First University in the World: Country-Wise List

Dive into the fascinating world of higher education! Discover the first university in the world ever established and explore the institutions leading the way in various fields like medicine, engineering, and agriculture. This article uncovers the historical significance of these pioneering universities and provides valuable insights for aspiring international students.

Talking about the history of education abroad, there’s a lot to discover, from the first university that came into existence to the first-ranked university in the world and is still operating. Read on the article for some insights for international students about the first university in the world, 1st university in the world for various subjects and the first-ranked university in the world.

List of 10 First Universities in the World

The following is a list of the first universities in the world, as the first universities in some of the top countries of study: 

1. University of Al-Karaouine 859 AD
2. Al-Azhar University 970 AD
3. University of Bologna (1088)
4. University of Oxford (1096 –1167)
5. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) (1592)
6. Harvard University (1636)
7. University of Sydney (1850)
8. Université Laval (1663)
9. University of Otago (1869)
10. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Quezon City, Philippines - (1611)

This list comprises the first universities in the world that are still functioning and are popularly known as 'first universities' in their home countries. 

1st University in the World Details (Top 5 - Popular Countries)

We have described the list of top 5 first universities in this section. These are the first universities in the world and the first universities in the top countries to study abroad check them out. 

1. University of Bologna 

The first university in the world is the University of Bologna, located in Italy. Established in 1088, it was one of the first medieval European universities and has been operating for the past 936 years. 

The University of Bologna is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is still operating and invites applications for admissions each year. Also, the University of Bologna is the first medical university in the world. Check out the details of the University of Bologna in the following section:

University of Bologna Highlights

Established in	1088
Known as	First University in the World | First Medical University in the World | 1st University in Italy
Also Called as	UNIBO
Total Enrollment	93,753
Campus Size	1,036,109.13 square metres
Oldest Course at Bologna	Law courses
Number of Campuses	5
Total Departments	31
Study for Free at Bologna	Yes

Why Study at UNIBO?

The students should consider studying across various courses at University of Bologna is because:

• UNIBO has systematised the education system of the entire Europe for higher education. 
• The tuition fee at UNIBO is lower for its UG and PG courses.
• There are options for scholarships here, also there are fully funded courses.
• The faculties here function in the oldest departments and there is room for good opportunities after graduating. 

2. University of Oxford

The first university in England is the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England. Established in 1096, the University of Oxford was one of the first medieval European universities operating for the past 928 years.

The University of Oxford is also one of the oldest universities in the world. It is still operating and invites applications for admissions each year. Also, the University of Oxford is known for its prestigious reputation and academic excellence.

Oxford University Highlights

Established in:	1096
Known as:	First University in England
Also Called as:	Oxford
Total Enrollment:	Around 24,000
Campus Size:	32 sq km
Oldest Course at Oxford:	Theology
Number of Colleges:	39
Study for Free at Oxford:	No (Highly competitive scholarships and financial aid available)

Why Study at Oxford?

Applicants should consider taking admissions at Oxford for the following reasons:

• Famous academics and researchers in almost every field.
• Significant contributions in research and innovation.
• Access to a network of influential people.
• Provides a conducive and enriching learning environment.
• Highly regarded by employers worldwide.

3. Harvard University

The first institution of higher learning in the United States is Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1636, Harvard University was one of the first colonial colleges in North America operating for the past 388 years. Harvard is the first and the oldest university in USA. 

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in USA and in the world. It is still operating and invites applications for admissions each year. Also, Harvard University is known for its academic excellence and significant contributions to research and innovation.

Harvard University Highlights

Established in:	1636
Known as:	First Institution of Higher Learning in the United States
Also Called as:	Harvard
Total Enrollment:	Around 22,000
Campus Size:	5,700 acres
Oldest Course at Harvard:	Divinity
Number of Schools:	13
Study for Free at Harvard:	No (Generous financial aid packages available)

Why Study at Harvard?

There are many reasons to study at Harvard, but some of the reasons to take admission at Harvard are as follows: 

• One of the most popular and top-ranking universities in USA which is also an Ivy League school. 
• Opportunities to participate in revolutionary research projects across Harvard's courses of study.
• Availability of world-class libraries, laboratories, and research facilities.
• Meaningful contributions to numerous areas of research. 
• Connections to a powerful and influential network across Harvard's popular alumni base.

4. Trinity College Dublin

The first university in Ireland is Trinity College Dublin, located in Dublin, Ireland. Established in 1592, Trinity College Dublin was one of the first universities founded in Ireland operating for the past 432 years.

Trinity College Dublin is one of the oldest universities in Ireland. It is still operating and invites applications for admissions each year. Also, Trinity College Dublin is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant campus life.

Trinity College Dublin Highlights

Established in	1592
Known as	First University in Ireland
Also Called as	Trinity
Total Enrollment	Around 18,000
Campus Size	47 acres
Oldest Course at Trinity	Classics
Number of Schools	6
Study for Free at Trinity	No (Scholarships and financial aid options available)

Why Study at Trinity College Dublin?

Admissions at Trinity College Dublin can be considered by international applicants looking at studying in Ireland because:

• World-class education: High-quality teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines.
• Vibrant campus life: Engaging student societies, clubs, and cultural events.
• Rich history and tradition: Unique and historic campus with a strong sense of community.
• Location in Dublin: Opportunities to explore a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
• Global outlook: Strong international connections and opportunities for study abroad.

5. University of Sydney

The first university in Australia is the University of Sydney, located in Sydney, Australia. Established in 1850, the University of Sydney was one of the first universities in Australia to operate for the past 174 years. Renowned as the Level 1 University in Australia, USyd is a nationally and internationally recognised university for research and higher education. 

The University of Sydney is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia. It is still operating and invites applications for admissions each year. Also, the University of Sydney is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and beautiful campus.

The University of Sydney Highlights

Established in	1850
Known as	First University in Australia \
Also Called as	Sydney
Total Enrollment	Around 60,000
Campus Size	150 hectares
Oldest Course at Sydney	Classics
Number of Faculties	11
Study for Free at Sydney	No (Scholarships and financial aid options available)

Why Study at the University of Sydney?

The University of Sydney is a Go8 university in Australia, considered a prestigious university, apart from this, there are other reasons to take admission at University of Sydney and they are:

• USyd is highly regarded for its academic excellence and research impact.
• Stunning grounds with historic buildings and modern facilities. The University of Sydney is known for its beautiful campus.
• Opportunities to explore a vibrant and cosmopolitan city and work with renowned employers in Sydney.
• The University of Sydney is known for its excellent career opportunities and graduate outcomes.
• Diverse and international student body with opportunities for study abroad.

Apart from the world’s first university in the world which is still operating, there are other universities also which are counted as first of the firsts based on the subjects they offer to students. Check out the world’s first universities for various subjects in the sections below. 

World’s First Forensic Science University

The world’s first forensic science university is the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) which is located in Gujarat, India. This university was first referred to as Gujarat Forensic Sciences University. It was established first in October 2020 and was termed as the institution of national importance. There are three major campuses of NFSU and the 50+ courses are offered across 10 schools. These schools majorly revolve around areas of Forensic Sciences and offer courses at NFSU in all major areas relating to this subject area. Applicants can also find specialized Forensic Science courses in:

• Cyber Security & Digital Forensics
• Behavioural Forensics
• Police Science & Security Studies
• Medico-Legal Studies 

Thus, the reason for choosing NFSU is for its specialized courses across different areas of study. 

First Agriculture University in the World

The first agriculture university in the world was established in the year 1848 is Royal Agricultural University (RAU). With more than 175 years of operations in the UK, RAU offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There are around 20 undergraduate courses along with MSc courses across different areas of study at the world’s first agricultural university in the world. Applicants can apply for courses at RAU in the following areas:

• Agriculture
• Agriculture Farm Management
• Agriculture Management
• Agroecology
• Agricultural Technology & Innovation
• Archaeology

Why Study at Royal Agricultural University?

There are top three reasons to consider if willing to apply to RAU for admissions:

• RAU can enrol over 1,100+ students in one academic year.
• Various course options are available for those who want to specialise in Agriculture.
• Finally, there are good placement opportunities after graduating from Royal Agricultural University.

First Engineering Colleges in World

The first Engineering college in the world is Czech Technical University, established in 1707. There are over eight faculties at Czech Technical University where courses across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral are offered. Some of the courses offered across different areas of study are:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Nuclear Sciences & Physical Engineering
• Architecture
• Transportation Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Information Technology

Courses at Czech Technical University are around 502 which are all accredited and around 352 courses are offered in the English language. Though its rated in the 2000’s globally but holds a greater value because it's the first engineering college in the world and in Europe as well. 

Similarly, the world’s first petroleum university was the Petroleum University of Technology established in 1939 in Iran. This university was formerly known as Abadan College of Technology and later was termed as Petroleum University of Technology. Courses here are offered in petroleum and natural sciences areas. 

1st Open University in World

The 1st Open University in the world is the Open University of UK, established in the year 1969. World’s first open university which is also known as the Open University of UK offers admissions to international students as well. The following table throws light on the details of the Open University of UK:

World’s First Open University Ranking	#1
Demographics	8,000+ students from 157 countries
Total Courses Offered	UG: 150+ PG: 100+
Course Types	Distance | Part-Time
Undergraduate Courses Offered	Bachelors degrees, Diplomas and Certificates
Postgraduate Courses Offered	Masters degrees, PGDip, PG certificates
Areas of Study	Business, Engineering, Arts, Healthcare, Politics, Law, Marketing, and others.
Language of Instruction	English
Learners Till Date	23+ million

Why Study at Open University in UK?

Applicants choose to study in UK at its Open University because:

• There are over 200+ areas of study to choose from to study across various levels of study.
• The distance courses offered at Open University in UK are all accredited and are acceptable across the globe.
• Those who wish to go for business courses and go for them because they are also accredited by management agencies and are acceptable globally. 

Apart from the first university in the world and 1st university in the world for various subjects, there are also first-ranked universities. The first ranked university in the world is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since the ranking agencies started ranking universities which is from 2004.

From the ancient halls of Bologna to the innovative classrooms of MIT, the journey of higher education is a testament to human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. As you embark on your own academic journey, remember the legacy of these pioneering institutions and let their spirit of inquiry guide you towards a fulfilling and rewarding educational experience.

Hopefully, this was an informative piece for all the readers, applicants can also choose to apply at these reputed universities based on their liking. If you are looking for admission to study abroad? Get admission and application-related queries sorted by signing up for our free Shiksha Abroad Counselling. Or you can write to us in the comments below.