Top 10 oldest universities in the world

Some of these institutions have stood the test of time, continuing to educate students for centuries. According to Guinness World Records and Student.com, the following are the top 10 oldest universities in the world, many of which still operate today.

Recognised as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco. Established by Fatima al-Fihri, this institution has been a major centre for Islamic and Arabic studies for over a millennium.

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna in Italy is considered the oldest university in Europe. It played a key role in shaping modern higher education and remains one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions.

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching dating back to 1096. Oxford has produced numerous influential figures, including world leaders, scientists, and Nobel laureates.

Established around 1150, the University of Paris became a leading institution for theological, philosophical, and legal studies. Though it was temporarily dissolved during the French Revolution, many of its faculties evolved into modern French universities.

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge was established by scholars who left Oxford following a dispute. It has since grown into one of the world’s leading academic institutions, known for its research and teaching excellence.

The University of Salamanca in Spain was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest universities in the Hispanic world. It played a key role in the development of the Spanish language and law.

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was home to notable scholars such as Galileo Galilei and remains a centre for academic excellence.

Established in 1224 by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, the University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest state-supported universities in the world and continues to be a major institution for higher education in Italy.

Founded in 1246, the University of Siena is renowned for its law, medicine, and economics faculties. It has maintained its reputation as one of Italy’s top public universities.

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is Portugal’s oldest university and one of the most historic institutions in Europe. It has been a centre for cultural and scientific advancements for centuries.

Top 10 oldest universities in the world

These historic universities have shaped global education for centuries, producing some of the world’s greatest minds. Their legacies continue today, influencing modern academia and fostering innovation across various disciplines.