TOP 10

These venerable institutions are not just centers of academic excellence but are also repositories of centuries-old traditions and rich history. From the medieval streets of Italy to the historic libraries of England, each university has a unique story that echoes the evolution of education and scholarship.

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University of Al-Qarawiyyin

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University of Coimbra

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University of Siena

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University of Naples Federico II

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University of Padua

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University of Cambridge

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University of Paris

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University of Salamanca

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University of Oxford

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University of Bologna

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TOP 10

(2024)

OLDEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD

Soumi Mitra

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

Year of Foundation: 859 (as a madrasa, gained university status later) Location: Fez, Morocco Special Feature: One of the world's oldest educational institutions, significant in Islamic studies. Founded by a woman.

10

University of Coimbra

Year of Foundation: 1290 Location: Coimbra, Portugal Special Feature: Famous for its beautiful campus and Baroque library, Joanina Library.

9

University of Siena

Year of Foundation: 1240 Location: Siena, Italy Special Feature: Known for its Law and Medical Schools, reflecting the city’s medieval heritage.

8

University of Naples Federico II

Year of Foundation: 1224 Location: Naples, Italy Special Feature: Established by an emperor, it's one of the oldest public universities.

7

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University of Padua

Year of Foundation: 1222 Location: Padua, Italy Special Feature: Famous for its medical school and the world's first anatomical theatre.

6

University of Cambridge

Year of Foundation: 1209 Location: Cambridge, England Special Feature: Prestigious for its rigorous academic standards and notable alumni, including Isaac Newton.

5

University of Paris

Year of Foundation: c. 1150 (ceased in 1970, restructured as 13 universities) Location: Paris, France Special Feature: Known as "La Sorbonne," it played a critical role in early development of the humanities and sciences.

4

University of Salamanca

Year of Foundation: 1134 Location: Salamanca, Spain Special Feature: One of the leading institutions in Medieval Europe, famous for its contributions to Spanish language and literature.

3

University of Oxford

Year of Foundation: 1096 Location: Oxford, England Special Feature: Renowned for its centuries-old traditions and deep academic heritage.

2

University of Bologna

Year of Foundation: 1088 Location: Bologna, Italy Special Feature: Considered the oldest university in the world, known for its historic law school.

1

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