Key Takeaway
- The world’s oldest universities were founded as far back as the 9th century.
- Many of them began as religious or law schools before expanding their disciplines.
- These schools have shaped global education for centuries.
- From Oxford and Cambridge to Al Quaraouiyine and Salamanca, these universities are more than just old. They’re still active, global leaders in education and research, attracting students from all over the world.
Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Ever wondered what student life looked like hundreds of years ago? The world’s oldest universities have fascinating stories.
At first, most of these schools focused on religion, philosophy, or law. Over time, they grew into modern universities that teach just about everything. Many of these institutions are historic landmarks and world leaders in education.
Here’s a look at 15 of the oldest universities still operating today.
15 Oldest Universities in the World
1. UNIVERSITY OF AL QUARAOUIYINE
- Date Established: 859
- Location: Fez, Morocco
- Notable Alumni: Ibn Khaldun (historian/sociologist), Leo Africanus (explorer/diplomat), Maimonides (philosopher)
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest existing university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine was founded by Fatima al Fihri, a woman committed to advancing education. Originally a religious school called a madrasa, it became a hub of learning during the Islamic Golden Age.
In 1963, it joined Morocco’s modern university system. Today, it influences global thought in fields like astronomy, philosophy, and mathematics, while also still teaching Islamic studies.
2. AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY
- Date Established: 970
- Location: Cairo, Egypt
- Notable Alumni: Houari Boumediene (Algerian president), Taha Hussein (Egyptian writer), Tariq Ramadan (philosopher)
Founded in 970 in Cairo as a madrasa, Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest operating universities in the world. It remains a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship. Teaching was occasionally disrupted during periods of political turmoil. However, the university persisted and officially achieved modern university status in 1961.
Today, Al-Azhar is recognized as the most prestigious Sunni Islamic university. It offers programs in Islamic law, theology, Arabic language, and the natural sciences. Over time, it expanded to include secular subjects. It now offers engineering, medicine, economics, and business. This university attracts students from across the globe and shapes generations of leaders.
3. UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA
- Date Established: 1088
- Location: Bologna, Italy
- Notable Alumni: Dante Alighieri (poet), Nicolas Copernicus, Pope Alexander VI
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe and is considered “the mother of universities.” Originally focused on law, it expanded to philosophy, medicine, science, and the arts. Bologna introduced the concept of universitas, meaning a community of teachers and students. This concept shaped the modern university system. It established traditions still used in universities today.
4. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
- Date Established: 1096
- Location: Oxford, England
- Notable Alumni: Mala Yousafzia (activist), R.R. Tolkien (author), Stephen Hawking (physicist), plus 27 Nobel laureates and 28 UK prime ministers!
The University of Oxford started in England with small academic gatherings. Then, it grew into one of the most famous universities in the world. Its historic buildings, libraries, and museums attract students and scholars everywhere.
Oxford began with subjects like theology and law. But today it offers just about everything. It’s known for its world-class research, top-notch teaching, and its unique setup of 39 colleges. Each one has its own traditions and community.
5. UNIVERSITY OF PARIS (LA SORBONNE)
- Date Established: 1150
- Location: Paris, France
- Notable Alumni: Marie Curie (scientist), Pierre Curie (scientist), Thomas Aquinas (theologian), Voltaire (philosopher)
Known as The Sorbonne, the University of Paris was a major hub of learning during the Middle Ages. It specialized in theology, law, and philosophy.
It was temporarily dissolved during the French Revolution. Then, it was later reestablished into several institutions. The Sorbonne remains a symbol of intellectual excellence in France and Europe.
6. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
- Date Established: 1209
- Location: Cambridge, England
- Notable Alumni: Charles Darwin (naturalist), Francis Crick (biologist who discovered DNA structure), Robert G. Edwards (physiologist who developed IVF)
Cambridge was founded by scholars who left Oxford after disputes with local townspeople. It became a world-renowned center for science, mathematics, and the humanities. Its collegiate system emphasizes mentorship and small-group learning.
Today, Cambridge continues to lead in scientific discovery, literature, and technological innovation.
7. UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA
- Date Established: 1218
- Location: Salamanca, Spain
- Notable Alumni: Antonio de Nebrija (author), Francisco de Salinas (music theorist), Francisco de Vitoria (theologian and jurist), Fray Luis de Leon (poet and astronomer)
Salamanca is Spain’s oldest university and one of the first in Europe to award doctoral degrees. Founded as a cathedral school, it helped shape classes in Spanish language, literature, and law. Today, it offers strong programs in law, language, economics, and the humanities. Plus, it’s connected to several top medical research centers.
One of its most famous graduates, poet and astronomer Fray Luis de León, is still celebrated across campus. His legacy is preserved with a statue, tributes, and the preservation of his old classroom just as it was in the 1570s.
8. UNIVERSITY OF PADUA
- Date Established: 1222
- Location: Padua, Italy
- Notable Alumni: Andrea Vesalius (physician), Galileo Galilei (astronomer), Nicolaus Copernicus (astronomer), William Harvey (physician)
Padua was founded by students and teachers leaving Bologna in search of academic freedom. It became a Renaissance hub for medicine, law, astronomy, and philosophy. This university introduced the first permanent anatomical theater. This school emphasizes critical thinking and scientific observation, which has shaped modern medicine.
9. UNIVERSITY OF NAPLES FEDERICO II
- Date Established: 1224
- Location: Naples, Italy
- Notable Alumni: Giorgio Napolitano (Italian president), Renato Caccioppoli (mathematician), Thomas Aquinas (philosopher and theologian)
Founded by Emperor Frederick II, this was the first publicly funded university in Europe. Unlike earlier institutions, Naples Federico II was secular, emphasizing law, arts, and medicine. It played a key role in European education. Today, it continues to lead research in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
10. UNIVERSITY OF TOULOUSE
- Date Established: 1229
- Location: Toulouse
- Notable Alumni: Bernard Maris (journalist), Edouard Lartet (Paleolithic archaeologist), Paul Fagot (French malacologist), Paul Sabatier (physicist)
The University of Toulouse was founded in 1229 after the Treaty of Paris. It was originally a school for theology. Over time, it expanded to include law, science, medicine, and the arts. Now, it’s a major center of learning in Southern France.
Toulouse is recognized for its contributions to science, technology, law, and higher education. It continues a centuries-long tradition of academic excellence.
11. UNIVERSITY OF SIENA
- Date Established: 1240
- Location: Siena, Italy
- Notable Alumni: Carlo Cottarelli (Italian economist), Carlo Rosselli (philosopher/political leader), Rino Rappuoli (immunologist), along with several popes
The University of Siena was Italy’s first publicly funded university and a central hub during the Renaissance. Initially focused on law and medicine, it expanded to the arts and sciences. Its historic buildings, libraries, and global student community keep Siena an active center of research and learning today.
12. UNIVERSITY OF VALLADOLID
- Date Established: 1241
- Location: Valladolid, Spain
- Notable Alumni: Antonio Rosón Pérez (Governor of Valladolid), Diego Valverde Villena (poet), Isabel Celaá (Spanish politician)
This university is one of Spain’s oldest universities, established on the foundation of the University of Palencia. It became a prominent center for law, humanities, and science. Today, it continues to play a vital role in Spanish higher education and research.
13. UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA
- Date Established: 1290
- Location: Coimbra, Portugal
- Notable Alumni: Boaventura de Sousa Santos (sociologist), Christopher Clavius (astrologist)
Originally established in Lisbon, the University of Coimbra moved to Coimbra in 1537. Its campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has influenced Portuguese identity, culture, and education. Students who attend this university learn law, sciences, arts, and humanities.
14. UNIVERSITY OF FLORENCE
- Date Established: 1321
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Notable Alumni: Donatella Versace (fashion designer), Michelangelo (artist), Niccolò Machiavelli (philosopher and historian)
Founded in the Renaissance, the University of Florence attracted humanists, scientists, and artists. It was instrumental in the development of Italian culture, arts, and scientific thought. Today, it is a comprehensive modern university with programs across many disciplines.
15. CHARLES UNIVERSITY IN PRAGUE
- Date Established: 1348
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Notable Alumni: Charles I of Austria (Emperor of Austria), Franz Kafka (novelist), Nikola Tesla (inventor)
Founded by Emperor Charles IV, Charles University was the first university in Central Europe. It has been a center of learning, culture, and political thought for centuries. This university remains a top institution for law, medicine, and the humanities.
Claim Your Place in History
The world’s oldest universities remind us that education is more than just textbooks. It’s about legacy, discovery, and opportunity. Not everyone will walk the same historic halls. But every student deserves to find a college where they can thrive and create their own story.
Ready to find which school is the right fit for you? Try College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool today. It’s an easy way to take the first step toward shaping your future.
