10 oldest universities in the world — and where they are

Long before modern campuses, student unions and global rankings, there were centres of learning where scholars gathered to debate philosophy, law, astronomy and theology. What makes the following universities remarkable is not just their age, but their continuity. Wars, revolutions, plagues and political upheavals reshaped them, yet they survived. Some helped define what a “university” even means today, introducing degrees, faculties and academic freedom. Others preserved knowledge during turbulent periods in history.
Here are ten of the oldest universities in the world that are still operating.

Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, this university is known to be the oldest in the world. It was founded as a mosque and an educational institution, and it did not take long for it to become a center of learning in the Islamic world. It provided education in various disciplines such as theology, law, mathematics, astronomy, and grammar. Scholars from all over North Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe flocked to Fez to study in this institution. Its library contains precious and very old manuscripts, some of which date back over a thousand years. It remains a university to this day, retaining its original character in the contemporary setting of higher education in Morocco.

Founded in 970 CE during the Fatimid Caliphate, Al-Azhar was first a Muslim educational institution linked with the Al-Azhar Mosque. It rapidly grew to become one of the most revered institutions in the Muslim world. For many centuries, it influenced the theological and legal discourse in enormous areas. Gradually, it expanded from purely Islamic subjects to medicine, engineering, commerce, and other modern sciences. Today, it is both a religious and a full-fledged university with branches and students from all over the world.

The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088. It is also known for founding the modern university system. The University of Bologna started the idea of degree programs and guilds. The University of Bologna gained recognition for its courses in Roman law. Students from all over Europe attended the courses offered by the University of Bologna. The “alma mater” is also associated with the University of Bologna. The motto of the University of Bologna translates to “nourishing mother.” The University of Bologna is still one of the most prestigious institutions in Italy.

The teaching at the University of Oxford started in 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. This was due to the fact that English students were banned from attending the universities in Paris in the 12th century. The University of Oxford is a collegiate university, which means that it is made up of self-contained colleges that are part of the larger university structure. Throughout the years, the University of Oxford has been responsible for producing world leaders, scientists, writers, and Nobel Prize winners.

Founded in 1134 and formally recognised in 1218, Salamanca became one of medieval Europe’s leading intellectual centres. It had a major impact on the fields of law, philosophy, and theology. During the imperial growth of Spain, its intellectuals engaged with topics of international law, colonial administration, and human rights, which shaped the world of international law. The university’s architectural heritage is still a significant cultural icon in Spain, and it is a leading educational establishment to this day.

Dating back to around 1150, the medieval University of Paris was a power to be reckoned with in terms of theological and philosophical education. It was renowned for its Sorbonne college, which would later become synonymous with excellence. The university was instrumental in the development of scholastic philosophy in the Middle Ages. It was disbanded during the French Revolution and was split into several institutions later on.

Founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford due to disputes, Cambridge established itself as a rival educational institution from the very outset. Like Oxford, it was a collegiate university and remains so to this day. Cambridge has a long history of excellence in scientific and mathematical fields, with individuals such as Isaac Newton being associated with the university. Over the years, it has become one of the top research universities in the world while maintaining its rich historical traditions.

Founded in 1222, Padua earned recognition for its progressive ideas in education. It earned a reputation as one of the top institutions in the fields of medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. The university was a strong supporter of academic freedom and attracted many scholars who cherished their academic freedom. Galileo Galilei was a professor at this university in the late 16th century. Its anatomical theater, constructed in 1595, is one of the oldest surviving buildings of its type and symbolizes the historical contributions of the university to the field of medical science.

Founded in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II, this university was established as a state university and not as a church-related university. This was a major step towards the establishment of state-funded universities. Unlike other medieval universities, which were associated with religious bodies, Naples Federico II was a secular university intended for the administration of the state.

Established in 1240, Siena evolved from pre-existing institutions of law and medicine. Siena University gained recognition for its law and medical departments during the medieval era. Despite the political and economic fluctuations in Italy over the years, the university has been in operation and continues to function in the same Tuscan environment.