QS World University Rankings
Global Rankings Benchmark Puts South African School in the World’s Top 50
International Hotel School Retains Its Title as Africa’s Top Hospitality Education Institution
The International Hotel School (IHS) has once again secured its place among the world’s top institutions, ranking 44th globally and 1st in Africa in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2026, reaffirming its standing as the continent’s leading hospitality school.
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organisation specialising in higher education analysis, produces one of the world’s three most influential university ranking systems. This year’s World University Rankings assessed more than 21,000 academic programmes across 1,900 institutions in over 100 countries, reinforcing its status as one of the most comprehensive global benchmarks of higher education performance.
Sub-Saharan Africa features in almost 200 rankings, with South Africa accounting for around 120 ranked programmes, 16 of which are in the global top 100.
These latest rankings build on a track record of consistent performance for IHS. The school has featured in the QS Rankings every year since 2020, reflecting its ability to maintain high academic standards and strong industry relevance.
With campuses across the country, IHS attributes this success to a curriculum that balances structured academic learning with practical, industry-aligned training. Through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), students gain real-world experience during their studies, graduating with the knowledge, skills and confidence valued by employers. Programmes continually evolve to stay ahead of industry shifts, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.
This forward-thinking approach aligns with the global rise of the “experience economy”, where the focus has shifted from traditional service delivery to creating meaningful and engaging customer interactions. As these expectations reshape industries, the skills developed through hospitality education are becoming increasingly transferable. This shift, in turn, is opening doors for IHS graduates not only within hospitality, but also in corporate environments, luxury brand management and entrepreneurship.
IHS currently offers Full-time, Part-time and Online programmes at Degree, Diploma and Higher Certificate levels across Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Cruise Line studies, providing flexible pathways into the industry.
Maintaining a top 100 position for over five consecutive years, IHS has built a sustained presence on the global stage that continues to strengthen South African higher education’s international reputation.
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