Some of the world’s oldest universities have been providing education for centuries, with some tracing their origins to periods before gunpowder became widespread in Europe.
While many ancient centres of learning have closed, been divided or undergone major changes over the centuries, a number of institutions have continued operating for hundreds of years.
According to the QS Universities ranking, these are 10 of the oldest universities in the world that are still operating today, with most located in Europe and one prominent institution from Africa.
1. University of Bologna, Italy — Founded 1088
The University of Bologna is known by the nickname “Nourishing Mother of the Studies” and is widely regarded as the oldest university in the Western world with an uninterrupted history of operation.
In its early years, the institution concentrated mainly on doctorate-level education, but it now offers programmes at different levels. More than 85,000 students are currently enrolled, while its notable alumni include three popes.
2. University of Oxford, United Kingdom — Founded around 1096
Although Oxford’s exact founding date is uncertain, records indicate that teaching was taking place there by at least 1096.
This makes it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its alumni include 28 British prime ministers, 20 archbishops of Canterbury, 12 saints and physicist Stephen Hawking.
The university currently has more than 24,000 students and operates the largest university press in the world.
3. University of Salamanca, Spain — Founded 1134
Teaching at the University of Salamanca began in 1134, while the institution received its royal charter in 1218.
It is considered Spain’s oldest surviving university after excluding the now-defunct University of Palencia. Christopher Columbus reportedly sought royal support for his proposed expedition to the Indies at Salamanca in the late 15th century.
The university currently has about 26,700 students across nine campuses located west of Madrid.
4. University of Paris, France — Founded between 1160 and 1250
The University of Paris, popularly associated with “la Sorbonne”, was among Europe’s earliest universities, although its history has not been continuous.
It was closed during the French Revolution in 1793 and only reopened in 1896. The original institution has since been divided into several universities, some of which have subsequently merged or undergone further restructuring.
5. University of Cambridge, United Kingdom — Founded 1209
The University of Cambridge was established after a group of scholars left Oxford following a political dispute in 1209.
The two universities have maintained a long-standing rivalry, most famously demonstrated through their annual Boat Race.
Cambridge has developed a global reputation comparable to Oxford and has produced numerous Nobel laureates and influential world leaders.
6. University of Padua, Italy — Founded 1222
The University of Padua was established by scholars who broke away from Bologna and quickly gained recognition for its work in fields including astronomy, law, medicine and philosophy.
Galileo Galilei was among those who taught at the institution.
The university now has approximately 62,500 students. Its botanical garden, established in 1545, is also regarded as one of the oldest surviving university botanical gardens in the world.
7. University of Naples Federico II, Italy — Founded 1224
The University of Naples Federico II was founded by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, giving it a royal origin and making it one of the earliest state-established universities without direct church involvement in its founding.
The institution now has around 80,000 students in Naples, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Its historic alumni include the philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas.
8. University of Siena, Italy — Founded 1240
Located in the Tuscan city of Siena, the University of Siena currently has more than 20,000 students, representing almost half of the city’s population.
The university is situated within a mediaeval city known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. Siena’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts more than 163,000 visitors annually.
9. University of Coimbra, Portugal — Founded 1290
The University of Coimbra was originally established in Lisbon before Portuguese monarchs moved it between cities several times. It was eventually permanently established in Coimbra.
For much of the 18th century, it was the only functioning university in Portugal.
UNESCO added the university to its World Heritage List in 2013 because of its historic buildings and courtyards. The institution currently has slightly more than 24,000 students.
10. Al-Azhar University, Egypt — Founded 970 AD
Al-Azhar is the oldest institution featured on the list, having been established in Cairo in 970 AD.
It began as a madrasa where students received education ranging from basic instruction to advanced Islamic scholarship.
There is still debate among scholars over whether Al-Azhar should be regarded as a “university” in the same sense as mediaeval European universities before its modern restructuring. However, its long history has earned it a place among the world’s oldest surviving institutions of higher learning.
The institution experienced a major setback in the 12th century when a change in ruling dynasty resulted in the destruction of more than 100,000 texts. Despite this, Al-Azhar survived and eventually expanded its curriculum to include secular disciplines such as business, medicine, engineering and agriculture.
Its long history also gives Africa a significant place in the story of some of the world’s oldest centres of higher education.