List of Oldest Universities in the World

List of Top Oldest Universities in the World

Displayed below is a list of the world's top oldest universities which are still open for admission. You can view the location and year of establishment next to the university's name.

Oldest Universities in the World	Location	Year of Establishment
University of Al-Qarawiyyin	Morocco	859 AD
Al-Azhar University	Egypt	970 AD
The University of Bologna	Italy	1088
The University of Oxford	UK	1096
The University of Paris	France	1160-1250
University of Cambridge	UK	1209
University of Salamanca	Spain	1218
University of Padua	Italy	1222

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 AD by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, is recognized by UNESCO as the world's oldest university in continuous operation. Formerly known as the University of Al Quaraouiyine, it is one of the most renowned higher education institutes in the Muslim world and in year 1963 got absorbed into the nation’s modern state university system after which it got its present name. The university still functions and accommodates many students from Morocco, West Africa and South.

Al-Azhar University

One of the oldest universities in the world, Al-Azhar University is located in Cairo. It was founded in the year 970 AD, it is the world’s second-oldest existing institute which still grants degrees. The university focuses on the Arabic language as well as on the Islamic laws. As per QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2023, the university is placed at a position between 51-60. It is ranked #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

Key Points About Al-Azhar University

• 9% of total students are international students.
• Here, students are enrolled in subjects related to Science, Engineering, Arts, Business, Economics and Islamic teachings.
• Admission eligibility, examination and modern subjects became parts of the university in the late 19th century.

The University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is recognized as the third oldest university in the world and has five schools and 31 departments. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna focuses on research programs. Years back only doctorate courses were taught at the institute but at present several subjects are offered for studies. Currently, there are 7630 international students are studying here. It has around 3,122 teachers and 3,105 professional staff members. In between the 12^th and 13^th centuries, some of the most famous subjects taught included canon and civil law. By the 17^th century, the university started accepting female students.

Key Points About the University of Bologna

• Popular courses here are MBA/PGDM, MIM, MS and MA.
• According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the University of Bologna has a ranking of #154.
• The first-year fees of most of the courses are between INR 54,000 and INR 1 Lakh.

University of Oxford

The oldest in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford was founded in the year 1096. It is not only one of the oldest universities in the world but also one of the top five universities in the world. From the year 2017 to 2024 (present), it has obtained the first rank in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Key Points About the University of Oxford

• Engineering, Data Science, Research and Mathematics are popular courses at Oxford University.
• USD 41,800 to USD 61,500 (till 2024) is the tuition fee range of the University of Oxford.
•  The acceptance rate of the university is nearly 17%.
• Dr Manmohan Singh (Former Indian PM), Bill Clinton (former President of US), HM King Abdullah II of Jordan, Stephen Hawking (Physicist), and T S Eliot (Poet) are notable alumni of this university.

University of Paris

Another one of Europe’s oldest universities is the University of Paris or Université de Paris which is also one of the largest in the nation. Although no official records state its authentic date of inception, it has been confirmed that teaching took place over there somewhere between 1160 and 1250. After the French Revolution, the university paused its operations between 1793 and 1896 but in 1970, the institute was remodelled and 13 autonomous colleges were formed out of it, including the famous Sorbonne University. Every year more than 60,000 local and overseas students get enrolled here.

Key Points About the Université de Paris

• The University of Paris is the fifth oldest university in the world.
• The university offers courses related to Computer Science, Engineering, Health, and Humanities.
• The ranking of this university is #261 in QS ranking 2024.
• Marie Curie (Physicist), Louis Pasteur (French Chemist), and Jackie Kennedy (United States’ former First Lady) are notable alumni of this university.

University of Cambridge

Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the 6th oldest university worldwide and one of the top 10 universities in the world. It has been enticing students and scholars from all across the globe towards its leading academic departments. Known for its exquisite grand gothic-style building architecture and world-class infrastructure, the university campus is simply a treat to the eye. Renowned for its original research efforts and results, the institute is a dream for many with outstanding students from various parts of the world trying their luck at its admission each year.

Key Points About Cambridge University

• Cambridge University holds the spot #5 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• The placement rate of the university is 95% and the average salary (Graduates) is EUR 35,000 = INR 3.14Cr per year
• MS, MBA, B.Tech, MIM and LLM are popular courses at Cambridge University.
• Isaac Newton (Physicist & Mathematician), Prince Charles (UK’s King), Robert Oppenheimer (Theoretical Physicist), Charles Darwin (Naturalist & Biologist), and Srinivasa Ramanujan (Indian Mathematician) are some of the popular alumni of the university.

University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca was founded in the year 1218. It is located in Salamanca city, Spain. It ranks seventh among the oldest universities in the world. Currently, more than 24,700 students are enrolled in Law, Education, Arts, Business and other streams at this university. 13% of total students are international students. The University of Salamanca is the oldest in Spain. It has a history of over 800 years of education. This university is the only Spanish educational institution that has maintained its activity over the centuries.

Key Points About the University of Salamanca

• University of Salamanca holds the spot #539 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• The university offers multiple scholarships to master's degree students.

Also, check out: Top 10 Oldest Universities in USA

University of Padua

The University of Padua was established in the year 1222. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe continent and in the world. Some notable alumni of the University of Padua are scientists Galileo Galilei, and Andrea Vesalio, who is also known as the founder of modern anatomy. More than 70,000 students are enrolled in different courses at the University of Padua. Nearly 10% of total students are international. The University of Padua acceptance rate is approximately 40%. 

Key Points About University of Padua

• University of Padua ranks at #236 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• The University of Padua offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue a UG or PG degree

Students are advised to do their research when it comes to university selection. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.