The Top 5 Oldest Universities in the World

When most people think of universities today, they picture lecture halls buzzing with students, professors giving presentations, online courses, and research powered by technology. But higher education didn’t begin with laptops or even printed books — it stretches back more than a thousand years.

Some of the world’s oldest universities have not only survived wars, revolutions, and sweeping social changes but have also shaped the very idea of what a university should be. They became hubs of knowledge, cultural exchange, and innovation, influencing generations of scholars.

Here are the five oldest universities in the world that are still operating today, along with some fascinating traditions that keep their histories alive.

1. University of Al-Qarawiyyin (Founded 859, Morocco)

Located in Fez, Morocco, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing and continuously operating university in the world.

It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a visionary woman who used her inheritance to build a mosque and learning center for her community. What started as a madrasa (religious school) soon grew into a respected institution that attracted scholars from across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Courses once ranged from Islamic law and theology to astronomy, mathematics, and grammar. Today, it remains active, blending modern programs with centuries-old tradition.

• Fun Fact: Al-Qarawiyyin’s library is one of the oldest in the world, housing manuscripts over 1,200 years old — including a copy of the Qur’an written on camel skin!

2. University of Bologna (Founded 1088, Italy)

The University of Bologna in Italy is the oldest university in Europe and the place where the word universitas (a community of scholars and teachers) was first used. Founded in 1088, it quickly became the model for universities across Europe, especially with its focus on law.

Its alumni include Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, and even several popes.

• Fun Fact: Bologna was the first university to grant degrees, and students once organized themselves into “nations” based on their homeland, electing representatives to protect their interests. This gave students a surprising amount of power in university life!

3. University of Oxford (Founded around 1096, England)

The University of Oxford is perhaps the most famous of the world’s oldest universities. Teaching began as early as 1096, and by the 12th century, Oxford was already a thriving intellectual hub. Its unique collegiate system — where the university is made up of independent colleges — has influenced countless other institutions.

Oxford has produced world leaders, Nobel laureates, and literary icons.

• Fun Fact: Every year, Oxford students compete in the legendary Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race on the River Thames — a rowing rivalry that has been going strong since 1829.

4. University of Paris (Founded around 1150, France)

The University of Paris, commonly called the Sorbonne, was established around 1150 and became one of the most important centers of learning in medieval Europe. Specializing in philosophy and theology, it drew brilliant minds like Thomas Aquinas and Peter Abelard.

Though dissolved during the French Revolution and later split into several institutions, its legacy lives on in today’s Sorbonne University.

• Fun Fact: In the Middle Ages, Parisian students were notorious for staging protests and strikes against the authorities. In fact, some of the earliest “student strikes” in history happened here!

5. University of Cambridge (Founded 1209, England)

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 when a group of scholars fled Oxford after a dispute. Over the centuries, it developed into one of the world’s top centers of learning, producing giants like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking.

Its collegiate system mirrors Oxford’s, fostering a balance of tradition and academic community.

• Fun Fact: Cambridge is famous for its quirky traditions — one of the most iconic is the annual May Ball, an all-night celebration with fireworks, music, and festivities. Another tradition is “Mathematical Bridge,” a wooden bridge built without nails (legend says students originally built it without bolts, but that part is myth).

Final Thoughts

These universities are not just relics of history — they are living, evolving institutions that continue to inspire and innovate. From the ancient manuscripts of Al-Qarawiyyin to the rowing battles of Oxford and Cambridge, each one blends tradition with modernity in its own unique way.

Their longevity is a reminder of humanity’s endless pursuit of knowledge. More than just schools, they are timeless symbols of learning, curiosity, and the cultural exchange that shapes civilizations.