10 of the World's Oldest Universities, Some More Than a Millennium Old

Many people consider Al-Azhar University or Oxford University to be the oldest universities in the world. While these two universities are indeed among the oldest, they are not the oldest in the world.

According to thecollegepost.com, here is a list of the ten oldest universities in the world.

1. Al-Qarawiyyin (Morocco) – 859 AD

The oldest university in the world is the University of Al-Qarawiyyin. Located in Fez, Morocco, it originally started as a mosque. The mosque was first established by Fatima al-Fihri in 859.

2. Al-Azhar University (Egypt) – 975 AD

Al-Azhar University is the oldest university in Egypt. Established around 975, it was the first university to become a center for Islamic learning.

3. University of Bologna (Italy) – 1088 AD

The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088. It led innovation in the Western world until the Second World War.

4. Oxford University (England) – 1096 AD

Historical records indicate that Oxford University was founded in 1096. Many scientists and Nobel laureates have graduated from this university, including Stephen Hawking.

5. University of Salamanca (Spain) – 1134 AD

The University of Salamanca is located in Spain. Founded in 1134 in the city of Salamanca, central Spain, it offers more than 80 undergraduate programs.

6. Cambridge University (England) – 1209 AD

The University of Paris was founded in the mid-12th century. This institution is now divided into 13 autonomous universities. The first four campuses were located in the Sorbonne, with the rest spread across various regions. *(Note: This paragraph seems to mistakenly refer to the University of Paris, not Cambridge.)*

7. University of Padua (Italy) – 1222 AD

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of several medieval Italian universities still operating. It is renowned for its pioneering research in astronomy, law, medicine, and philosophy.

8. University of Naples Federico II (Italy) – 1224 AD

The University of Naples Federico II was founded in 1224 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. It is located in Naples, the third-largest city in Italy and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

9. University of Toulouse (France) – 1229 AD

This university is considered one of the earliest established in Europe, founded in 1229. Initially, it primarily taught theology under Raymond VII.

10. University of Coimbra (Portugal) – 1290 AD

Although initially founded in the Portuguese capital in 1290, the University of Coimbra was relocated several times by previous kings before finally settling in Coimbra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its historic buildings, open spaces, and cultural traditions.

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