Top 10 Oldest Universities Still Operating: This list features institutions with the longest continuous academic operation, showcasing centuries of scholarly tradition, resilience, and enduring contributions to global education and intellectual heritage.
Founded in 859 AD in Fez Morocco by Fatima al-Fihri the University of Al Quaraouiyine is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world. Originally a mosque and madrasa it evolved into a ... Show More
+ Comment ( 1 )+ Votes ( 2 )Established in 1088 in Bologna Italy the University of Bologna is regarded as the oldest university in continuous operation in Europe and the birthplace of the modern university system. Initially focused on law it quickly gained prominence as a center for legal and ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )The University of Oxford began teaching as early as 1096 making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in Oxford England it grew from informal gatherings of scholars into a structured institution receiving royal charter recognition in the 13th ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Founded in 1218 in Salamanca Spain by King Alfonso IX the University of Salamanca is the oldest university in the Hispanic world and the third oldest in Europe still in operation. It received royal charter and later papal recognition solidifying its academic authority. ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Founded in 1209 by scholars fleeing unrest at Oxford the University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in Cambridge England it developed into a preeminent center of learning and research. Governed by a collegiate system ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Established in 1222 in Padua Italy the University of Padua broke from Bologna to champion academic freedom allowing scholars to teach and study without political or religious censorship. It quickly became a leading European center for medicine law philosophy and astronomy. ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Founded in 1224 in Naples Italy by Emperor Frederick II the University of Naples Federico II is the oldest state-funded university in the world. Created to train administrators and lawyers for the kingdom it was among the first institutions established by royal decree ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. Established to provide education in law medicine and theology it became a central institution in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Over the ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )Charles University in Prague founded in 1348 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV is the oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest in the world. Established to serve the Czech lands and the broader empire it became a major center for theology law medicine and ... Show More
+ Comment+ Vote ( 1 )The University of Pécs traces its origins to 1367 when it was founded in Pécs Hungary by Louis I of Hungary with approval from Pope Urban V. It was the first university in Hungary and one of the earliest in Central Europe. Initially focused on theology law and liberal ... Show More
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