First Universities in the World: A Simple Country-by-Country List for Students

For students choosing where to study abroad, the world's first universities offer a unique blend of foundational history and modern excellence. This section details these institutions, pairing their heritage with current metrics like the QS 2026 ranking.

Here is a concise overview of the first university established in several key countries, presented for easy comparison.

Let’s explore these universities in detail one by one.

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is historically recognised as the oldest existing, continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. Founded as a mosque and madrasa in the 9th century, it evolved into a leading centre for Islamic scholarship and science, shaping intellectual thought for centuries.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Operates from its original 859 AD foundation as a major institution of the Islamic Golden Age.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 8,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Islamic Law & Jurisprudence (Maliki School), Arabic Language & Literature, Theology & Philosophy.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 main historic campus in the medina of Fes.
• University Link:https://www.alquaraouiyine.com/

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is widely considered the first university in the modern Western sense, pioneering the model of a higher learning corporation and granting degrees. Its establishment set the standard for university structure across Europe.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1088 as a student-led guild, creating the blueprint for the European university system.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 87,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Medicine, Engineering.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 11 campuses across the Emilia-Romagna region (including Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, Rimini).
• University Link:https://www.unibo.it/en

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and a globally preeminent institution. Its unique collegiate system fosters a close-knit academic community within a world-class research university.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Teaching existed by 1096, with the collegiate structure developing from the 13th century.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 24,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Medicine, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 44 autonomous colleges and halls.
• University Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/

Harvard University

Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the world's most influential academic centres. Its vast resources and distinguished alumni network have shaped global leadership, science, and culture.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1636, named after its first benefactor, John Harvard.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 23,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Computer Science, Economics, Political Science.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 primary campus in Cambridge/Boston, with 12 degree-granting schools.
• University Link:https://www.harvard.edu/

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university, established on the principle of providing access to higher education for all qualified students regardless of background. It is renowned for its beautiful campus and comprehensive academic strength.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1850, it pioneered a model of secular university education in the colony of New South Wales.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 73,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Medicine and Health, Law, Engineering and Computer Science.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 9 main campuses and schools in and around Sydney.
• University Link:https://www.sydney.edu.au/

Université Laval

Université Laval is the first French-language university in the Americas and the centre of intellectual life for Francophone Canada. It was instrumental in the development of higher education and research in Quebec.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1663 as the Séminaire de Québec, it received a royal charter as a university in 1852.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 43,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Business Administration, Health Sciences, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 2 main campuses (in Quebec City and Montreal), with numerous affiliated schools and research centres.
• University Link:https://www.ulaval.ca/

University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, known for its exceptional student experience and strength in health sciences. Its historic campus in Dunedin provides a traditional collegiate atmosphere.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1869, shortly after the Otago gold rush provided the province with funds for its establishment.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 21,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Health Sciences (Medicine), Dentistry, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 4 main campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland) and several colleges.
• University Link:https://www.otago.ac.nz/

University of Santo Tomas

The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest existing university in Asia and a cornerstone of Catholic higher education in the Philippines. It has played a central role in the nation's political, cultural, and scientific development.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1611 by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), predating Harvard by 25 years.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 45,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Medicine, Fine Arts and Design.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 main campus in Manila (Sampaloc), with 25 degree-granting faculties and colleges.
• University Link:https://www.ust.edu.ph/

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's oldest university and its sole constituent college of the University of Dublin. Located in the heart of the capital, it is a historic institution that blends tradition with modern research excellence.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I to consolidate English rule and Protestant learning in Ireland.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 19,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Computer Science, Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS).
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 primary campus in Dublin city centre (with associated research facilities elsewhere).
• University Link:https://www.tcd.ie/

Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University is one of the world's oldest degree-granting institutions and remains the leading global centre for Sunni Islamic learning. Its history is deeply intertwined with the religious and intellectual life of Egypt and the Islamic world.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Founded in 970 AD in Cairo as a mosque and madrasa, evolving over a millennium into a modern university.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 400,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Islamic Law & Jurisprudence, Quranic Studies, Arabic Language & Literature.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: Dozens of faculties, colleges, and affiliated institutes across Egypt and in several other countries.
• University Link:https://www.azhar.edu.eg/en

Navigating admissions to the world's most historic and prestigious universities requires expert strategy. Yocket Premium offers you a dedicated counsellor and a data-driven approach to build a standout profile, shortlist the right universities, and perfect your applications to turn your ambition into an offer letter. Explore Yocket Premium to begin your journey with confidence.