10 Oldest Universities in the World: Which was the World's First University?

Some of the oldest universities in the world, including the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the University of Bologna, and the University of Oxford, are often cited across all contexts. However, the answer to which is the oldest university in the world is not as straightforward as it seems.

It depends heavily on how we define a “university”. Is it simply a place where formal education was given? Or must it have granted degrees? Should it have operated without interruption? These questions change how we see "the oldest."

Not All Ancient Centres Qualify as Universities

Several ancient institutions like Takshashila (modern-day Pakistan) and Nalanda (India) existed long before today’s modern universities. They attracted scholars from across Asia and offered structured teachings in subjects like politics, medicine, philosophy, and mathematics. 

However, they either didn’t award degrees in the formal sense or were destroyed and later revived, so they don’t meet the modern criteria of a university, particularly the need for continuous operation and degree-granting authority.

For example:

• Takshashila dates back to the 5th century BCE and functioned as a renowned centre for Vedic and Buddhist learning. But it lacked an official system of conferring degrees.
• Nalanda, established in the 5th century CE, was the first known residential university in the world, hosting thousands of students and teachers. However, it was destroyed in the 12th century and remained closed for centuries before its modern revival.
  The Universally Recognised Oldest: al-Qarawiyyin

When we apply stricter criteria like continuous operation, structured teaching, and degree conferral. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, stands out. Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, it still operates today and is officially recognised by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest existing and continuously operating degree-granting university.

Why “Oldest” Depends on Definition?

So, if you're talking about the oldest learning institutions, Nalanda and Takshashila absolutely qualify. But if you're asking about the oldest continuously running degree-awarding university, then al-Qarawiyyin takes the title.

The definition matters. Some institutions were ancient but not formal. Others were formal but didn’t survive. And only a few were both formal and uninterrupted.

Higher education has ancient roots, with some universities operating continuously for over a millennium. Below is a curated list of the world’s oldest surviving universities.

The table showcases the when the world's oldest universities were founded: 

Founded in: 1088 AD

Location: Via Zamboni, 33, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

The University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) has operated continuously since 1088, making it the world's oldest degree-granting university. Founded by students for students, it created the modern degree system. Today, it remains a leading public research university with 90,000+ students across multiple campuses.

Notable Alumni from the University of Bologna

Here are a few influential graduates:

• Nicolaus Copernicus – Renaissance astronomer who introduced the heliocentric model, shifting the foundation of modern astronomy.
• Guglielmo Marconi – Inventor of the wireless telegraph and Nobel Prize winner for Physics in 1909.
• Pier Paolo Pasolini – Celebrated Italian poet, film director, and intellectual known for works like The Gospel According to St. Matthew.

Nobel Laureates from the University of Bologna

Alumni and affiliates have received several Nobel Prizes:

• Guglielmo Marconi – Physics, 1909, for innovations in wireless telegraphy.
• Giosuè Carducci – Literature, 1906, honored for his “lyrical force” and scholarly depth. 
• Giorgio Parisi – Physics, 2021, recognized for his work on disorder and fluctuations in physical systems. 

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Bologna

The University of Bologna excels across many fields. Top courses include:

• Law & Jurisprudence
• Physics & Astronomy
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical)
• Medicine & Surgery
• Economics & Management
• Modern & Classical Languages

Interesting Facts About the University of Bologna

Fun tidbits about this historic institution:

• It was the first to award degrees and organize students into guilds (“universitas”). 
• Hosted Bettisia Gozzadini in 1237—the first woman to earn a law degree and teach at a university.
• Laura Bassi, in the 18th century, became the first female professor of science in Europe.
• The Bologna Process, a major reform for the European higher education framework, was named after the university and launched there in 1999. 

Founded in: 1096 AD

Location: Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest continuously operating university globally, with teaching dating back to around 1096 and formal recognition by 1167. It operates on a collegiate system of 39 colleges, encouraging a close-knit academic community while ranking among the world’s top research universities.

Notable Alumni from the University of Oxford

Some of Oxford’s most influential graduates include:

• Sir Tim Berners‑Lee – Inventor of the World Wide Web, earning his physics degree at Queen's College 
• Stephen Hawking – Renowned theoretical physicist who studied Natural Sciences before making his name with his work on black holes.
• T. S. Eliot – Modernist poet who studied at Merton College and later won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Nobel Laureates from the University of Oxford

Oxford has nurtured numerous Nobel Prize winners across all categories:

• Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1964) for her X-ray crystallography work on penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin 
• John B. Goodenough – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2019) for his pivotal contributions to lithium-ion battery development.
• Howard Florey – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1945) for advancing penicillin into a widely used antibiotic.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Oxford

Oxford offers a broad range of prestigious programs. Some top options are:

• Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
• Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering Sciences
• Physics & Mathematics
• Law & Jurisprudence
• Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Interesting Facts About the University of Oxford

Here are some standout facts about Oxford:

• It has produced 28 British Prime Ministers, along with numerous heads of state globally.
• It boasts 73 Nobel Laureates, 4 Fields Medalists, and 6 Turing Award winners.
• Albert Einstein was a visiting scholar in the early 1930s, and his blackboard from lectures is preserved at the History of Science Museum.
• The collegiate system, central to student life, creates diverse traditions—from formal hall dinners to iconic events like May Morning celebrations.

Founded in: 1218 AD

Location: Patio de Escuelas, 1, 37008 Salamanca, Spain

The University of Salamanca was founded by King Alfonso IX in 1218. It is the oldest university in Spain and one of the earliest in continuous operation globally. It is known as the "Oxford of Spain" and has been a major center of scholarship, especially in law, the humanities, and the Spanish language.

Notable Alumni from the University of Salamanca

Highlighting three influential figures:

• Miguel de Cervantes – Author of Don Quixote, widely regarded as the first modern novel. 
• Hernán Cortés – Spanish conqueror renowned for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire.
• Francisco de Vitoria – Philosopher and theologian known for founding the School of Salamanca and influencing modern international law.

Nobel Laureates from the University of Salamanca

Though Salamanca has no alumni Nobel laureates in science, it has conferred honorary degrees to notable Nobel recipients like Steven Weinberg, Gerard ’t Hooft, etc.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Salamanca

The university offers a wide array of strong programs. Popular choices include:

• Spanish Language & Literature
• Law & International Relations
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Philosophy, History & Humanities
• Natural Sciences & Environmental Studies
• Engineering & Computer Science

Interesting Facts About the University of Salamanca

Check these amazing facts about the uniersity of Salamanca:

• It was the first in Spain to offer university-level education and is the fourth-oldest continuously running worldwide.
• The Plateresque façade hides a tiny salamander (frog-like figure)—legend says spotting it brings exam luck.
• The famed painted ceiling “El Cielo de Salamanca” was an early planetarium dome used to teach astronomy in the late 15th century.
• Its scholars founded the School of Salamanca, a 16th-century intellectual movement that laid the foundations of modern international law and human rights. 

Founded in: 1160-1250 AD

Location: School of Medicine building, 6th arrondissement at boulevard Saint-Germain

The University of Paris, often known as La Sorbonne, started forming around 1160 on the Notre-Dame cathedral school site and gained papal recognition by the 1250s. It became the most respected center for theology and philosophy in medieval Europe. After the French Revolution, it transformed into several modern universities but still carries the legacy and influence of the original medieval institution.

Notable Alumni from the University of Paris

Here are some of its most famous former students:

• St. Thomas Aquinas – Scholastic theologian and philosopher whose work shaped Catholic theology.
• Voltaire – Leading Enlightenment writer and philosopher known for defending civil liberties.
• Honoré de Balzac – A novelist whose detailed realism influenced European literature. 

Nobel Laureates from the University of Paris

Alumni from La Sorbonne and its successor institutions have won many Nobel Prizes:

• Marie Curie – Won the Nobel Prize in Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911) for her work on radioactivity.
• Jean-Paul Sartre – Attended but did not accept the Nobel Prize in Literature (1964).
• Henri Bergson – Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature (1927) for his philosophical writings.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Paris

The University of Paris excels in many fields. Popular programs include:

• Theology & Philosophy
• Literature & Humanities
• Law & Political Science
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Sciences & Mathematics
• Engineering & Computer Science

Interesting Facts About University of Paris

Here are some remarkable facts:
It started as a cathedral school before forming a full university in the 13th century.
More than 70 Nobel laureates have studied or taught here or in its overseas successors.
It educated 11 French presidents, two popes, and countless international leaders.
The university spurred the birth of modern faculties—arts, theology, law, medicine—setting the pattern for European higher education.

Founded in: 1209 AD

Location: The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom 

The University of Cambridge began in 1209 when scholars left Oxford during a dispute and settled by the River Cam. It officially gained a royal charter in 123Since then, it has grown into a world-leading collegiate university with 31 colleges and a rich academic tradition.

Notable Alumni from the University of Cambridge

Here are just a few of Cambridge’s accomplished graduates:

• Sir Isaac Newton – Developed calculus and the laws of motion at Trinity College. 
• Charles Darwin – Studied natural sciences at Christ’s College and changed biology with his theory of evolution. 
• Alan Turing – Made foundational breakthroughs in computer science and artificial intelligence at King's College.

Nobel Laureates from the University of Cambridge

Cambridge has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other university. The university has a total of 125 Nobel laureates.

• Frederick Sanger: He won the Chemistry Nobel twice (1958 and 1980).
• Dorothy Hodgkin: She won the Chemistry Nobel in 1964 for her work on protein structures.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Cambridge

• Cambridge excels across many courses, including:
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
• Engineering (including Computer Science)
  Mathematics & Statistics
• Medicine & Clinical Studies
• Economics & Business
• Humanities (English, History, Archaeology)

Interesting Facts About the University of Cambridge

Below are some interesting facts about Cambridge Uni:

• It uses the unique “supervision” system, offering weekly small-group teaching alongside lectures.
• The Cavendish Laboratory, founded in 1874, led to major discoveries such as the electron, neutron, and DNA structure.
• Cambridge’s alumni include royalty like Charles, Prince of Wales, and entertainment stars like Rachel Weisz and Emma Thompson.
• The river and city names swapped: originally, the river was called the Granta, but the town became Cambridge, and the river’s name changed to match. 

Founded in: 1222 AD

Location: Via VIII Febbraio, 2, 35122 Padova PD, Italy

The University of Padua began in 1222 after a group of students and teachers split from Bologna. It values free thinking and lets students choose professors—a radical idea for its time. It rose to fame during the Renaissance as a major hub for science and medicine, hosting figures such as Galileo and Vesalius.

Notable Alumni from the University of Padua

Here are several distinguished graduates:

• Nicolaus Copernicus – Renaissance astronomer who proposed the heliocentric solar system.
• William Harvey – English physician who discovered blood circulation while studying in Padua.
• Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia – The first woman in the world to earn a PhD degree (1678).

Nobel Laureates from the University of Padua

While Padua hasn’t produced Nobel-winning alumni, it has hosted many Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists through its lecture series, such as:

• Giorgio Parisi (Physics, 2021)
• Carl Wieman (Physics, 2001)
• Alvin Roth (Economics, 2012) 

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Padua

Its historic programs make it a great choice in several areas:

• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
• Engineering & Computer Science
• Law & Political Science
• Humanities (Philosophy, Literature, Art History)
• Data Science & Mathematics

Interesting Facts About the University of Padua

Here are some remarkable facts:

• It hosts the world’s oldest botanical garden (since 1545), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• It opened the first permanent anatomical theatre in 1594 inside Palazzo del Bo.
• The university’s motto, Universa Universis Patavina Libertas, emphasizes freedom in teaching and study.
• Its campus is deeply integrated within Padua’s historic cityscape, creating a “univer-city” where students make up about a third of the population.

Founded in: 1224 AD

Location: Naples, Campania, Italy 

The University of Naples Federico II began in 1224 when Emperor Frederick II founded a secular, state-run institution independent of the Church. Today, it stands as Europe’s oldest public university and a major research center in Southern Italy. 

Notable Alumni from Naples Federico II

Here are three prominent former students:

• Saint Thomas Aquinas – Studied and later taught theology and philosophy here in the 13th century. 
• Giorgio Napolitano – Served as President of the Italian Republic; he earned his degree here.
• Samantha Cristoforetti – European Space Agency astronaut and commander on the International Space Station.

Nobel Laureates from Naples Federico II

While it has no Nobel alumni, the university has awarded honorary degrees to several laureates: 

• John Nash – Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics (1994)
• Takaaki Kajita – Nobel Prize in Physics (2015) 
• Louis Ignarro – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1998)

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples excels in various disciplines. Popular programs include:

• Medicine & Surgery
• Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Electrical)
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
• Law & Political Science
• Economics & Finance
• Architecture & Heritage Conservation

Interesting Facts About the University of Naples Federico II

Some of the fun facts about this university are:

• It became the first European university founded by a ruler, predating many Church-sponsored institutions. 
• It operates 26 departments across campuses in Naples’s historic center, Fuorigrotta, and Camaldoli. 
• It hosts two botanical gardens, including the Orto Botanico, established in 1810.

Founded in: 1240 AD

Location: Banchi di Sotto, 55, Siena, Tuscany

The University of Siena was established in 1240 as the Studium Senese. It became Italy’s first publicly funded university, where funding came directly from local taxes. Today, it is known for its quality teaching in law, medicine, and economics, and for being deeply integrated into the life of the historic city of Siena.

Notable Alumni from Siena

Here are some of the popular alumni:

• Gianna Nannini – Acclaimed Italian rock singer and songwriter, known for her chart-topping albums and hits like America and Meravigliosa Creatura.
• Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) – A Renaissance humanist and prolific writer who became Pope in 1458. He authored one of the first autobiographies written by a pope.
• Giuseppe Brotzu – Pharmacologist and scientist credited with discovering cephalosporin antibiotics, which helped revolutionize modern medicine.

Nobel Laureates from Siena

No alumni have received a Nobel Prize to date, but faculty and researchers at the university have received international recognition.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Siena

Students at the University of Siena can choose from a range of globally respected programs, such as:

• Law & International Relations
• Medicine & Surgery
• Economics & Business Management
• Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy)
• Environmental & Sustainability Studies

Interesting Facts About the University of Siena

 A few impressive facts about this university are:

• It was granted Studium Generale status in 1355, making its degrees valid across Europe.
• Siena is one of the few cities in Europe where students make up nearly half the population, creating a student-focused environment.
• It launched Italy’s first university radio station in 1998, followed by a full media network, “uRadio.”
• The campus is set within a UNESCO World Heritage city, offering students a setting full of Gothic architecture.

Founded in: 1290 AD

Location: 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal 

The University of Coimbra began in 1290, originally based in Lisbon. It moved to Coimbra’s Royal Palace in 1537 and has become Portugal’s oldest and largest academic institution. In 2013, UNESCO declared its historic campus a World Heritage Site.

Notable Alumni from the University of Coimbra

Here are the notable alumni from the uni: 

• Luís Vaz de Camões – Portugal’s greatest poet, best known for Os Lusíadas, a national literary treasure.
• Egas Moniz – Neurologist and inventor of cerebral angiography; awarded the 1949 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
• António de Oliveira Salazar – Served as Portugal’s Prime Minister and dictator; shaped Portuguese politics for over three decades.

Nobel Laureates from the University of Coimbra

Egas Moniz is the university’s most celebrated Nobel Laureate, honored in 1949 for groundbreaking work in neurology.

Top Courses to Pursue at the University of Coimbra

Some of the most sought-after programs offered at the university include:

• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Law & Legal Studies
• Economics & Business
• Humanities & Arts
• Natural Sciences & Technology
• Engineering & Architecture
• Social Sciences & Education

Interesting Facts About the University of Coimbra

• The Joanina Library is home to 300,000 rare books and uses live bats to protect the collection from insects.
• The Chapel of São Miguel features a Baroque organ with over 2,000 pipes and stunning Manueline tilework.
• The Queima das Fitas festival is one of Europe’s oldest student traditions, involving parades, capes, and academic pageantry.
• The Botanical Garden, founded in 1772, is one of the oldest in Europe and part of the UNESCO site.

Founded in: 970 AD

Location: Cairo, Egypt 

Al‑Azhar University began around 970 AD alongside Al‑Azhar Mosque. It stands as the leading center for Sunni Islamic and Arabic learning, and it remains one of the oldest continuous educational institutions in the world. Alongside its core religious programs, it now offers modern degrees in fields like agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, media, and humanities.

Notable Alumni from Al-Azhar University

Here are some of the notable alumni:

• Aliko Dangote – Nigerian business magnate, Africa’s richest man, who studied business here.
• Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy – Former Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar (1996–2010); acclaimed scholar of Hadith and Quranic exegesis.
• Shawki Allam – Served as Egypt’s Grand Mufti (2013–2024) and earned a PhD in Sharia law from Al‑Azhar.
• Abdurrahman Wahid – Former President of Indonesia and prominent Islamic thinker.
• Taha Hussein – Known as “the Dean of Arabic Literature,” a leading 20th-century Egyptian writer and thinker.

Nobel Laureates from Al-Azhar University

Al‑Azhar University has not yet produced a Nobel Prize laureate. Its global influence in religious, cultural, and educational spheres remains unparalleled.

Top Courses to Pursue at Al-Azhar University

Al‑Azhar offers traditional religious studies and modern programs:

• Islamic Theology & Sharia Law
• Arabic Language & Literature
• Islamic Finance & Commerce
• Medicine & Pharmacy
• Media & Communication
• Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Interesting Facts About Al-Azhar University

Here are some amazing facts about the university:

• It remains a major global center for Sunni Islamic scholarship and theology.
• It recognized Shi‘ism in 1959 through a historic fatwa, promoting inter-sectarian respect.
• It draws students from 100+ countries and ranks among the top 60 universities in the Arab region according to QS.
• It balances religious education with modern academic reforms, especially under President Sadat in the 1970s.
• The Oldest Universities in Different Countries

Universities have defined a nation’s learning and culture for centuries. Some grew from religious roots, others from modern governments. This list shows the country-wise oldest universities, revealing how global higher education began.

Canada's oldest universities began in the 1700s-1800s, following British and French teaching models. They built Canada's strong education system that we know today.

The table below showcases the oldest universities in Canada and the years they were founded:

The U.S. has some of the oldest and top universities in the Americas. The majority of them were founded during colonial times. These schools helped shape education and leaders.

The table below highlights the oldest universities in the U.S. along with their founding years: 

The UK is home to world-famous ancient universities like Oxford and Cambridge, leading global education for 800+ years. 

The table below lists the oldest UK universities and when they were founded:

Australia's first universities started in the 1800s under British rule. They now form the foundation of its world-class research and education system.

The table below presents the earliest established universities in Australia:

Germany's first universities began in the Holy Roman Empire. These are known for revolutionary research and philosophy, and they are still shaping European education today.

The table below showcases the oldest universities in Germany along with their founding years: 

France's oldest universities began in medieval times. They shaped Europe's thinking in philosophy, law, and literature for centuries.

The table below outlines the oldest French universities and their years of establishment:

Yes, most of the oldest universities in the world are still running today. These institutions continue to blend centuries-old academic traditions with modern research and global education.

However, a few, like Nalanda University and the original University of Paris, faced closure and were later revived, breaking their continuity.

List of the Oldest Continuously Operating Universities

Below is a list of the oldest universities that have operated continuously since their founding:

The world’s oldest universities show how education evolved from local classrooms to global platforms. What began in sacred spaces and royal courts now welcomes students worldwide. This proves great ideas stand the test of time.

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