Many universities worldwide are centuries old, but which one is the oldest? It’s a difficult question to answer because it depends on how you measure “oldest.” hundreds might consider the University of Bologna in Italy the oldest college since it was founded in 1088.
Others might give that title to Oxford University in England, founded in 1096.
The University of Paris, also known as Sorbonne, is often cited as the oldest university in France, founded in 1150. But there are many other contenders for “world’s oldest university,” and it’s hard to say which one is the eldest.
Here are the oldest Universities In The World
5. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, 1209
The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople.
The University of Cambridge is home to over 18,000 students and has been ranked as one of the top universities in the world. The University of Bologna, located in Bologna, Italy, is also one of the oldest universities in the world.
It was founded in 1088 by a group of scholars who left Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople. The University of Bologna is home to over 40,000 students and has been ranked as one of the top universities in Europe. The University of Paris, located in Paris, France, is another one of the oldest universities in the world.
4.UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA, 1164
The University of Salamanca in Spain is the oldest globally in operation. It was founded in 1164 by King Alfonso IX. The University of Bologna in Italy is the second oldest university, and it was founded in 1088.
The University of Oxford in England is the third oldest university, and it was founded in 1096. The University of Paris in France is the fourth oldest university, and it was founded in 1100. Finally, the University of Cambridge in England is the fifth oldest university, and it was founded in 1209.
3. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1096
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was founded in 1096 by Oxford scholars who left the University of Paris due to political reasons. The University of Oxford is a public research university located in Oxford, England.
It has a total enrollment of over 22,000 students and employs over 2,000 faculty and staff. The University of Oxford is divided into 38 constituent colleges and five academic faculties.
It is considered one of the most prestigious universities globally. It has educated many notable alumni, including 26 British prime ministers, numerous foreign heads of state and government, 52 Nobel laureates, six Turing Awards winners and countless Olympic gold medalists.
2. UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA, 1088
The University of Bologna is the oldest globally, founded in 1088. The University of Bologna is an autonomous institution with its governance and statutes.
It is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and it has produced numerous notable alumni, including 13 popes, 18 Nobel Prize winners, and a large number of Italian politicians.
1.UNIVERSITY OF AL-KARAOUINE, 859
The University of Al-Karaouine in Morocco dates back to 859 AD, making it the 5th oldest university globally. It’s also the oldest continually operating university, still used today. The University of Al-Karaouine was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy merchant’s daughter. She used her inheritance to establish a mosque and religious school in Fez, Morocco. This eventually grew into what is now known as the University of Al-Karaouine.
The University of Bologna in Italy is often cited as the oldest university globally. However, it wasn’t founded until 1088 AD, making it the 2nd oldest university.