Which is the Oldest University in the World? Check the List of Top-10

Education has a long and rich history. Some universities in the world were built hundreds or even thousands of years ago. While many old institutions disappeared over time, a few have survived and are still active today. These universities are special because they have adapted to modern education while keeping their traditions alive. Let’s have a look at the list of top-10 oldest universities of the world.

World’s Oldest University

The University of Bologna in Italy is the oldest university in the world that is still running today. It started teaching around the year 1088 and later became a proper university. Its motto means “nourishing mother of studies,” showing its importance in education. Today, it is a large public university with more than 90,000 students. It offers many courses and continues to be one of Europe’s leading centers of learning.

Top-10 Oldest Universities in the World

University of Bologna, located in Italy, is the oldest university in the world, followed by University of Oxford, University of Salamanca, University of Paris, and University of Cambridge.

Here is the list of top-10 oldest universities in the world:

OLDEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD
Rank	University	Country	Establishment	Notable Feature
1.	University of Bologna	Italy	1088	Oldest university globally, diverse programs
2.	University of Oxford	United Kingdom	1096-1167	Renowned alumni including prime ministers, Nobel laureates
3.	University of Salamanca	Spain	1134	Royal charter in 1218, Columbus’ royal support
4.	University of Paris (Sorbonne)	France	1160-1250	Divided into 13 institutions in 1970
5.	University of Cambridge	United Kingdom	1209	Founded due to political conflicts, intense rivalry with Oxford
6.	University of Padua	Italy	1222	Surviving medieval institution, early research in various fields
7.	University of Naples Federico II	Italy	1224	Founded by Emperor Federico II, over 100,000 students
8.	University of Siena	Italy	1240	UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 20,000 students
9.	University of Coimbra	Portugal		Moved locations, historical buildings, UNESCO World Heritage Site
10.	Al-Azhar University	Egypt	970 (as a center) / 1961 (as a university)	Originally for Islamic teaching, now offers academic programs

Oldest University of the World – University of Bologna

Country: Italy

Establishment: 1088

The University of Bologna is known as the oldest university in the world that is still running today. It first focused on higher studies like doctorates, but now it offers many different courses. Thousands of students from different countries study here. It has a strong history and is still very popular.

Second Oldest University in the World – University of Oxford

Country: United Kingdom

Establishment: 1096-1167

The University of Oxford is one of the most famous universities in the world. It does not have a clear founding date, but teaching started here many centuries ago. Many important people studied here, including scientists and leaders. It is known for its high-quality education and large student community.

World’s Third Oldest University – University Salamanca

Country: Spain

Establishment: 1134

The University Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain. It became famous when explorer Christopher Columbus visited here to seek support for his journey. Today, it has many campuses and students from different backgrounds.

University of Paris

Location: France

Established: Between 1160-1250

The University of Paris, also called the Sorbonne, was one of Europe’s first universities. It stopped working for some time during the French Revolution but later returned in a new form. Today, it is divided into several institutions across Paris.