable development goals
The university’s most notable gain was in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.
Desmarius Hansen
  • 2 Days Ago

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has improved its position in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, moving from the 1501+ band in 2025 to the 1001–1500 band in 2026.

The rankings assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflect performance in areas such as teaching, research, innovation and community engagement.

NUST public relations officer Cindy van Wyk said the improvement reflected the university's commitment to applying knowledge to real-world challenges. "This achievement is more than a ranking outcome. It is external recognition of how the university's teaching, applied research, innovation and partnerships are being translated into measurable value for society."

The university recorded its strongest improvement in SDG 4: Quality Education, climbing from the 601–800 band to the 301–400 band.

Van Wyk said the improvement reflected NUST's focus on practical curricula, work-integrated learning, digital resources and lifelong learning opportunities.

NUST also improved its performance in SDG 1: No Poverty, moving into the 301–400 band through initiatives aimed at widening access to higher education, supporting vulnerable students and promoting entrepreneurship.

One example is the NUST-SEED Living Lab near Groot Aub in the !Kharoxas community, developed in partnership with the Technical University of Munich. The project has introduced solar-powered water systems, poultry production infrastructure, community gardens and other income-generating initiatives.

The university also improved its ranking for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, moving from the 1001–1500 band to the 801–1000 band. The ranking reflects collaboration with government, industry and international institutions, including Stellenbosch University.

NUST also entered the 401–600 band for SDG 5: Gender Equality.

"These results confirm that our impact story is rooted in real work: research that informs policy, education that builds skills, and innovation that supports communities," Van Wyk said.