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, Italy
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 was the first to use the term universitas for the corporations of students and masters which came to define the institution. 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.
- 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 at the University of Oxford led to the execution of two scholars. The university was granted a royal charter in 1231.
- University of Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca was believed to have been founded in 1134 and is the third oldest university in continuous operation in Europe. It is the oldest founded university in Spain and the fourth oldest European university in continuous operations. The formal title of "University" was granted by King Alfonso X in 1254 and recognized by Pope Alexander IV in 1255.
- 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. Its 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.
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 sympathising 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 the university and its entire student population is about half the size of the population of Siena.
- University of Valladolid, Spain
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.