Some of these institutions have stood the test of time, continuing to educate students for centuries. According to Guinness World Records and Student.com, the following are the top 10 oldest universities in the world, many of which still operate today.
1. University of al-Qarawiyyin (859) – Morocco
Recognised as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco. Established by Fatima al-Fihri, this institution has been a major centre for Islamic and Arabic studies for over a millennium.
2. University of Bologna (1088) – Italy
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna in Italy is considered the oldest university in Europe. It played a key role in shaping modern higher education and remains one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions.
3. University of Oxford (1096) – United Kingdom
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching dating back to 1096. Oxford has produced numerous influential figures, including world leaders, scientists, and Nobel laureates.
4. University of Paris (1150) – France
Established around 1150, the University of Paris became a leading institution for theological, philosophical, and legal studies. Though it was temporarily dissolved during the French Revolution, many of its faculties evolved into modern French universities.
5. University of Cambridge (1209) – United Kingdom
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge was established by scholars who left Oxford following a dispute. It has since grown into one of the world’s leading academic institutions, known for its research and teaching excellence.
6. University of Salamanca (1218) – Spain
The University of Salamanca in Spain was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest universities in the Hispanic world. It played a key role in the development of the Spanish language and law.
7. University of Padua (1222) – Italy
Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was home to notable scholars such as Galileo Galilei and remains a centre for academic excellence.
8. University of Naples Federico II (1224) – Italy
Established in 1224 by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, the University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest state-supported universities in the world and continues to be a major institution for higher education in Italy.
9. University of Siena (1246) – Italy
Founded in 1246, the University of Siena is renowned for its law, medicine, and economics faculties. It has maintained its reputation as one of Italy’s top public universities.
10. University of Coimbra (1290) – Portugal
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is Portugal’s oldest university and one of the most historic institutions in Europe. It has been a centre for cultural and scientific advancements for centuries.
Top 10 oldest universities in the world
| Rank | University | Year Established | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
University of al-Qarawiyyin |
859 |
Morocco |
|
2 |
University of Bologna |
1088 |
Italy |
|
3 |
University of Oxford |
1096 |
United Kingdom |
|
4 |
University of Paris |
1150 |
France |
|
5 |
University of Cambridge |
1209 |
United Kingdom |
|
6 |
University of Salamanca |
1218 |
Spain |
|
7 |
University of Padua |
1222 |
Italy |
|
8 |
University of Naples Federico II |
1224 |
Italy |
|
9 |
University of Siena |
1246 |
Italy |
|
10 |
University of Coimbra |
1290 |
Portugal |
These historic universities have shaped global education for centuries, producing some of the world’s greatest minds. Their legacies continue today, influencing modern academia and fostering innovation across various disciplines.
