The University of the Free State (UFS) has recorded a significant advancement in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, with its strongest global performance in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities, where the University is ranked in the band 101–200, placing it among the top institutions worldwide.
This ranking positions the UFS among a select group of universities worldwide recognised for turning the promise of fairness into measurable progress, widening access, and opening pathways for participation across higher education systems.
Advancing access, inclusion and opportunity across SDGs
The UFS’ participation in the 2026 cycle spans seven SDGs, including Zero Hunger (SDG 2 – ranked between 201–300), Quality Education (SDG 4 – ranked between 301–400), Gender Equality (SDG 5 – ranked between 201–300), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6 – ranked between 301–400), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10 – ranked between 101–200), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16 – ranked between 301–400). These six SDGs rank the University, on average, among the top 300 universities globally. Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17) indicates a vulnerability and resulted in the overall rank of 801- 1000. However, this is a significant improvement from 1501+ in 2025. This shift reflects steady institutional progress and signals a strengthening of the University’s contribution to global sustainability efforts, built through sustained work across teaching, research, engagement, and institutional practice.
UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper said the results reflect the University’s sustained commitment to societal impact in its core mission. “The University of the Free State’s progress in the rankings reflects our commitment to responsible societal futures,” she said. “These results demonstrate the intentional work taking place across the institution to ensure that access, inclusion, and social impact are embedded in how we teach, research, and engage with society.”
Adopted by the United Nations, the SDGs represent a global call for urgent and coordinated action on poverty, inequality, education, health, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Within this framework, universities are increasingly recognised as key actors in generating knowledge, innovation, and partnerships that drive progress towards these goals.
At the UFS, this commitment is reflected in everyday academic and institutional life. Work across the Quality Education and Gender Equality SDGs is seen in efforts to broaden access, strengthen participation, and improve outcomes for people from diverse backgrounds, including those entering higher education for the first time and those historically excluded from opportunity.
It is also visible in sustained efforts to strengthen inclusion for staff and students with disabilities, alongside ongoing institutional work to address discrimination and create environments where participation is more equitable and supported across all areas of university life. Taken together, these efforts reflect a university that is actively shaping how access and inclusion are experienced – not as abstract goals, but as lived institutional practice.