Oldest Universities in the World: A Look at the Top Ten Institutions with Centuries of History

Centuries ago, the world’s oldest universities were founded, and they have significantly shaped our contemporary world.

They have produced some of the greatest minds in history and continue to provide quality education to students worldwide.

The oldest universities in the world are spread across different continents, with each institution having a unique story to tell. 

Some of these universities were founded as early as the 9th century, while others were established in the 12th and 13th centuries. 

These institutions have stood the test of time and have continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of society. 

Today, these universities are renowned for their top-tier research and diverse academic offerings that cater to students from all backgrounds.

University of Al Quaraouiyine

The University of Al Quaraouiyine, located in the city of Fez, Morocco, is considered by many to be the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. 

In 859 AD, Fatima al-Fihri established it as a madrasa, an Islamic religious school. Over time, it has grown into a comprehensive university.

The University of Al Quaraouiyine has a long and rich history of providing education in religion, theology, and other subjects. 

It has played a significant role in the development of Islamic scholarship and has produced many notable scholars over the centuries.

Today, the university remains an essential learning center and attracts students worldwide. It offers programs in various subjects, including Islamic studies, law, medicine, and science.

The University of Al Quaraouiyine has undergone many changes over the centuries but has remained true to its roots as a center of Islamic education. 

It is a testament to the enduring power of education and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna, located in Bologna, Italy, is the oldest in the Western world. It was founded in 1088 by an organized guild of students known as studiorum. 

The word university was first coined at its foundation, and it was the first degree-awarding institution of higher learning.

Today, the University of Bologna is one of the largest universities in Europe, with over 90,000 students. It offers various programs, including law, medicine, engineering, and canon law.

During the Renaissance, the University of Bologna was a center of learning and scholarship, attracting students and scholars from all over Europe. It played a crucial role in developing humanism and the scientific revolution.

The University of Bologna is ancient and essential. It used to be in the Holy Roman Empire and even had visits from some emperors. They also kept many old papers and records from their offices since 1860.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities in Oxford, England. It is believed that teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096, but the exact date of the university’s foundation has yet to be discovered. 

However, it is considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching dating back to the 11th century.

The University of Oxford comprises 38 constituent colleges with history and traditions. These colleges are independent and self-governing but are also part of the larger university community. 

Some of the most well-known colleges include Balliol College, Christ Church, and Magdalen College.

Oxford University has a long history of academic excellence and research. It has produced numerous Nobel laureates and British Prime Ministers, including Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron. 

It has also been home to some of the world’s most renowned scientists, including Stephen Hawking.

The university has a royal foundation charter dating back to the 13th century. This charter granted the university certain privileges, such as the right to appoint its officials and the right to hold property. 

Today, the University of Oxford is a world-renowned institution with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation.

University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX. It is located in Salamanca, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. 

The university has a long and rich history, making it a significant institution in the Hispanic world.

The University of Salamanca was Spain’s first institution of higher education and has played a crucial role in the country’s academic history. 

It was one of Europe’s leading centers of learning from the 13th century until the end of the 16th century, ranking with the University of Paris, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Bologna.

The university has produced many notable students and alumni, including Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, and Francisco de Vitoria, a prominent philosopher and theologian. 

The University of Salamanca also has close ties with the University of Valladolid, founded in 1241 and is another of the oldest universities in Spain.

The University of Salamanca, as of today, is a public research institution that provides a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across various academic disciplines. It boasts a diverse student population, welcoming students from around the globe.

The university is committed to providing a high-quality education to its students and promoting academic excellence through research and innovation.

University of Paris

The University of Paris, often called Sorbonne, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Its roots trace back to 1150, when it was initially associated with the Cathedral School of Notre Dame de Paris.

The university was considered the second-oldest university in Europe after the University of Bologna.

The University of Paris was a leading university in France for centuries, offering courses in theology, law, medicine, and the arts. During the French Revolution, the university was closed from 1793 to 1806, and its buildings were used as a prison. 

However, it was reopened in 1808 and continued to operate until it was divided into 13 universities in 1970.

The university’s name, “Sorbonne,” comes from the theology college, founded in the 13th century by Robert de Sorbon, King Louis IX of France chaplain. The Sorbonne was one of the four faculties of the University of Paris, along with the faculties of law, medicine, and arts.

The University of Paris played a significant role in developing religious and philosophical thought in Europe.

Many famous scholars, including Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, and René Descartes, studied at the university. The University of Paris was also known for contributing to developing the French language and literature.

The University of Paris has been reorganized into 13 separate universities, collectively known as “Universities of Paris I-XIII.”

The modern University of Paris was established in 1896 after the Louis Liard law disbanded Napoleon’s University of France system.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

It was founded in 1209 and is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world after the University of Oxford. The university comprises 31 constituent colleges with unique history and traditions.

Cambridge is known for its excellence in research, with numerous Nobel laureates and other notable scholars among its alumni and faculty. 

The university has produced 120 Nobel laureates, more than any other institution globally. Additionally, 15 British prime ministers have attended Cambridge, including current Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The university operates under a royal charter of foundation granted by King Henry III in 1231. This charter granted the university the right to confer degrees, making it one of the earliest universities in the world to have this privilege.

Each college at Cambridge is an independent institution with its administration and endowment, but they are all affiliated with the university. 

The colleges are responsible for admitting students and providing them with accommodation, meals, and social activities. Students at Cambridge are typically affiliated with a college and are members of the college and the university.

University of Padua

The University of Padua, also known as Università degli Studi di Padova or UNIPD, is an Italian university located in Padua in the Veneto region of northern Italy. 

This university, founded in 1222 by students and teachers from Bologna, is one of Italy’s oldest and one of the world’s oldest. It has a rich history in law, medicine, and engineering. 

Many famous scholars and scientists studied or taught there, and it played a significant role during the Renaissance.

One notable figure is Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied astronomy at the university in the early 16th century.

The University of Padua has a strong reputation for its law program, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious. It also has a renowned medical school with a long history of research and innovation. 

The university’s engineering program is highly regarded, focusing on sustainable technology and innovation.

In addition to its academic programs, the University of Padua is home to several notable research centers and institutes, including the Galileo Galilei Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences.

University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples Federico II, established on June 5, 1224, by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, is one of the world’s most ancient universities. It’s situated in Naples, Italy, which is not only the third-largest city in Italy but also one of the world’s longest continually inhabited cities.

The university was created as a political project of Frederick II to establish an educational institution not significantly influenced by the Pope.

The University of Naples Federico II holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest publicly funded institution focused on higher education and research.

It is also the oldest secular and state university globally. The university has a long and rich history of academic freedom, which has been preserved over the centuries.

One of the most famous students of the University of Naples, Federico II, was the Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas. 

The university has a rich history of maintaining high academic standards, leading to the success of numerous accomplished graduates.

Today, the University of Naples Federico II is a leading higher education and research institution offering various undergraduate and graduate programs. 

The university has a large and diverse student body, with students from all over the world.

University of Siena

The University of Siena, located in the city of Siena, Tuscany, is one of the oldest universities in Italy. Initially founded in 1240 as Studium Senese, it is a publicly funded university with a student population of around 16,000 as of 2022, nearly one-third of Siena’s total population of approximately 53,000.

The University of Siena offers various courses in various fields of study, including law, medicine, engineering, and humanities. It has a strong reputation for its law department, ranked among Italy’s top law schools. 

The university also has a well-regarded medical school offering undergraduate and graduate medical and surgery programs.

The University of Siena boasts a rich history and played a pivotal role during the Renaissance. It served as a prominent learning hub during this period and drew renowned scholars, including Galileo Galilei.

The university’s library, Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati, is one of the oldest public libraries in Italy and contains many rare manuscripts and books.

University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra began in 1290 in Lisbon, Portugal, and is one of the world’s oldest universities. It’s also the first Portuguese-speaking university and used to be the only one in the world until the early 20th century.

The university has gone through several relocations until it settled in Coimbra in 1537.

Today, the University of Coimbra is a public research university offering various undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in multiple fields, including law, medicine, engineering, and more. 

The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The University of Coimbra has a long and rich history, and its academic heritage can be seen in its magnificent buildings and architecture. 

The university has several faculties, such as Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities.

The Faculty of Law is one of the oldest faculties in the university and has a reputation for producing some of the best lawyers in Portugal. 

The Faculty of Medicine is also renowned for its research and innovation in medicine. 

At the same time, the Faculty of Engineering is known for its cutting-edge research in various engineering fields.

Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, Egypt, is considered one of the oldest universities in the world and is known for its reputation as a prestigious center of Islamic learning. 

Founded by the Fatimid Caliphate in 970 CE, it has a long history of providing education in various fields, including theology, law, and the Arabic language.

The university is associated with the Al-Azhar Mosque, a center of Islamic scholarship for over a millennium. It has significantly shaped the Islamic world and produced many notable scholars and thinkers throughout history.

Al-Azhar University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Law, Medicine, and Engineering. It also oversees a national network of schools with approximately two million students.

The university has influenced the Islamic world and is considered a leading Islamic theology and jurisprudence authority. Its graduates have become leaders in various fields, including politics, religion, and academia.

Today, Al-Azhar University remains an essential institution in the Islamic world and continues to provide education and guidance to students from around the globe.

University of Toulouse

The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest universities in Europe, established in 1229. It is located in the modern city of Toulouse, France, and is known for its rich history, art, and culture. 

The university is divided into three institutions: Toulouse 1 Capitole University, University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, and Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University.

The University of Toulouse has a long and prestigious history with notable alumni, including philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists. The university has a strong reputation in law, medicine, and engineering. 

Europe’s Faculty of Law and Political Science is among the oldest and most respected. They offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The Faculty of Medicine is also well-regarded for its focus on research and innovation.

In addition to its academic programs, the University of Toulouse is also known for its vibrant student life. The university has a range of clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and political organizations. 

Students can also make the most of the city’s abundant cultural offerings, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters.

University of Montpellier

The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world, having been established in 1220 in the city of Montpellier, France. 

It is also one of the oldest practicing universities in Europe, with a rich history rooted in the city and region.

During the Middle Ages, Montpellier was a hub for meetings and exchanges between Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. This diverse environment helped shape the university’s early focus on medicine, a significant study area today.

In addition to medicine, the University of Montpellier is also known for its vital programs in science and research. 

It is home to numerous research institutes and centers, including the Institute of Environmental Science and Molecular Genetics.

Over the centuries, the University of Montpellier has undergone many changes and transformations. 1970, it was divided into three universities: University of Montpellier 1, University of Montpellier 2, and Paul Valéry University of Montpellier 3. However, in 2015, these three universities were merged into a single entity, the University of Montpellier.

Today, the University of Montpellier is a world-renowned institution of higher education, attracting students and scholars from around the globe. 

Its long history, vital academic programs, and commitment to research and innovation make it an essential part of the global academic community.

University of Naples L’Orientale

The University of Naples L’Orientale, also known as the Oriental University of Naples, is one of the oldest universities in Italy. 

It was founded in 1732 in Naples and is considered one of the world’s most prestigious Asian culture and language universities.

The name “L’Orientale” is indicative of the university’s origins. In the mid-17th century, the Manchus established the Qing Empire in China and began a remarkable period of openness towards the West. 

This included welcoming Christian missionaries and priests. One of these missionaries was Matteo Ripa, who lived between 1711 and 1723 in the Manchu Qing Emperor Kangxi court. 

Upon his return to his homeland, he founded the “Chinese College” in Naples, which later became the University of Naples L’Orientale.

The university has a long history of excellence in studying Eastern languages and cultures. It is the oldest school of sinology and oriental studies in Europe and has produced many notable scholars. 

The university offers programs in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, and other languages.

The University of Naples L’Orientale has a solid international reputation and attracts students from all over the world. It is also known for its linguistics, literature, history, and anthropology research. 

The university has partnerships with many other institutions worldwide, including universities in China, Japan, and the United States.

University of Macerata

The University of Macerata, or UniMC, is one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1290. It’s a public university in Macerata, Italy.

The university has a long history of providing quality education to students and is renowned for its academic excellence.

The University of Macerata offers many courses in law, medicine, engineering, and humanities. They care about research and new ideas; their professors are top experts.

The university is in Macerata, with many jobs and small businesses. This means students can enjoy the culture and get practical study experience.

The University of Macerata played a significant role in the Renaissance, with many of its faculty members being instrumental in the cultural and intellectual movement of the time. 

Today, the university fosters a vibrant cultural and intellectual sharing environment, ensuring that students enjoy a distinctive and rewarding educational journey.

University of Valladolid

The University of Valladolid (UVa), which began in 1241, is one of the world’s oldest universities. It’s in Valladolid, Spain, and has a great history of excellence in education, helping many successful people along the way.

UVa originated as a branch of studies from the University of Palencia, founded by Alfonso VIII of Castile between 1208 and 1212. In 1346, it gained recognition from Pope Clement VI and received special privileges and endowments from Spanish monarchs.

Today, the University of Valladolid is a modern educational institution with a wide array of academic programs and research centers. It is a coeducational public university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across diverse fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and law.

The university has a vibrant student community, with over 21,000 students enrolled in various programs. The university is committed to providing quality education and has a reputation for academic excellence.

The University of Valladolid is also known for its contributions to the Hispanic world. It has a long history of promoting the Spanish language and culture. It has produced many notable scholars and intellectuals who have significantly contributed to Hispanic studies.