A look at the origins and history of the oldest universities in the world gives us an interesting glimpse into the contrast between universities then and now. Although the origins of higher education go way back to ancient civilizations, the universities of those times were nothing like the universities of today.
In some countries such as India and Morocco, centers of learning were established by religious institutions to promote religious studies and law. In other countries such as Greece and Italy, higher education institutions were introduced to promote knowledge in medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and mathematics.
These learning hubs slowly moved away from their core focus in keeping with the changing times. Over the centuries, they’ve evolved into the modern institutions that we know today, offering programs in diverse fields of study.
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Here’s a sneak peek into the 10 oldest universities in the world.
10 Oldest Universities in the World
1. University of Al Quaraouiyine
Date Established: 859
Location: Fez, Morocco
The University of Al Quaraouiyine is recorded as the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world. Founded in 859 as the University of al-Qarawiyyin, it was officially renamed two years later to its current name. The University of Al Quaraouiyine began as a madrasa, a type of religious school dedicated to the study of Islam. Over time, it evolved into one of the most significant education and spiritual centers of the Islamic Golden Age.
Al Quaraouiyine university was incorporated into Morocco’s modern state university system in 1963. Today, the institution is notable for its influence on both Islamic and Western thought, fostering discussions on astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy.
Notable alumni include famed historian and sociologist Ibn Khaldun, philosopher Maimonides, and explorer and diplomat Leo Africanus.
2. Al-Azhar University
Date Established: 970
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Al-Azhar University was originally founded in 970 in Cairo, Egypt, as a madrasa – a center of Islamic learning focused on Islamic law and the Qur’an. Although it achieved university status only in 1961, it is considered the second oldest university in the world based on the date it was established. It is also recognized as the oldest degree-granting university in Egypt and renowned as Sunni Islam’s most prestigious higher learning institution.
On receiving its university status, Al-Azhar University introduced several secular courses into its curriculum, including engineering, business, medicine, and economics.
Prominent alumni include Algerian president Houari Boumediene, noted Egyptian writer Taha Hussein, and philosopher Tariq Ramadan.
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3. University of Bologna
Date Established: 1088
Location: Bologna, Italy
The University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe, is considered the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world. This public university is made up of eleven schools and is the first center of higher education to use the term ‘universitas’. It is often referred to as the mother of universities.
The institution was originally founded as a law school but has expanded its scope over time to include various disciplines including philosophy, medicine, and science. It has played a significant role in influencing the development of modern scientific and legal systems.
Famous alumni include Enzo Ferrari, founder of Scuderia Ferrari, Pope Alexander VI, and Nicholas Copernicus, who is attributed with formulating the heliocentric model.
4. University of Oxford
Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Date Established: 1096
Location: Oxford, England
Founded in the late 12th century in Oxford, England, the University of Oxford grew from informal academic gatherings in March, one of the most prestigious and recognized institutions around the world. It would be difficult to find anyone in academia who hasn’t heard of Oxford University.
The institution initially focused on theology, philosophy, and Canon law, but has since evolved into a disciplinary university renowned for its research and academic excellence. Oxford’s collegiate system, with 38 autonomous colleges, remains one of the leading educational institutions worldwide.
The University of Oxford boasts a long list of well-known alumni, including 27 British prime ministers, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.
5. University of Salamanca
Date Established: 1134
Location: Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca is the oldest in the Hispanic world and the 5th oldest university in the world. It started out as a Cathedral school in 1130 and earned university status in 1134. The institution played a key role in spreading knowledge during the Renaissance period. It is the first university in Europe to grant a PhD.
This public university is known for its outstanding programs in law, language studies, economics, and the study of humanities and is associated with several medical research centers.
Renowned poet and astronomer Fray Luis de Leon is the best-known alumni of the University of Salamanca. The university’s deep pride in their famous alumnus can be clearly seen in the large statue and the many tributes across campus, including the preserved classroom where the poet astronomer taught in the late 1570s.
6. University of Paris
Date Established: 1160
Location: Paris, France
The University of Paris, recognized as the sixth oldest university in the world, was the major hub of learning in the Middle Ages. Initially founded as a center for teaching theology, philosophy and law, the university diversified over time, gaining recognition as a powerhouse of learning, and influencing universities across Europe. The University of Paris is credited with introducing several educational norms that have been adopted by universities around the world.
The university was temporarily dissolved during the French Revolution but was later reestablished and remains a prominent institution of higher learning in France.
The University of Paris boasts 49 Nobel laureates, 2 popes and 11 French presidents among its long list of celebrated alumni. These include Nobel Prize winners Marie and Pierre Curie, who discovered radium and polonium, renowned writer and philosopher Voltaire, and French President Jacques Chirac.
7. University of Cambridge
Date Established: 1209
Location: Cambridge, England
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 by a few scholars who left Oxford University following a dispute with local townspeople. Over time, it has grown to become a globally renowned institution of higher learning, known for its excellence in mathematics, science, and the humanities. The University of Cambridge places major focus on research and has contributed significantly to scientific advancements, the arts, and literature. Cambridge is particularly well known for its impact on developments related to physics and biology, having produced numerous Nobel laureates and scientists.
Among its notable alumni are Nobel Prize winner Francis Crick who discovered the structure of DNA, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, Robert G. Edwards who developed in vitro fertilization, and Charles Darwin, who proposed the theory of natural selection through evolution.
8. University of Padua
Date Established: 1222
Location: Padua, Italy
In 1222, a group of students and teachers in search of academic freedom left the University of Bologna to establish the University of Padua in Italy. Starting off as a school of medicine and law, the institution grew rapidly and quickly gained recognition as one of the most prestigious and advanced universities in early modern Europe. This public university played a key role in promoting scientific knowledge during the Renaissance period and remains a global leading center for scientific research and medical education.
Well-known alumni include astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, philosopher Galileo Galilei, and physician Andreas Vesalius.
9. University of Naples Federico II
Date Established: 1224
Location: Naples, Italy
Until 1224, all universities in Italy were linked to the Church and influenced by the Pope. Wishing to provide a more secular education in the arts, law, and medicine, Emperor Frederick II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, established the University of Naples in 1224. Federico II was added to the institution’s name later in 1987, to acknowledge its founder. The University of Naples Federico II is recognized as the first publicly funded university in Europe. It has made significant contributions to various disciplines, including law, natural sciences, and philosophy.
Famous alumni include philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, and mathematician Renato Caccioppoli.
10. University of Toulouse
Date Established:1229
Location: Toulouse
Established as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1229, the University of Toulouse originally focused only on theology. It expanded its curriculum over the years, adding a wide array of subjects, including the arts and sciences, law, and medicine, Today, the University of Toulouse no longer represents a single institution. In 1783, due to the French Revolution, the university was split to form 3 independent successor offshoots, – the University of Toulouse, Toulouse Business School, and the national Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse. All are part of the Université fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées (UFTMP), for institutions of higher education and research in the French region of Midi-Pyrénées.
Noted alumni include noted economic and journalist Bernard Maris, pioneer of Paleolithic archaeology Edouard Lartet, and French malacologist Paul Fagot.
While you may not find any of the oldest universities in the World on College Raptor’s College Search Tool, you can use the tool to discover your admission odds and potential financial aid packages for any college in the U.S.
