Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World

Universities have been around since the dawn of civilization, and many of them have stood the test of time. From Oxford in England to Nalanda in India, there are some universities that have been around for centuries and are still producing quality education today. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 oldest universities in the world, their remarkable stories, and how they keep up with modern times. So dive right in and take a journey through history!

10. University of Cambridge – 1209

University of Cambridge oldest universities in the world

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many famous alumni, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking. Cambridge is a world-renowned centre of learning, and its reputation is built on the excellence of its teaching and research. The university has 31 colleges, and over 18,000 students from all over the world.

9. University of Bologna – 1088

University of Bologna Oldest Universities in the world

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the world’s oldest university in continuous operation. It was the first place of higher learning to use the term “university”. The University of Bologna offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and has produced many notable alumni, including Pope Benedict XVI, Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi, and European Union founder Roberto Alagna.

8. University of Oxford – 1096

University of Oxford – 1096

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world, with a history dating back to 1096. The university has been a major force in the development of Western thought and culture, and has produced some of the world’s most influential thinkers, including scientists, politicians, and writers.

Today, Oxford is a world-renowned center of learning, with a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The university is home to more than 24,000 students from over 140 countries, and its campus is a bustling hub of activity.

Oxford has an outstanding academic record, and its graduates have gone on to achieve great things in all walks of life. The university has produced more than 30 Nobel laureates, and its alumni include prime ministers, presidents, and other world leaders.

If you’re looking for an internationally respected university with a long and illustrious history, Oxford is the perfect choice.

7. University of Paris – 1150

The Old Sorbonne on fire in 1670.

The University of Paris, established in 1150, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is also one of the most prestigious and selective schools, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. Located in the heart of Paris, the University of Paris is known for its beautiful campus and facilities.

The University of Paris has a long and rich history. It was founded in 1150 by King Louis VII of France and Pope Eugene III. The school originally had three faculties: theology, law, and medicine. Over the years, it has grown to include many more faculties and departments. Today, there are over 100,000 students enrolled at the University of Paris.

The University of Paris is highly competitive. In order to be admitted, students must have excellent grades and test scores. The school also looks at each applicant’s extracurricular activities and essays. With such a selective admissions process, it’s no wonder that the University of Paris is ranked as one of the top universities in the world.

6. University of Salamanca – 1134

University of Salamanca

In 1134, the University of Salamanca was founded as a center of higher learning in the Spanish city of Salamanca. This university is notable for being one of the first universities in Europe and for its long history of teaching a wide range of subjects. The University of Salamanca has produced many famous alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, scientists, writers, and politicians.

5. University of Sicily – 1130

The University of Sicily is a research university located in Sicily, Italy. It was founded in 1130 and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university has an excellent reputation for its research and teaching. It offers a wide range of degree programs and is home to a number of world-renowned scholars. The University of Sicily is an internationally respected institution of higher learning and is a great choice for students seeking a top-quality education.

4. Al-Azhar University – 970

Founded in 970 by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz, Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world. The university has produced some of the most renowned scholars in Islamic history, and its graduates include Nobel laureates and heads of state.

Al-Azhar University is located in Cairo, Egypt, and comprises a complex of schools, institutes, and affiliated organizations. The university offers programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, Egyptian history and culture, comparative religion, and philosophy.

Al-Azhar University is highly respected for its commitment to excellence in teaching and research. In addition to its academic programs, the university also operates a hospital, library, publishing house, and radio station.

3. University of al-Qarawiyyin – 859

Founded in AD 859, the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco is the oldest continually operating university in the world. The university was founded by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, who came from a wealthy family of merchants from the city of Kairouan, Tunisia. She used her inheritance to build a mosque and a school for Islamic studies. The school eventually evolved into a university, which has produced some notable alumni over the years, including Ibn Khaldun, one of the most influential Muslim thinkers of all time.

Today, the University of al-Qarawiyyin is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and offers programs in a variety of disciplines such as science, medicine, literature, and business.

2. Platonist Academy of Athens – 387 BC

The Platonist Academy of Athens is considered by many to be the oldest university in the world. The academy was founded by Plato in 387 BC and functioned as a school of philosophy and research for many years. Plato’s nephew, Speusippus, succeeded him as the head of the academy, followed by Xenocrates and then Aristotle.

The academy continued to exist until it was closed down by Justinian I in 529 AD. However, it was reopened in the early 6th century AD and continued to operate until it was finally destroyed by the Arabs in 827 AD.

1. The Lyceum of Aristotle in Athens – 335 BC

The Lyceum of Aristotle in Athens is one of the oldest universities in the world, with a history dating back to 335 BC. The university was founded by Aristotle, who was a teacher at the school. The Lyceum of Aristotle was one of the largest and most important schools in Athens during its time. It had a large library and many famous alumni, including Plato and Alexander the Great.

FAQ: Oldest Universities in the World.

What university is the oldest in the USA?

The oldest university in the United States is Harvard University, founded in 1636. It is one of the most prestigious and well-known universities in the world, with a long academic history and impressive alumni list. As such, it’s no surprise that it is still thriving after nearly 400 years.

What is the oldest still running university?

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest running university in the world. It is located in the city of Bologna, Italy and has been around for over nine centuries. Spanning a rich history with famous figures such as Dante and Petrarch passing through its doors, the University of Bologna is one of the most historic universities that still exists today.

What is the oldest Colorado university?

The oldest university in Colorado is the University of Denver. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest independent private university in the state. With its long history of over 150 years, the University of Denver provides students with a rich learning experience and some of the best academics available.

What was the first college in Colorado?

The first college in Colorado was the University of Denver, founded in 1864. This makes it one of the oldest universities in the United States and indeed in the world. The school has a long history of educational excellence, helping to shape generations of students for over 150 years.

What was the first university ever made?

The first university ever made was the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco. It is considered to be one of the oldest operating universities in the world and it is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The University of al-Qarawiyyin has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years and continues to provide students with educational opportunities even today.