Top Oldest Universities in the World You Should Know

Universities are more than just places of learning; they are pillars of history, tradition, and culture. Some have stood the test of time, shaping generations for centuries. Their legacy reflects the evolution of global education.

This article explores the oldest universities in the world, many of which continue to operate and influence education today. These institutions offer more than academics; they carry the wisdom of the past. Their historical roots reveal how education has progressed over time.

You’ll also discover which institution is the oldest university in the world. From ancient lecture halls to timeless traditions, these universities’ stories continue to inspire. Let’s explore the oldest universities in the world.

The Oldest Universities in the World

There are thousands of universities in the world, but only a few universities have existed for centuries. The oldest university in the world was founded in 1088, that is more than 900 years ago. These universities carry a long history, deep traditions, and a strong legacy passed down through generations.

Here is a list of the oldest universities in the world:

Universities	Founded In	Location
University of Al-Karaouine	859 AD	Morocco
Al-Azhar University	970 AD	Cairo, Egypt
University of Bologna	1088	Bologna, Italy
University of Oxford	1096	Oxford, England
University of Paris	1160 – 1250	Paris, France
University of Salamanca	1134	Salamanca, Spain
University of Cambridge	1209	Cambridge, England
University of Padua	1222	Padua, Italy
University of Naples Federico II	1224	Naples, Italy
University of Siena	1240	Siena, Italy

University of Al-Karaouine

The University of Al-Karaouine has a truly remarkable history. Founded in 859 AD, it’s believed to be one of the oldest universities in the world. Al-Qarawiyyin is crucial in conserving and spreading Islamic knowledge while also excelling in subjects such as medicine, astronomy, and law.

Top Courses	-History and Civilization of the Islamic World -Mathematics and Astronomy in Islamic Civilization -Medicine and Traditional Islamic Medicine
Avg Tuition Fees	NA

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna has a rich academic legacy from 1088 AD. For generations, this esteemed school has grown to attract innovative minds and students.

The University of Bologna provides a delightful look into its academic history. It thrives as a modern learning center, attracting students worldwide with its high-quality programs and active campus life. Let us look at some of the university’s most popular courses and see what the best times are to apply.

Top Courses	Best Intake	Avg Tuition Fees (PKR)
Medicine & Surgery	September	PKR 680,000 – PKR 1,190,000
Law	September	PKR 680,000 – PKR 1,190,000
Engineering	September	PKR 680,000 – PKR 1,190,000

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the world and one of the most prestigious institutions. It was founded in the 11th century in Oxford, England. It is well-known for its gorgeous architecture and rich history. When was the Oxford University founded? While the exact date of its foundation is unknown, evidence suggests that teaching activities existed in Oxford around 1096.

Top Courses	Best Intake	Avg Tuition Fees (PKR)
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences	September, January	PKR 3,570,000 – PKR 18,700,000
MBA	September, January	PKR 3,570,000 – PKR 18,700,000
MSc in Computer Science (Advanced)	September, January	PKR 3,570,000 – PKR 18,700,000

The Oldest Universities in the USA

The United States is the home of some of the oldest universities in the world. With over 4,000 colleges and universities, it is the main centre of higher education and welcomes students from all over the world to study. Every year, millions of Pakistani students come to the USA to study.

Here is a list of oldest universities in America below:

University	Founded In	Avg Tuition Fees (PKR)
Harvard University	1636	PKR 11,220,000 – PKR 18,020,000
College of William & Mary	1693	PKR 8,330,000 – PKR 34,000,000
St. John’s College	1996	PKR 12,750,000
Yale University	1701	PKR 4,080,000 – PKR 28,900,000
University of Pennsylvania	1740	PKR 9,860,000 – PKR 17,000,000

The Oldest Universities in the UK

The UK is well-known for its top universities and has some of the oldest universities in the world.

With a rich history of education, these universities are still considered popular. Whether you’re interested in business, science, or the arts, there is a variety of courses for international students. Here is the oldest university in the United Kingdom.

University	Founded In	Avg Tuition Fees (PKR)
University of Oxford	1096	PKR 3,570,000 – PKR 18,700,000
University of Cambridge	1209	PKR 9,180,000 – PKR 24,480,000
University of St Andrews	1413	PKR 12,920,000 – PKR 13,260,000
University of Glasgow	1451	PKR 3,842,000 – PKR 20,400,000
University of Aberdeen	1495	PKR 7,140,000

Top 10 High-Ranking Oldest Universities in the World

When we talk about the top high-ranking oldest universities in the world, many of the universities come to the top, and we listed them according to the research and their quality of education. Here is the list of top high-ranking universities in the world that appear on the QS ranking list.

Universities	QS World Ranking 2024	Founded In
University of Cambridge	#2	1209
University of Oxford	#3	1096
Harvard University	#4	1636
Yale University	#16	1701
McGill University	#30	1821

Conclusion

In conclusion, the oldest universities in the world are more than just academic institutions; they are symbols of history, culture, and the evolution of education. If you want to pursue your higher education, you can contact our team of Universal Study Advisors. They’ll guide you from university selection to the best course, visa requirements, tuition fees, and scholarships. Don’t miss the chance to contact them.