The world's oldest universities are not only universities but also ancient sites that have aided education and intellectual growth for centuries. In this blog, we discuss the 10 oldest universities in the world, when they were founded, how many students are enrolled, and the far-reaching impact they've had on education. From the world's oldest university, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, to other leading institutions, the way these time-tested institutions of learning have influenced scholarly practice globally for all global and local students.
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The world's top 10 oldest universities are one which is a list of universities not only that endured the centuries but also universities that led human learning and innovations. From Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest university in the world, to others with centuries of history, they have all contributed significantly to society, research, and education. They all continue to inspire and shape minds, carrying on their tradition while adapting to shifting academic demands.
The first university in the world is the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, located in Fez, Morocco, and is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding educational institution in the world. Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, an enlightened lady with a desire for knowledge, it was a premier college for Islamic learning and research. The university had attracted students from all over the Islamic world and Europe, with training in theology, law, mathematics, astronomy, and other subjects. Its learning traditions have influenced generations of scholars. Today, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin continues to exist, maintaining its tradition as a symbol of knowledge, culture, and historic glory.
Number of students: 8,120
The University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088 in Italy, is the world's oldest working university. It is renowned for developing the blueprint of modern-day universities, being the first one to award degrees and student governance models. Over the centuries, it evolved as a prestigious center for law, philosophy, medicine, and the study of humanities. From its outstanding academic heritage and vibrant student community to its continued leadership in research and teaching in Europe and globally, the University of Bologna continues to lead the way.
Number of students: Approximately 9,800 International students. (2024-25)
The University of Oxford, also known as the world oldest university in the English-speaking world, has been around since the 12th century. Based in Oxford, England, it is famous for its academic standards, distinguished professors, and time-honored traditions. Oxford consists of several colleges and covers a broad scope of disciplines, and students and scholars from across the world visit to study there. With a pedigree of creating prominent leaders, scientists, and authors, the University of Oxford continues to be a harbinger of elite learning and intellectual excellence.
Number of students: 12,375 Undergraduates and 13,650 Postgraduate Students (2024-25)
The Sorbonne or University of Paris was the world's oldest university and most elite school of learning in medieval Europe. The university was founded in approximately 1150 and was later famous for scholarly excellence in philosophy, theology, and the arts. Students and scholars from throughout Europe traveled to the university to seek education there, which was a forceful vehicle of intellectual concepts throughout the Middle Ages. Though dissolved in the French Revolution, its tradition persists to the present time in modern institutions that evolved from the original university.
Number of students: Approximately 64,100 Students.
The University of Cambridge, established in 1209, is the oldest university in the world and a world-renowned international educational center. Based in England, it has been the producer of some of history's greatest minds such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking. It is renowned for having rigorous educational courses and ancient colleges, which have kept it ranked among the best in the world consistently. Its scientific, political, and literary contribution has constructed a contemporary world and it's a testimony of tradition, innovation, and intellectual guidance.
Number of students: Total Student Population of 24,912 (2024-25)
Salamanca University, which was established by King Alfonso IX in 1218, is the oldest university in the world. As a school of universal learning, it was endorsed by the Pope in 1255, together with Oxford, Paris, and Bologna as a focus of medieval learning. Throughout the centuries, it has been a cradle of giants like Miguel de Cervantes and Hernán Cortés. Today, the university remains successful with a broad range of academic courses and upholds its high stature in international education for all.
Number of students: Approximately 30,000 (2024-25)
The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest universities in the world. Founded by students and scholars of the University of Bologna, it has been a cornerstone for the progress of science and education. Significantly, it was the first to grant a woman, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1678. The dedication of the university to academic freedom is reflected in its motto: Universa universis patavina" libertas—"Paduan freedom is universal for all."
Number of students: Approximately 72,280 students (2021-22)
The University of Naples Federico II, which was established in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II, is among the oldest universities in the world. A first in its day, it was a state-sponsored, secular institution to led the way in a lay model of education in medieval Europe. The institution was aimed at training administrators and jurists for the Kingdom of Naples, with functional skills. It remains to the present day the pillar of university excellence in Italy, renowned for its history and research output and rich variety of study courses.
Number of Students: Approximately 71,799 Students (2022-23)
The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is among the most iconic universities in Europe and an old university with a rich tradition of intellectual excellence. Established originally in Lisbon and later transferred to Coimbra, it has been the hub of intellectual and cultural advancement in Portugal for centuries. Its historic campus, which received UNESCO World Heritage site status, bears witness to centuries of scholarly heritage. The university has made an extraordinary contribution to education in Portugal and still retains the status of being an elite university for science, research, and humanities.
Number of Students: Approximately 28,182 Students (2022-23)
The University of Siena, founded in 1240, is among the oldest universities in Italy, famous for its history and academic performance. The university played a role in medieval European intellectual history as an old university. It has a rich tradition in medicine, law, and arts for all the nations. The University of Siena today keeps expanding research and study in a very wide range of areas, consolidating its standing as an institution for academic excellence and innovation within Italy and throughout the world.
Number of Students: Approximately 22,000 Students (2022-23)
These are the world's oldest university lists that you should know about. If you haven't found the one yet, then you can try our university finder to get your preferred results. However, if you are planning to get into one of these prestigious institutions, then, use our course finder to know what suits you well and apply for it.
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In this blog, you’ve checked out the world’s oldest university and the list of top 10 across the globe. Many of these universities are also known for providing good quality education. Hopefully this list helped you learn about some of the oldest universities in the world. If you are planning to get into any of these or any university abroad and need any help, our study abroad consultants are here to guide you.
The term itself is explanatory in that it was established long back so it is called the world's oldest that has yet in operation continuously since it was founded.
The criteria for the world's oldest university are:
Yes, these universities take international students and have specific programs and scholarships as well to aid them in a smooth education abroad.
The world's oldest universities offer 30+ courses including the top ones such as medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, linguistics, humanities, mathematics, science, theology, and philosophy.
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