Oldest University in the World: Facts, Figures & History

Which is the Oldest University in the World?

The University of AI-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, is recognized by UNESCO as the world’s oldest university with continuous operation. It is one of the most well-known higher education institutes in the Muslim world and in the year 1963 became the nation’s modern state university. However, the university still functions and takes in many students from Morocco, West Africa and South. Now in the next section, we will discuss the top 10 oldest universities in the world.

Also Read: Benefits of Studying Abroad

List of Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World

The oldest universities in the world are the source of history and intellectual heritage. Each university has played a major role in building the landscape for higher education. These institutions have observed historical milestones, encouraging societies and spreading knowledge globally. Thus, this section talks about all the oldest university in the world, their history, establishment, and ranking.

• University of Bologna

The University of Bologna boasts a rich academic heritage dating back to 1088 AD. This remarkable institute has been growing because of innovative thinkers and students for centuries. There are about 96,984 students who have chosen the University of Bologna (2022/23), including 8,526 international students. Moreover, the world’s first university name is the University of Bologna. Let’s explore some of the important details for the university.

Location	Italy
Top Courses	Medicine & Surgery Law Engineering
QS World University Rankings	133
Average Tuition Fees	INR 2L- INR 3.5L

• University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded in 1096, located in Oxford, England, known for its incredible architecture and rich history. It is known for its exceptional teaching and research. Also, the University of Oxford is home to around 20,000 students, including many from India. Moreover, if you want to study in UK then look at the important details of this university.

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Location	England
Top Courses	BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences MBA MSc in Computer Science (Advanced)
QS World University Rankings	3
Average Tuition Fees	INR 10.5L- INR 55L

• University of Paris

The University of Paris, also known as the Sorbonne, is one of the oldest universities in the world founded in 1150. It has a rich history in academics and has been a centre of learning and innovation for years. The university comprises a total number of 63,000 students from all over the world. Let’s have a detailed look at the university.

Location	Paris, France
Top Courses	Humanities Law & Political Science Economics & Management
QS World University Rankings	71
Average Tuition Fees	INR 90,000- INR 3.4L

• University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca is a public and one of the old university, specifically famous for its language studies. It was founded in 1134 and permitted its Royal charter of foundation by King Alfonso IX in 1218. Several colleges were founded as charitable centres to enable poor scholars to attend the university. It has 28,000 number of international students. Let’s have a look at the important details.

Location	Salamanca, Spain
Top Courses	Medicine Engineering Economics
QS World University Rankings	539
Average Tuition Fees	INR2L- 2.25L

• AI- Azhar University

AI-Azhar University is the oldest degree-granting university that is renowned as “Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university.” It was founded in 970 AD. This institution runs a national network of schools with approximately 2 million students. The university was founded as a centre of Islamic learning, and students studied the Qur’an and Islamic law. Have a look at the important details of the university.

Location	Cairo, Egypt
Top Courses	Biology & Biochemistry Clinical Medicine Ecology
QS World University Rankings	1001-1200
Average Tuition Fees	INR 30L- 33L

• University of Padua

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest university in the world. With nine museums and academic botanical gardens, this institution is home to 62,000 students. This university became one of the universities of the kingdom of Italy in 1873, for its major contribution to scientific and scholarly research. Let’s look at some important details.

Location	Padua, Italy
Top Courses	Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies Art & Design Sustainable Agriculture
QS World University Rankings	219
Average Tuition Fees	INR 2L- 2.25L

• University of Naples Federico II

In 1224, the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Federico II founded this institution. There are around 100,000 students have been enrolled which calls Naples home. The institution is divided into 13 faculties under three semi-independent divisions. These divisions are responsible for research and teaching in 13 schools and 82 different apartments. Now let’s look at the important details.

Location	Naples, Italy
Top Courses	Immunology Geo sciences Plant and Animal Science
QS World University Rankings	347
Average Tuition Fees	INR 1,29,302

• University of Siena

Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is considered one of the world oldest university. About half of the entire city’s population are students, covering almost 20,000. It is a part of the city centre, and looks on as a UNESCO World Heritage site seeing of 163,000 tourists per year. Let’s look at the vital details.

Location	Siena, Italy
Top Courses	International Affairs Experimental Sciences Master of Finance
QS World University Rankings	691-700
Average Tuition Fees	INR 90.36k

• Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the USA’s oldest and most renowned institution. It is a home with over 25,000 students enrolled in 14 different schools. This university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, certifying that students receive personalized attention from the faculty members. Thus, if you want to study in USA then look at the important details for this university.

Suggested Read: Top Harvard University Scholarships

Location	Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge
Top Courses	Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies Justice Fundamentals of Neuroscience
QS World University Rankings	4
Average Tuition Fees	INR 65L- 70L

• University of Toulouse

The University of Toulouse was established in 1229, considered one of the earliest or first university in Europe. It was broken in 1969 into three separate universities, and in the present day, the University of Toulouse was founded in 2007. The university has 100,674 total number of students. Let’s look at the vital details of this university.

Location	Toulouse, France
Top Courses	Aeronautics Management Science Legal and Political Sciences
QS World University Rankings	951-1000
Average Tuition Fees	INR 15L- 16L

Overall, these are the top 10 oldest universities in the world that offer academic experience and several opportunities.

Conclusion

To sum up, we have discussed the oldest university in the world, which continues to shape the world today. Thus, it is better to consider all of your interests before choosing any university. Additionally, if you’re looking to pursue higher education in one of these historic institutions, then you are at the right place! Connect with our study abroad consultants in Mumbai and get proper assistance on the process of studying abroad in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.

FAQs

1. Which is the oldest university in the world?

The oldest university in the world is the University of AI-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD in Morocco. It is one of the most remarkable universities, providing a variety of courses in various fields.

2. Which is the first college in the world?

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088 considered the world first college that is in continuous operation.

3. Do the oldest universities in the World offer scholarships?

Yes, the oldest universities in the world provide scholarships to students based on their academic and financial need. These grants can cover the expenses like tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs connected with studying.

4. Which is the first university in the world?

The University of Bologna founded in 1088, is considered to be the world first university.