10 Oldest Universities In The World

The oldest university in the world: the university is the center of learning, innovation and culture. But do you know some of them have been around for a thousand years? Learn about the oldest university in the world that still exists today.

The oldest university in the world?

Founded in Nalanda in 427 AD. By the end of the 12th century AD, the world’s first resident university had existed for more than 800 years. It is believed that there are 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers.

List of the oldest universities in the world:

rank

Name

nation

Founded in one year

Still running

notes

1

Qarawiyin University

Morocco

859 AD

Yes

Recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records is the oldest.

2

Al-Azhar University

Egypt

970 AD

Yes

The main center of Islamic learning in Cairo.

3

University of Bologna

Italy

1088 AD

Yes

It is considered the oldest in Europe.

4

Oxford University

U.K.

1096 AD

Yes

One of the most prestigious universities in the world.

5

University of Salamanca

Spain

1134 CE

Yes

Known for his contributions to language and law.

6

University of Paris (Sorbonne)

France

1150 AD

part

Historical roots remain in the Sorbonne institutions.

7

University of Cambridge

U.K.

1209 AD

Yes

The birthplace of many famous scientists and thinkers.

8

University of Padua

Italy

1222 CE

Yes

Galileo Galilei once taught here.

9

Federico II, University of Naples

Italy

1224 CE

Yes

Founded by Emperor Frederick II.

10

University of Kolkata

India

1857 AD

Yes

One of the oldest modern universities in India

The oldest university in the world:

Learn about the top 10 oldest universities in the world:

1. Qarawiyin University (Morocco)

Qarawiyin University is the oldest university in the world and it is still open. The university was founded in Fez, Morocco in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri. It is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest university in the world. The university first taught religious subjects, but later taught all subjects.

2. Al-Azhar University (Egypt)

Al-Azhar is a famous Islamic university located in Cairo. Founded in Cairo in 970 AD. Al-Azhar remains an important center for Sunni Islamic education, focusing on religion, law and Arabic. Now, it also teaches modern disciplines such as engineering and science.

3. University of Bologna (Italy)

The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and its difference is to become one of the oldest universities in the world. It is famous for its teaching methods.

The university’s early attention to legal research mainly promoted the development of the legal system.

4. University of Oxford (UK)

Oxford is a famous university. Since 1096, its faculty and alumni have had influence, such as Albert Einstein and JRR Tolkien. Its universities and long-term practices have an impact on the global education system.

5. University of Salamanca (Spain)

This old university is known for teaching Spanish and helping during Spain’s exploration of the world. Founded in 1134 and officially recognized in 1218, Salamanca is the oldest university in the world in Hispanic. It also has beautiful buildings and a long history.

6. University of Paris (France)

The university was founded in the mid-12th century. The University of Paris is a well-known medieval learning center, especially for philosophy and theology. Its legacy continues in institutions such as the Sorbonne University.

7. University of Cambridge (UK)

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is known for its engineering, mathematics and outstanding ideas. The university has created some of the world’s greatest minds, including Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.

8. University of Padoya (Italy)

Padoya University was founded in 1222. The university teaches medicine, science and astronomy at this university. Even physicist Galileo Galilei worked as a teacher at the university.

9. University of Naples Federico II (Italy)

The university was founded in 1224 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. This is the first university established by the king rather than the church. It is for the establishment of people’s self-education for medicine, law, etc. It remains one of the best universities in Italy.

10. University of Kolkata (India)

The University of Kolkata is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in India, founded in 1857. It has a strong reputation and an academic history of excellence, and its alumni include Nobel Prize winners and renowned scientists. The university offers many academic programs and has a reputation for research and development.

The oldest universities have existed for hundreds of years, full of culture, traditions and amazing stories. Continue reading to learn more about these topics.