Oldest Universities in the World. Education is one of the most valuable and enduring aspects of human civilization. Throughout history, people have sought to acquire knowledge and wisdom from various sources and institutions. Among these, universities have played a prominent role in advancing learning, research, and innovation across various disciplines and fields.
Universities are centers of higher education that offer academic degrees and certificates to students who complete a course of study. They also conduct research and produce scholarly publications that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society. Universities are usually composed of faculties, departments, colleges, schools, or institutes that specialize in different subjects or areas.
But when and where did universities originate? How did they evolve over time? And which are the oldest universities in the world that are still in operation today? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a list of top oldest universities in the world based on their historical legacy, academic reputation, and global ranking.
1. University of Al-Karaouine
Location: Fez, Morocco
Established in: 859 AD
According to the Guinness World Records, the University of Al-Karaouine (also spelled Al-Quaraouiyine or Al-Qarawiyyin) is the oldest existing and continually operating university in the world. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy Muslim woman who inherited a fortune from her father and decided to use it to build a mosque and a madrasa (a religious school) in Fez, Morocco.
The University of Al-Karaouine started as a center of Islamic religious and legal studies, but later expanded its curriculum to include natural sciences, mathematics, logic, medicine, astronomy, and languages. It became a leading intellectual hub in the medieval Islamic world and attracted scholars and students from across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The University of Al-Karaouine is still functioning today as a part of Morocco’s state university system. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Islamic studies, Arabic studies, law, history, philosophy, sociology, and education. It also houses a library that contains over 30,000 manuscripts, some dating back to the 9th century.
2. University of Bologna
Location: Bologna, Italy
Established in: 1088 AD
The University of Bologna is widely regarded as the oldest university in Europe and the Western world. It was founded in 1088 AD by a group of students and teachers who sought academic freedom and autonomy from the ecclesiastical authorities. They formed a universitas (a corporation or guild) that granted them the right to elect their own leaders and set their own rules.
The University of Bologna initially focused on teaching law, but later added other subjects such as arts, medicine, theology, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and natural sciences. It became a renowned center of learning and culture in medieval Europe and attracted scholars and students from all over the continent. Among its notable alumni are Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Petrarch, Thomas Becket, and Pope Alexander VI.
The University of Bologna is still operating today as a public research university that offers a wide range of programs at all levels. It has over 85,000 students enrolled across its five campuses in Bologna and four branches in other cities. It is also a member of several prestigious academic networks and associations, such as the Coimbra Group, the European University Association, and the Magna Charta Universitatum.
3. University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, England
Established in: 1096-1167 AD
The University of Oxford is widely regarded as the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It was founded sometime between 1096 and 1167 AD by a group of scholars who fled from Oxford after a dispute with the local townspeople. They settled in various places, such as Paris, Cambridge, and Reading, but later returned to Oxford and established their own schools and colleges.
The University of Oxford initially taught theology, but later added other subjects such as arts, medicine, law, philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences, and modern languages. It became a leading center of learning and innovation in medieval and modern Europe and attracted scholars and students from all over the world. Among its notable alumni are 28 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, 12 saints, 27 Nobel laureates, 50 Nobel Prize winners and one Sir Stephen Hawking.
The University of Oxford is still operating today as a collegiate research university that offers a variety of programs at all levels. It has over 24,000 students enrolled across its 39 colleges and six permanent private halls. It is also a member of several prestigious academic networks and associations, such as the Russell Group, the European University Association, and the League of European Research Universities.
4. University of Cambridge
Location: Cambridge, England
Established in: 1209 AD
The University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the most renowned universities in the world. It was founded in 1209 AD by a group of scholars who left Oxford after a violent clash with the townspeople. They received a royal charter from King Henry III in 1231 AD and established their own schools and colleges in Cambridge.
The University of Cambridge initially taught theology, but later added other subjects such as arts, medicine, law, philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences, and modern languages. It became a prominent center of learning and discovery in medieval and modern Europe and produced many influential thinkers and innovators. Among its notable alumni are Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Francis Bacon, John Milton, William Wordsworth, Charles Dickens, Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, and 121 Nobel laureates.
The University of Cambridge is still operating today as a collegiate research university that offers a wide range of programs at all levels. It has over 23,000 students enrolled across its 31 colleges and six schools. It is also a member of several prestigious academic networks and associations, such as the Russell Group, the European University Association, and the League of European Research Universities.
5. University of Salamanca
Location: Salamanca, Spain
Established in: 1218 AD
The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest universities in the world. It was founded in 1218 AD by King Alfonso IX of Leon as a general school of higher studies. It received a papal bull from Pope Alexander IV in 1255 AD that granted it the status of a university and authorized it to confer academic degrees.
The University of Salamanca initially taught arts, theology, canon law, and civil law, but later added other subjects such as medicine, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and languages. It became a major center of intellectual and cultural activity in medieval and early modern Spain and played a significant role in the development of Spanish language and literature. Among its notable alumni are Miguel de Cervantes, Francisco de Vitoria, Luis de Leon, Antonio de Nebrija, and Fernando de Rojas.
The University of Salamanca is still operating today as a public research university that offers a variety of programs at all levels. It has over 28,000 students enrolled across its 12 faculties and four schools. It is also a member of several prestigious academic networks and associations, such as the Coimbra Group, the European University Association, and the Compostela Group of Universities.
FAQs
What are the benefits of studying at an old university?
Studying at an old university can provide you with several benefits, such as:
- History: You can experience the rich historical legacy and heritage of an old university that has witnessed and shaped many events and developments over centuries. You can also learn from the traditions and values that have been passed down from generation to generation.
- Reputation: You can benefit from the high academic reputation and prestige of an old university that has earned recognition and respect from peers and employers around the world. You can also join the distinguished alumni network that includes many influential leaders and personalities in various fields.
- Quality: You can access the high-quality education and research that an old university offers through its experienced faculty members, well-established curriculum, advanced facilities, and abundant resources. You can also enjoy the academic freedom and diversity that an old university fosters.
- Opportunity: You can explore the many opportunities that an old university provides for your personal and professional growth. You can participate in various academic activities, such as exchanges, internships, projects, and competitions. You can also engage in various extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteering, and events.
What are the challenges of studying at an old university?
Studying at an old university can also pose some challenges for you, such as:
- Competition: You may face intense competition for admission, scholarships, and jobs from other applicants who are equally or more qualified than you. You may also have to meet high academic standards and expectations from your professors and peers.
- Cost: You may have to pay high tuition fees and other expenses to study at an old university, especially if it is located in an expensive city or country. You may also have to apply for financial aid, scholarships, or grants to reduce your costs.
- Adaptation: You may have to adapt to a different culture, language, and environment when you study at an old university, especially if it is located in a foreign country. You may also have to deal with culture shock, homesickness, or isolation.
- Innovation: You may have to cope with the slow pace of change or innovation at an old university, especially if it is bound by tradition or bureaucracy. You may also have to seek out new opportunities or challenges to keep yourself updated and motivated.
How can I apply to an old university?
The application process and requirements for an old university may vary depending on the university, the program, and the country. However, some common steps are:
- Research: You should do your research and find out more about the university, the program, the admission requirements, the deadlines, and the costs. You should also check the ranking, accreditation, reputation, and alumni outcomes of the university and the program.
- Prepare: You should prepare your academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, portfolio, or any other documents that are required by the university and the program. You should also prepare for any interviews or exams that may be part of the admission process.
- Apply: You should complete and submit your online or offline application form and pay the application fee. You should also send your supporting documents to the university or upload them to the application portal. You should also track your application status and follow up with the university if needed.
- Wait: You should wait for the admission decision from the university, which may take a few weeks or months depending on the university and the program. You may receive a conditional or an unconditional offer of admission, or a rejection letter.
- Accept: If you receive an offer of admission, you should accept it and confirm your enrollment by paying a deposit or registering for courses. You should also apply for a student visa if you are an international student and arrange your accommodation and travel plans.
What are some tips for studying at an old university?
Some tips for studying at an old university are:
- Respect: You should respect the history, tradition, and values of the old university and appreciate its contribution to education and society. You should also respect the rules, regulations, and expectations of the old university and follow them accordingly.
- Learn: You should learn from the faculty members, peers, alumni, and resources of the old university and make the most of your academic experience. You should also learn from the culture, language, and environment of the old university and broaden your horizons.
- Contribute: You should contribute to the community, research, and innovation of the old university and make a positive impact. You should also contribute to the diversity, inclusion, and sustainability of the old university and make a difference.
- Enjoy: You should enjoy the opportunities, activities, and events that the old university offers and have fun. You should also enjoy the friendships, memories, and achievements that you make at the old university and cherish them.
