University of the West Indies

Starting as a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI has evolved into a modern, future-driven, activist, top-ranked academy with over 50,000 students. Our mission to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean is centred on producing critical thinkers and leaders who serve the needs of the 21st century society.

Ranked among the best in the world

Since 2016 when the University management took the strategic decision to prepare and position the institution for global competitive rankings, its performance results have been steadily progressive. The choice to engage the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking system was based on its standing as the most reputable and independently quality assured. Its annual rankings have become a standard measuring tool in the comparative performances of the best global universities.

The ranking results for 2022, released by the THE in early September 2021 show that The UWI has soared within the scales, moving up a very impressive 94 places. From the global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI now stands in the top 1.5%, up from 3% in the prior year.

A LEGACY OF PRODUCING LEADERS

UWI graduates can be found in every sector of Caribbean society, including the highest levels of government and business. Over 20 proud Pelicans have risen to become Heads of Government and countless others are leaders of all the professions – locally, regionally and internationally.

Our network of more than 240,000 alumni includes from Emmy Award, Man Booker and Nobel Prize winners, to CEOs, entrepreneurs, academics and artists and every other major discipline.