Long before modern skyscrapers and digital classrooms, centres of learning were already shaping civilisation. From the sacred halls of Fez to the scholarly streets of Oxford, the world’s oldest universities have been the cornerstones of intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and academic excellence for centuries. These institutions aren’t just historical footnotes; they are living legacies that continue to influence today’s global education landscape. In this blog, we will look at some of the most ancient universities in the world, their origins, top courses, and why they still matter in the 21st century.
A List Of The Oldest Universities In The World
The origins of higher education trace back over a thousand years, with some universities continuing to operate to this day. These historic institutions were more than just places of learning—they were centres of religious, cultural, and scientific advancement that shaped societies across continents.
University of Al-Qarawiyyin
The University of al-Qarawiyyin (also spelt Al-Karaouine), located in Fez, Morocco, is widely recognised by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world. It was initially established as part of a mosque complex and functioned as a madrasa (Islamic religious school). Over time, it evolved into a renowned degree-granting university offering advanced studies in Islamic law, theology, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, grammar, and more.
Where is it located: Fez, Morocco
Founded: By Fatima al- Fihri in 859 AD
Top Courses:
- Mathematics and Astronomy in Islamic Civilisation
- Medicine and Traditional Islamic Medicine
- History and Civilisation of the Islamic world
University of Al-Azhar
The University of Al-Azhar, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest universities and a leading center of Islamic learning. Founded as a mosque and madrasa in 970–972 AD under the Fatimid Caliphate, it has grown into a major institution for Islamic theology, law, Arabic language, and various modern disciplines. It is a key authority in Sunni Islam and globally influences Islamic scholarship.
Where is it located: Cairo, Egypt
Founded: 970–972 AD
Top Courses:
- Islamic Theology and Sharia Law
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Islamic Philosophy and Jurisprudence
QS World University Rank: 1001-1200
University Of Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088 in Italy, is widely recognised as the oldest continuously operating university in Europe. It played a pioneering role in developing academic freedom and student-led governance, setting the foundation for modern university systems. Initially renowned for studying Roman and canon law, the university expanded its influence across disciplines and became a centre for intellectual and cultural advancement during the Renaissance.
Where is it located: Bologna, Italy
Founded: 1088 AD
Top Courses:
- Law
- Engineering
- Medicine and Surgery
QS World University Rank: 133
Student Population: 87,760, out of which 6,400 are international students
University Of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the world’s most prestigious and historically significant universities. It became a full-fledged institution by the late 12th century and has been in continuous operation ever since. Its collegiate system, comprising 39 autonomous colleges, offers a unique academic environment combining independent learning with close tutorial support. Oxford has long been a centre of excellence for the humanities, sciences, and public affairs.
Where is it located: Oxford, England
Founded: 1096
Top Courses: Data Science, Research, Mathematics and Engineering
QS World University Rank: 3
Student Population: 24,300
Did you know?Oxford’s libraries hold over 13 million printed items — that’s more than the population of some countries!
Read More: How To Apply To Oxford University
University Of Paris
Founded around 1150, the University of Paris, commonly known as La Sorbonne, was one of the first universities in Europe and a major centre of learning during the Middle Ages. It gained fame for emphasising theology, philosophy, and the liberal arts. The university played a key role in shaping the modern structure of European universities, including the creation of faculties and degrees. It attracted scholars from across Europe and was profoundly influential in religious and academic circles.
Where is it located: Paris, France
Founded: Circa 1150 AD
Top Courses:
- Theology
- Philosophy
- Law
University of Cambridge
Established in 1209 by scholars who departed from Oxford, the University of Cambridge is the seventh oldest university in the world and one of the most prestigious. Located in England, it has built a global reputation for academic excellence, pioneering research, and a strong science, mathematics, and humanities tradition. Cambridge has shaped intellectual thought and innovation for over 800 years.
Where is it located: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Founded: 1209 AD
Top Courses:
- Natural Sciences
- Mathematics
- Engineering
QS World University Rank: 5
Student Population: 23,247 students, of which 5,340 are international students.
Read More: How To Apply To Cambridge University
University of Salamanca
The University of Salamanca, officially recognised by King Alfonso IX in 1218, is the oldest university in the Spanish-speaking world and one of the oldest in Europe. Renowned as a major intellectual hub during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it gained prominence for its influential contributions to law, theology, and the humanities, shaping academic thought across Spain and beyond.
Where is it located: Salamanca, Spain
Founded: 1218
Top Courses:
- Law
- Humanities
- Theology
QS World University Rank: 539
Student Population: 26,746 across nine campuses
University Of Padua
The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is one of the world’s oldest universities and the second-oldest in Italy. It was established by a group of students and teachers who left the University of Bologna seeking greater academic freedom. The University of Padua continues to be a leading research institution with a strong commitment to academic freedom and innovation.
Where is it located: Padua, Italy
Founded: 1222 AD
Top Courses:
- Medicine and Anatomy
- Psychological Science
- Information Engineering
QS World University Rank: 236
Student Population: 62,500
Why These Universities Still Matter Today?
The world’s oldest universities are not just relics of the past; they continue to shape the future of education, research, and global leadership. Here’s why they remain relevant even today:
1. Global Hubs of Research & Innovation
Many of these institutions, like Oxford, Cambridge, and Bologna, are consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for research output, groundbreaking discoveries, and academic excellence.
2. Centuries of Cultural and Intellectual Legacy
With centuries of academic tradition, these universities have preserved invaluable historical texts, promoted critical thinking, and nurtured some of the most influential thinkers in history, from Newton and Darwin to Ibn Khaldun and Avicenna.
3. Prestigious Alumni Networks
Their alumni include Nobel laureates, world leaders, philosophers, scientists, and cultural icons. Studying here means joining a globally respected and influential community.
4. Continued Commitment to Academic Excellence
Despite being centuries old, these universities continuously evolve, integrating modern disciplines like AI, climate science, and digital humanities alongside traditional subjects like law and theology.
5. Global Recognition & Employability
Graduates from these institutions are highly sought after worldwide. Their degrees carry weight not just due to academic rigour but also because of the heritage and prestige associated with their names.
Top High-Ranking Universities In The World
Every year, the QS World University Rankings spotlight the most prestigious institutions globally based on academic reputation, research output, faculty expertise, and graduate employability. These top-tier universities are known for their rankings and for consistently leading innovation, shaping global thought, and offering world-class education across diverse disciplines. Here’s a quick look at the top 5 for 2025 and the subjects they excel in.
| University | QS World Rank 2025 | Top Courses (QS Subject Rankings 2025) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA | 1 | Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Business & Management, Architecture |
| Imperial College London, UK | 2 | Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Computer Science |
| University of Oxford, UK | 3 | Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences |
| Harvard University, USA | 4 | Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences and Medicine, Social Sciences and Management, Law, Business |
| University of Cambridge, UK | 5 | Engineering and Technology, Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine |
Read More: Explore the World’s Top 100 Universities: A Complete Guide
While centuries have passed since their founding, the world’s oldest universities remain at the forefront of global education. They have weathered wars, reforms, and revolutions — yet their core mission of fostering knowledge and critical thinking endures. Today, they blend tradition with innovation, offering courses in everything from theology and law to artificial intelligence and space science. More than just degree-granting institutions, these universities are timeless beacons of human curiosity, resilience, and progress.
If you are inspired to be part of this rich academic legacy, UniScholars can help you get there. From shortlisting top global universities to assisting with applications, scholarships, and visa processes, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs
Q. What are the 10 oldest universities in the world?
The 10 oldest universities in the world include Al-Qarawiyyin (859), Al-Azhar (970–972), Bologna (1088), Oxford (1096), Paris (c.1150), Cambridge (1209), Salamanca (1218), Padua (1222), Naples Federico II (1224), and Coimbra (1290). These institutions have operated continuously for centuries, laying the foundation for modern higher education systems.
Q. What is the first university in the world?
The University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco, is widely recognised as the first university in the world. It is acknowledged by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution.
Q. Can international students apply to the oldest universities in the world?
Yes, international students can apply to many of the oldest universities in the world, including institutions like the University of Bologna, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These universities offer various programmes and often have dedicated support services for international applicants.
Q. What are India’s first three universities?
India’s first three universities- the University of Calcutta, the University of Mumbai, and the University of Madras—were established in 1857 during British rule. They were modelled after the University of London and laid the foundation for modern higher education in India.
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