If you’re a history buff, you might be curious about the oldest universities in the world. These institutions have been around for centuries, shaping the education and culture of their respective regions. In this article, we’ll take a look at top 20 oldest universities in the world, their histories, and their contributions to education.
List of 20 Oldest Universities in the World
| University | Year Founded |
| University of Al-Karaouine | 859 AD |
| University of Bologna | 1088 |
| University of Oxford | 1096 |
| University of Salamanca | 1134 |
| University of Paris | 1150 |
| University of Modena and Reggio Emilia | 1175 |
| University of Cambridge | 1209 |
| University of Siena | 1240 |
| University of Coimbra | 1290 |
| University of Macerata | 1290 |
| University of Naples Federico II | 1224 |
| University of Montpellier | 1289 |
| University of Avignon | 1303 |
| University of Florence | 1321 |
| University of Pisa | 1343 |
| University of Perugia | 1308 |
| Charles University in Prague | 1348 |
| University of Vienna | 1365 |
| Jagiellonian University | 1364 |
| University of Heidelberg | 1386 |
| University of Erfurt | 1379 |
| University of Cologne | 1388 |
1. University of Al-Karaouine
Founded Year: 859 AD
The University of Al-Karaouine, located in the city of Fes, Morocco, is recognized as the oldest university in the world, dating back to its founding in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy Moroccan woman. Originally established as a mosque, it was later expanded to include a school, library, and lecture hall, making it a center for religious and academic learning. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
Over the centuries, the University of Al-Karaouine has attracted renowned scholars and intellectuals from around the Islamic world, and has played a significant role in shaping Islamic scholarship, particularly in the fields of law, theology, and the natural sciences. It has also been a major cultural and architectural landmark, with many of its buildings and structures showcasing traditional Islamic architecture.
2. University of Bologna
Year Founded: 1088
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. It is located in Bologna, Italy, and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Bologna?
The University of Bologna is ranked 167th in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Bologna?
The acceptance rate for the University of Bologna is 55%.
3. University of Oxford
Year Founded: 1096
The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world, located in Oxford, England, UK. It is known for its academic excellence and has produced numerous Nobel laureates and world leaders. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Oxford?
The University of Oxford is ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Oxford?
The acceptance rate for the University of Oxford is 18%.
4. University of Salamanca
Year Founded: 1134
The University of Salamanca is located in Salamanca, Spain, and is known for its historic buildings and beautiful architecture. It has a strong focus on humanities and social sciences. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Salamanca?
The University of Salamanca is ranked 601-650th in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Salamanca?
The acceptance rate for the University of Salamanca is 60%.
5. University of Paris
Year Founded: 1150
The University of Paris is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1150. It is located in Paris, France, and is known for its strong focus on the humanities. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Paris?
The University of Paris is ranked 69th in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Paris?
The acceptance rate for the University of Paris is 76%.
6. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Year Founded: 1175
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is located in Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, and is known for its strong focus on engineering and technology. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia?
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is ranked 801-1000th in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia?
The acceptance rate for the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is 70%.
7. University of Cambridge
Year Founded: 1209
The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is located in Cambridge, England, UK. It was founded in 1209 and is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, an association of top-ranked research-intensive universities in the UK. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge is currently ranked second in the QS World University Rankings 2023. This prestigious university is widely known for its academic excellence and research contributions in various fields.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Cambridge?
According to the data, the acceptance rate for the University of Cambridge is 21%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 21 are accepted. This low acceptance rate is a testament to the high standards of academic excellence and research that the university upholds.
8. University of Siena
Year Founded: 1240
The University of Siena is located in the historic city of Siena, Italy, and was founded in 1240. It is one of the oldest universities in Italy and is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of long-established European universities. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Siena?
The University of Siena is currently ranked 751-800 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. While its ranking may not be as high as some of the other universities on this list, it is still a highly respected institution known for its academic excellence.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Siena?
According to the data, the acceptance rate for the University of Siena is 81%. This relatively high acceptance rate may be attributed to the fact that the university has a relatively small student population and is focused on providing quality education to its students.
9. University of Coimbra
Year Founded: 1290
The University of Coimbra is a public university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and is highly regarded for its academic programs in the fields of law, medicine, and engineering, among others. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Coimbra?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 ranked the University of Coimbra at 438.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Coimbra?
The University of Coimbra has an acceptance rate of 45%.
10. University of Macerata
Year Founded: 1290
The University of Macerata is a public university located in Macerata, Italy. It is one of the oldest universities in Italy, and is known for its programs in law, humanities, and social sciences. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Macerata?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 did not rank the University of Macerata.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Macerata?
The University of Macerata has an acceptance rate of 65%.
11. University of Naples Federico II
Year Founded: 1224
The University of Naples Federico II is a public university located in Naples, Italy. It is the oldest public university in the world. It is highly regarded for its programs in medicine, engineering, and natural sciences. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Naples Federico II?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 ranked the University of Naples Federico II at 416.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Naples Federico II?
The acceptance rate for the University of Naples Federico II is not available.
12. University of Montpellier
Year Founded: 1289
The University of Montpellier is a public research university located in Montpellier, France. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe and is highly regarded for its programs in medicine, law, and economics. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Montpellier?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 ranked the University of Montpellier at 501-510.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Montpellier?
The University of Montpellier has an acceptance rate of 16%.
13. University of Florence
Year Founded: 1321
The University of Florence is a public research university located in Florence, Italy. It is one of the oldest universities in Italy and is highly regarded for its programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Florence?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 ranked the University of Florence at 460.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Florence?
The University of Florence has an acceptance rate of 44%.
14. University of Pisa
Year Founded: 1343
The University of Pisa is a public research university located in Pisa, Italy. It is one of the oldest universities in Italy and was founded in 1343. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni, including Galileo Galilei, Enrico Fermi, and Antonio Pacinotti. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Pisa?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Pisa is ranked 404th in the world.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Pisa?
The acceptance rate for the University of Pisa is 25%.
15. University of Perugia
Year Founded: 1308
The University of Perugia is a public research university located in Perugia, Italy. It was founded in 1308 and is one of the oldest universities in Italy. The university has a strong focus on research and offers a wide range of degree programs across various fields of study. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Perugia?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Perugia is ranked between 801-1000 in the world.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Perugia?
The acceptance rate for the University of Perugia is 70%.
16. Charles University in Prague
Year Founded: 1348
Charles University in Prague is a public research university located in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 1348 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni, including Franz Kafka and Jan Hus. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for Charles University in Prague?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, Charles University in Prague is ranked 288th in the world.
What is the acceptance rate for Charles University in Prague?
The acceptance rate for Charles University in Prague is 35%.
17. University of Vienna
Year Founded: 1365
The University of Vienna is a public research university located in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1365 and is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. The university has a strong focus on research and offers a wide range of degree programs across various fields of study. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Vienna?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Vienna is ranked 151st in the world.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Vienna?
The acceptance rate for the University of Vienna is 15%.
18. Jagiellonian University
Year Founded: 1364
Jagiellonian University is a public research university located in Krakow, Poland. It was founded in 1364 and is the oldest university in Poland. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni, including Nicolaus Copernicus and Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II). It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for Jagiellonian University?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, Jagiellonian University is ranked 293rd in the world.
What is the acceptance rate for Jagiellonian University?
The acceptance rate for Jagiellonian University is 35%.
19. University of Heidelberg
Year Founded: 1386
The University of Heidelberg, located in Germany, is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in Europe. It has a rich history and a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Heidelberg?
The University of Heidelberg is ranked 65 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Heidelberg?
The acceptance rate for the University of Heidelberg is 16.30%.
20. University of Erfurt
Year Founded: 1379
The University of Erfurt, located in Germany, is a modern university with a rich history. It offers a range of programs in various fields of study. It is one of the top 20 oldest university in the world.
What is the QS ranking for the University of Erfurt?
The QS World University Rankings 2023 does not have a ranking for the University of Erfurt.
What is the acceptance rate for the University of Erfurt?
The acceptance rate for the University of Erfurt is 40%.
FAQ’s
1. What is the oldest university in the world?
The University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088, is considered the oldest university in the world.
2. When was the University of Bologna founded?
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it over 900 years old.
3. What is the oldest university in the English-speaking world?
The University of Oxford, which was founded in 1096, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
4. How did universities evolve over time?
Universities have evolved from small schools that focused on specific subjects to large institutions that offer a wide range of courses and programs. They have also become more accessible to people from different backgrounds and cultures.
5. Why are these institutions important for modern education?
The oldest universities in the world have a long history of shaping education and culture in their respective regions. They have also contributed to the advancement of knowledge and the development of new ideas. As such, they continue to be important institutions for modern education and research.
Also read
Top 20 Oldest Universities in India
Oldest Universities and Colleges in USA
Oldest universities in the World