The story of the world’s oldest universities takes us on a journey from the sun-baked streets of Fez to the medieval spires of Bologna, where the very concept of higher education as we know it today first took root. These weren’t just places of learning – they were beacons of knowledge that drew scholars from across continents. Let’s explore some of the oldest universities in the world, uncovering their origins, how far back they date, and the remarkable significance they hold in shaping education and knowledge throughout history.
University of al-Qarawiyyin
The University of al-Qarawiyyin was established by Fatima al-Fihri as a mosque. The university, later also known as the 1st university in the world, evolved into a major educational center during the Islamic Golden Age. It is recognised by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution globally.
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 859 CE, originally as a mosque |
| Location | Fez, Morocco |
| Academic Focus | Specialises in Islamic religious and legal sciences. Focus areas include Classical Arabic grammar, linguistics, and Maliki law. |
University of Bologna
Often cited as the oldest university in continuous operation in Europe, it was pivotal in developing the structure of modern universities and is known for its influential role in legal studies
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1088 |
| Location | Bologna, Italy |
| Academic Focus | Interdisciplinary Research Offers programmes in:Humanities and Social SciencesNatural Sciences and EngineeringHealth Sciences (including Medicine)Law |
University of Oxford
Oxford University in the UK is one of the world’s oldest universities. It was founded around the year 1096 and has since then become a dominant force in global education, producing several successful alumni, including Sir Stephen Hawking, 28 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, and 50 Nobel Prize winners. This university is also one of the top answers to the question of what is the oldest continually operating university in the world?
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1096 |
| Location | Oxford, England |
| Academic Focus | HumanitiesMathematical, Physical and Life SciencesMedical SciencesSocial Sciences |
University of Salamanca
This university was founded in Spain in 1134 by Alfonso IX and was the first European university institution that was granted the title of “University”. It is the oldest university still in operation in Spain and also one of the most prestigious ones in the country. It is one of the top oldest universities in the world. The university’s primary mission is to create knowledge for the service of humanity, emphasising scientific creativity, culture, and innovation.
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1134 |
| Location | Spain |
| Academic Focus | Law Humanities Sciencesmedicine |
University of Paris
The University of Paris, also known as La Sorbonne, has a rich history that dates back to around 1150 when it emerged as a student-teacher corporation associated with the cathedral school of Paris. During the Middle Ages, great minds from across the continent flocked to its halls, drawn by heated debates and groundbreaking ideas. Even after nearly 900 years, the Sorbonne remains a symbol of academic excellence in France, shaping minds and pushing boundaries just as it did centuries ago.
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1150 |
| Location | Paris, France |
| Academic Focus | ArtsLife SciencesNatural SciencesBioinformaticsPhysics |
University of Padua
The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova or UNIPD) stands as one of the world’s oldest seats of learning, established in 1222 when a bold group of scholars and their students broke away from the University of Bologna in search of greater academic independence. Now approaching its ninth century, this esteemed public research institution in the historic city of Padua, Italy, ranks as the country’s second-oldest university and the fifth-oldest still operating anywhere in the world. The university’s founding represents an early example of academic dissent leading to intellectual innovation – a spirit that continues to influence its mission today.
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1222 |
| Location | Padua, Italy |
| Academic Focus | PsychologyEconomicsBusinessApplied EconomicsCybersecurityMarine Biology |
University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra, or Universidade de Coimbra, is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the world’s oldest continuously operating institutions. Renowned as a major hub for scientific research, it boasts advanced facilities, including one of Portugal’s most powerful supercomputers, originally built with 528 processors. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a cornerstone of higher education in Portugal, leaving a lasting influence on education across the Portuguese-speaking world.
| Particulars | Details |
| Founded | 1290 |
| Location | Coimbra, Portugal |
| Academic Focus | HistoryPhilosophyLanguages and LiteratureComputer ScienceEnvironmental Engineering |
Modern Impact and Relevance of the World’s Oldest Universities
Despite being established centuries ago, these universities have evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, seamlessly balancing tradition with innovation. Below, we highlight their impact and relevance in today’s time.
| Aspect | Key Points |
| Academic Excellence | Global research hubs with facilities like supercomputers and historical archives. |
| Preservation of Heritage | Custodians of manuscripts, architectural marvels, and cultural artefacts (e.g., Oxford, Coimbra). |
| Global Partnerships | Collaborations for research and exchange programmes, participating in initiatives like Erasmus. |
| Diverse Student Communities | Attract students worldwide, enabling global citizenship and cultural exchange. |
| Educational Leadership | Modernise education systems, set academic standards, and tackle challenges like sustainability. |
| Technology Integration | Embrace online learning, AI research, and other tech-driven innovations. |
| Cultural Influence | Shape global thought through values, philosophy, and academic focus (e.g., Bologna, Al-Qarawiyyin). |
| Tourism and Economy | Draw millions of tourists, enhancing local economies; some are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| Alumni Networks | Strong alumni networks featuring Nobel laureates and global leaders. |
| Global Challenges | Address climate change, public health, and social inequality through research and advocacy. |
Highly Ranked Oldest Universities In The World
Being among the oldest institutions in history, these universities are also some of the most highly ranked worldwide. Renowned for its rich heritage, world-class education, and exceptional facilities, it continues to set academic benchmarks. These remarkable institutions earn their place on our list of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, ranking among the best universities in the world.
| University | Location | Year Founded | 2025 Ranking (QS) | Top Courses |
| University of Oxford | Oxford, England | 1096 | #3 | Medicine, Law, Politics & International Studies |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge, England | 1209 | #5 | Engineering, Computer Science, Biological Sciences |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1636 | #4 | Business Administration (MBA), Law, Medicine |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | 1701 | #14 | Law, Political Science, History |
| McGill University | Montreal, Quebec | 1821 | #30 | Medicine, Engineering, Business |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1861 | #1 | Engineering, Computer Science, Business |
| Imperial College London | London, England | 1907 | #2 | Engineering, Medicine, Business |
The world’s oldest universities have shaped education for centuries. From Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco to Oxford in England, these schools started as small learning centres and grew into the major universities we know today. While their buildings and methods may be ancient, they have kept up with the times – adding new technology, tackling modern problems, and welcoming students worldwide.
FAQ
Which are the 10 oldest universities in the world?
The 10 oldest universities in the world are the University of Bologna, University of Oxford, University of Salamanca, University of Paris, University of Padua, University of Naples Federico II, University of Cambridge, University of Siena, University of Coimbra, and Al-Azhar University. These historic institutions have shaped global education and remain iconic centres of learning and research.
Which is the second oldest university in the world?
The second oldest university in the world is the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 in Bologna, Italy. It is recognised as the oldest university in continuous operation in Europe and has played a significant role in developing higher education and academic freedom throughout history.
Is Nalanda the first university in the world?
Nalanda University was situated about 90 kilometres southeast of Pataliputra, close to the city of Rajagriha (now known as Rajgir). It was regarded by historians as the first residential university in the history of the globe.
Which is older, Oxford or Cambridge?
Oxford is older. The University of Oxford was founded in 1096, making it 924 years old. Following a conflict between Oxford townspeople and students, a group of scholars left in 1209 to establish a new university in Cambridge.
Ancient universities of the world?
Some of the ancient universities of the world include Nalanda (5th century CE, India), Al-Karaouine (859 CE, Morocco), and the University of Bologna (1088, Italy). Others include the University of Oxford (1096, England) and the University of Naples Federico II (1224, Italy).
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