Here is a list of top 10 oldest universities in the world. Surprisingly, some of
them are still functioning and going strong till date .
University of Bologna
University of Bologna is the first University in the world, and was founded as far
back as 1088.The Word ‘University’ was actually derived from its foundation. It
is located in Italy with about 100,000 students in its 23 schools.
University of Paris, France
The exact date of establishment of the University of Paris, France is unknown
but it is believed that it was established sometime between 1150 and 1170.The
university was suspended for a Century (between 1793 and 1896) and then
ceased to exist in 1770 although 13 autonomous universities were created from
it.(The University of Paris 1-XIII)
University of Oxford, England
It is believed that the University of Oxford was founded in 1167 but there are
other claims that the University was in existence in the mid-800’s.The
University of Oxford is one of the most coveted schools in the world today.
University of Cambridge, England
The University of Cambridge, England was established in 1209 after a dispute in
the University of Oxford led to the execution of two scholars. The university was
granted a royal charter in 1231.
University of Salamanca
The University of Salamanca was believed to have been founded in 1134 and is
the third oldest university in continuous operation in Europe.
University of Padua, Italy
The University of Padua was initially founded as a school of law in 1222 by a
group of professors and scholars from the University of Bologna. It’s curricular
quickly expanded and was eventually divided into three distinct universities. The
Universitas Luristaram for Law, the Universitas Art Tantrum for medicine,
philosophy, astronomy and some other science and art related courses and the
Universitas Theologorum for theology.
University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples, Federico II is also located in Italy, was founded in
1224, and is one of the oldest universities in the world, named after its founder,
Federeco II the emperor of the Italy Roman Empire. The famous philosopher ,
Thomas Aquinas, was a graduate of the university of Naples, Federico
University of Toloulose, France
The formation of this university was part of the treaty of Paris in 1229 ending
the crusade against the Albinesing and was imposed on Count Raymond VIII.
Count Raymond was suspected to be sympathizing with the heretics, and was
forced to establish the University for the teaching of theology. Amongst the first
founders and lecturers of the university were Jean De Garlande, Bishop Foul
Quede Tourlouse and Roland of Cremona.
University of Siena , Italy
The University of Siena, Italy was founded in 1240 and is located in Siena,
Tuscany. It is the first publicly founded university and its entire student
population is about half the size of the population of Siena.
University of Valladolid
The University of Valladolid is the 10th oldest university in the world, having
been established in 1241 in Valladolid, Castile-Leon, Spain. The university still
functions today and has over 31000 students and 2000 teachers.