The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has achieved a significant milestone in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, improving its global standing from the 1001–1500+ band in 2025 to the 401–600 band. The 2026 rankings evaluated 1646 universities from 116 countries and territories around the world.
The results were announced on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at the Global Sustainable Development Congress held in Jakarta, Indonesia, a key international gathering of higher education leaders and partners focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This notable improvement reflected DUT’s sustained commitment to its ENVISION2030 strategic framework and its ongoing efforts to position the University as a creative, distinctive and impactful institution under the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
DUT was represented at the announcement by Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement and Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, Interim Director: Research and Postgraduate Support. Their participation underscored the University’s active engagement in global academic platforms and its commitment to strengthening research impact and international collaboration.
The improved ranking affirms DUT’s growing global recognition as a university whose core functions of teaching, research, innovation, engagement and partnerships are making meaningful contributions to sustainable development and societal transformation.
Commenting on the achievement, Professor Nemavhola said: “This achievement is more than a ranking; it is a powerful affirmation that DUT is an Impact-Visible University, an institution whose knowledge is not only produced and published, but seen in improved lives, stronger communities and sustainable development. Through ENVISION2030, we are deliberately building a university whose research, innovation and engagement reach beyond campus into communities, industries and the world. This recognition belongs to the entire DUT community, whose collective work continues to make the University creative, distinctive and impactful.”
This achievement is a collective milestone for the entire DUT community, reflecting the dedication and collaboration of academic and professional staff, students, alumni, and partners who continue to advance the University’s mission of delivering impactful, solutions-driven education and research that responds to real societal needs.
Pictured: DUT has improved its global standing to the 401–600 band in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings.
Tiyani Mboweni
