The 8 Oldest Universities in the World

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge remains one of the oldest and most prestigious universities, competing with the University of Oxford for historical prominence. Today, it ranks as one of the top 5 universities globally, with many distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates from diverse fields. A total of 87 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to its graduates.

Cambridge serves over 18,000 students from all corners of the world, with nearly 4,000 international students from more than 120 countries. The university's Summer School offers 150 courses for students from over 50 nations. The institution comprises 31 autonomous colleges, where students participate in small group tutorials known as 'supervisions'.

The university also boasts 9 museums dedicated to art, science, and culture, which are open to the public year-round, alongside a botanical garden. The University of Cambridge Press, a nonprofit entity, operates globally with over 50 offices and publishes a vast catalog of 45,000 books, scientific research, professional development, educational materials, and even Bibles. In total, 92 Cambridge affiliates have won Nobel Prizes across all categories.

Website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/

The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain, located in the city of Salamanca, a town west of Madrid. Established in 1218, it is now considered one of the leading global institutions for humanities and language studies. Famous explorer Christopher Columbus consulted the scholars of this university for advice before embarking on his journey to India.

Every year, the university attracts students and professors from over 60 countries. With more than 800 years of history, the University of Salamanca is regarded as the largest university in Europe. Renowned for its excellent educational quality, it has become an appealing destination for international students and tourists alike.

Salamanca has campuses in three different cities in Castilla y Leon (Avila, Bejar, and Zamora), which are small, friendly, livable towns with rich historical traditions. Two of these cities have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

Website: https://www.usal.es/

The University of Padova (Italian: Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) is one of Italy’s leading universities, located in the city of Padova. Established in 1222, it is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe. It ranks as the fifth oldest university in the world and the second oldest in Italy, after the University of Bologna. Today, Padova remains a top educational institution in Italy and across Europe, ranking 6th in Europe according to the 2018 THE University Rankings.

Padova is situated in the city of the same name, in northeastern Italy, a region renowned for its fertile lands, mild climate, and rich artistic heritage. Northern Italy is also home to key industrial centers such as Milan, Turin, and the port city of Genoa. Padova is just an hour's drive from Venice, one of the region’s most famous cities.

The university's campuses are equipped with modern facilities and services, including scholarship guidance, accommodation advice, extensive libraries, multimedia rooms, and services for students with disabilities. Padova was also the first university in the world to establish a Botanical Garden in 1545, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, Padova is home to one of the first public theaters in the world, which opened in 1594.

Website: https://www.unipd.it/

Founded in 1289, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with some historians suggesting it could be even older. The university was the first in Europe to offer in-depth medical education and is renowned for its strong programs in medicine, pharmacy, and law. Located in the city of Montpellier, it is a public institution that has played a pivotal role in the advancement of various fields of study.

Currently, the University of Montpellier is the largest university in the city, with over 21,000 students enrolled in various programs such as Economics, Management, and Health Sciences. The university adheres to the European LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorate) system, offering Bachelor's degrees (Licence) in both general and professional tracks, and Master's degrees (Master) in professional and research-focused paths.

Website: https://www.umontpellier.fr/en/

Founded in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II, the University of Naples Federico II is located in Naples, Italy's third-largest city, which is also one of the oldest and most densely populated cities in the world. It was the first public, secular university ever established. The university is ranked 472nd globally and serves a student body of around 100,000, with notable alumni including the philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas.

As the first European university to specialize in public administration education, Federico II is one of the oldest active academic institutions in the world. It is the second-largest university in Italy by student enrollment and a key institution in the country.

The university has extensive collaborations with leading companies in Italy and internationally, as well as with 50 research centers under its patronage. Additionally, it operates three academies in various fields of science and the arts. The University of Naples Federico II maintains partnerships with 264 top universities worldwide, providing students with access to diverse courses outside Italy.

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/unina.it

The University of Bologna is widely regarded as the oldest university in the Western world. With almost 10 centuries of history, it stands as one of the most important landmarks in European culture. Located in the picturesque and historic city of Bologna, the university was founded in 1088, making it the oldest existing university in Europe and one of the oldest in the world.

Situated in the heart of Italy, Bologna is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of history, art, cuisine, and vibrant traditions. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Morandi Museum, the San Pietro Cathedral, the Bevilacqua Palace, and the famous leaning towers of Garisenda and Asinelli.

Today, the University of Bologna comprises 11 departments offering over 200 academic programs across various fields to approximately 100,000 students from all over the globe. The university also boasts multiple campuses throughout northern Italy, providing students with diverse learning environments and opportunities for exploration. Notably, the university is home to many historic libraries, which regularly feature in the top 10 most beautiful libraries in the world.

Website: https://www.unibo.it/it

When it comes to the University of Oxford, it’s no surprise to many. Established in the 11th century, Oxford is not only the oldest university in the UK but also one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Located in the city of Oxford, it is renowned for being the birthplace of higher education in England. Oxford’s remarkable history dates back to the time of King Henry II, who prohibited English students from attending the University of Paris, leading to the establishment of this academic powerhouse. Over the centuries, Oxford has preserved its reputation as a candidate for the title of the oldest university in the world.

The University of Oxford is made up of a unique collegiate system consisting of 39 autonomous colleges and 7 private halls. While each college operates independently, they are all overseen by a central administration led by the Vice-Chancellor. The academic year is divided into three terms: Michaelmas (October to December), Hilary (January to March), and Trinity (April to June). Oxford’s terms are shorter than those at other UK universities, typically consisting of just 8 weeks of teaching, with students expected to work extensively during the long holidays (Christmas, Easter, and summer).

Oxford boasts a rich history, with numerous influential students and faculty members. The university has educated 27 British prime ministers, 30 world leaders, and some of the greatest minds in science, including Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and 29 Nobel Prize winners.

Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/

University of Paris is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in France, recognized as a global leader in various fields such as arts, theology, medicine, and law. The university was established in the mid-12th century and was officially recognized as a university between 1160 and 1250.

However, in 1970, the historic university closed its doors and was replaced by 13 different universities, each operating under the name University of Paris I - XIII. The University of Paris is often referred to as Sorbonne or La Sorbonne (Collège de Sorbonne), founded by Robert de Sorbon around 1257, although it was never fully based in Sorbonne.

Each year, the University of Paris attracts numerous international students who come to study, intern, and conduct research. The university’s campuses, spread across France, are integral to the nation’s education system. The University of Paris remains a top choice for international students, including those from Vietnam. Admission is highly selective to ensure the quality of students, and many graduates secure stable employment, enhancing the university’s reputation.

Website: https://www.ac-paris.fr/