While going for higher education, we all wish to be enrolled in the best universities. Furthermore, it is safe to say that the greatest universities are the oldest ones. The universities that stood the test of time and still shine as an institute are the most appealing. The oldest universities do not offer a simple degree but enrich their students with historical values. No wonder why people from across the globe wish to join these universities. If you are curious to know about the top 10 oldest universities in the world, then you are at the right place.
From the University of Bologna to Al-Azhar University, we have curated a list for you. Check out the top 10 oldest universities in the world.
1. University Of Bologna
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The University of Bologna secures the first rank when it comes to the world’s oldest universities. Situated in Italy, the University of Bologna was founded in 1088. However, there are many historians who beg to differ and say it only turned into a proper university in the 1150s. Furthermore, what is worth noting is that during the medieval ages, this university created a niche for itself in the legal field. So much so that it contributed to forming of medieval Roman laws. To date, the university is ranked under the charts of the top 200 universities around the globe. In addition, the notable alumni are Laura Bassi, Giovanni Capellini, and Enzo Ferrari, among others.
2. University Of Oxford
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The University of Oxford is often referred to as the world’s most esteemed university. Furthermore, situated in England, it was founded in 1096. What is worth noting is that the alumni of this university turned out to be the Prime Ministers of the UK, plenty of Nobel prize winners, and whatnot. In addition, as per the QS World University Rankings 2022, Oxford scored 99.5, thereby securing the second spot. Some well-known Indians who are alumni of Oxford are Indira Gandhi, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and chief justice Sujata Vasant Manohar among others.
3. University Of Salamanca
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The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and the third oldest in the world. Furthermore, it was founded in 1218 in the medieval kingdom of Leon by King Alfonso IX. You would be astounded to note that back in the 18th century, Napoleon Bonaparte destroyed many of its faculties. Nonetheless, it remains one of the highest-ranked universities. Some well-known alumni of this university are Manuel Belgrano, David Muir, etc.
4. University Of Paris
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La Sorbonne, better known as the University of Paris, was founded between 1160 and 1250. After the national educational reform of 1970, the university was divided into 13 autonomous universities. Furthermore, plenty of famous French personalities studied here. French Enlightenment writers, historians, philosophers, novelists, and playwrights are to name a few. In addition, as per the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University of Paris scored 67.1 securing a rank of 72.
5. University Of Cambridge
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One of the world’s largest and most famous educational institutions, yes we are talking about the University of Cambridge. Scholars of the University of Oxford founded it in 1209 due to political issues. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a very esteemed university. Prominent Indian figures like the founder of the Vidyasagar University in Bengal- Anil Kumar Gain, and the founder of Sri Venkateswara University- Govindarajulu Naidu, etc., have studied here.
6. University Of Padua
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The university of Padua is situated in Italy and was founded in 1222. Back in those days, it was popularly known as a school of law and medicine. Furthermore, this university gave the world some of the best-known people in science and arts. Nicolaus Copernicus is one fine example.
7. University Of Naples Federico II
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The Holy Roman emperor Fredrick II founded the University of Naples Federico in 1224. Furthermore, what is worth noting is that there are over 80,000 students and around 2,500 academic staff at the university. It is situated in Italy and secured rank 424 in the QS World University Rankings list (2022).
8. University Of Siena
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The first publically funded university in Italy, yes, we are talking about the University of Siena. It is located in the Tuscany region and is there since 1240. Furthermore, it has over 12,000 students, out of which 1380 are foreigners. In addition, as per the (2022) QS World University Rankings list, the university ranks 601-650.
9. University Of Coimbra
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The next university on the list of the top 10 oldest universities is the University of Coimbra. It is the oldest university in Portugal, thereby the ninth oldest in the world. Since 1537 it is situated on the banks of the Mondego. Furthermore, what is worth noting is that it was first founded in 1290 in Lisbon but moved to Coimbra in 1308. In addition, since 2013, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
10. Al-Azhar University
Al-Azhar university is the only university from the Arab countries that survives to date. It was first founded as a Madrasa in 970 AD. However, it only gained the status of a university in 1961. Furthermore, at first, it only taught the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, along with logic and grammar. Gradually with time, it brought in modern teachings like engineering, medicine, business, etc.
Which among these top 10 oldest universities is your favorite and why? Do tell us via the comments below.
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