10 Oldest Universities In The World

Oldest Universities In The World: Universities are centres of learning, innovation, and culture. They started years ago to teach people. But did you know that some of them have been around for over a thousand years? Read about the oldest universities in the world that still exist today.  

Which Is The Oldest University In The World? 

Nalanda Mahavihara, established in ancient India in 427 CE, is widely regarded as one of the world's oldest and most significant centres of higher learning, often cited as the first residential university. It flourished for over 800 years, becoming a preeminent institution that housed an estimated 10,000 pupils and 2,000 teachers at its peak.

List Of Oldest Universities In The World:

Oldest Universities In The World: 

Read about the top 10 oldest universities in the world: 

1. University of al-Qarawiyyin (Morocco)

The University of al-Qarawiyyin is the world’s oldest university that is still open. The University was established in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri in Fez, Morocco. It is recognised by UNESCO as the oldest university in the world. The university taught religious subjects first, but later all subjects were taught. 

2. Al-Azhar University (Egypt)

Al-Azhar is a renowned Islamic University located in Cairo. Founded in Cairo in 970 AD. Al-Azhar continues to be an important centre for Sunni Islamic education, focusing on religion, law, and the Arabic language. Now it also teaches modern subjects such as engineering and science.

3. University of Bologna (Italy)

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna holds the distinction of being one of the oldest universities in the world.  It is well known for teaching law. 

The university's early focus on legal studies contributed majorly to the development of legal systems.

4. University of Oxford (United Kingdom)

Oxford is a well-known university. Beginning in 1096, it has faculty and alumni who have been influential, like Albert Einstein and J.R.R. Tolkien. Its universities and long-standing customs have an influence on the global educational system.

5. University of Salamanca (Spain)

This old university is known for teaching the Spanish language and helping during Spain’s exploration of the world. Founded in 1134 and officially recognised in 1218, Salamanca is the oldest university in the Hispanic world. It also has beautiful buildings and a long history.

6. University of Paris (France)

This university was established in the mid-12th century. The University of Paris was a prominent mediaeval learning centre, particularly for philosophy and theology. Its legacy continues in institutions like the Sorbonne University.

7. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is known for its engineering, math, and brilliant minds. The university has produced some of the world's greatest minds including Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.

8. University of Padua (Italy)

The University of Padua was founded in 1222. Medicine, science, and astronomy is taught in this university. Even physicist Galileo Galilei worked in this university as a teacher.

9. University of Naples Federico II (Italy)

This university was founded by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1224. It is  the first university founded by a king and not the church. It was founded for people to educate themselves about medicine, law and more. It still remains one of the best universities in Italy.

10. University of Calcutta (India)

The University of Calcutta is one of India's oldest modern institutions of higher learning, founded in 1857. It has an excellent reputation, and history of academic excellence, with its alumni including Nobel laureates and well-known scientists. The university offers many academic programmes ,and has a reputation for research and development.

The oldest universities have been around for hundreds of years and are full of culture, tradition, and amazing stories. Keep reading to learn about more such topics.