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List of Top 10 Oldest Universities in The World and Famous Alumni

Oldest Universities in The World

Some of the famous educational institutions around the world are hundreds or even thousands of years old. Regardless of their historical significance, these universities have been top on the list of the best universities in the world for quality education. From Nicolaus Copernicus to Giorgio Armani, some of the most powerful and notable people have hanged out on these campuses. 

If you wonder which is the oldest university in the world, this article highlights the top 10 most popular and oldest universities around the world. Apart from the fascination and compelling architecture, these places have been popular for their prestige as everyone dreams to enroll here. 

This list is intended to cover the top 10 oldest universities in the world by the establishment year. Also, we have mentioned notable alumni from prestigious universities around the world. Read on to polish your knowledge.

1. University of Karueein, Morocco

The University of Karueein, also written as al-Qarawiyyin or Al-Quarauiyine, is considered to be the oldest university in the world. Located in Fez, Morocco, it was founded in 859 AD as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri, which subsequently became a leading educational center for natural science, mathematics and foreing languages. So, the oldest university in the world is “University of Karueein” in Morocco. 

Established: 859 AD

Alumni: Leo Africanus, a renowned traveler and writer.

Factoid: It is the first university to be founded by a woman.

2. University of Bologna, Italy

Founded in 1088 by Irnerius, an organized group of students, the University of Bologna is on the list of the oldest universities in the world but originally it is the oldest university in Europe.  During the 12th and 13th centuries, students from all around the world used to study Civil and Canon law here. 

Established: 1088

Alumni: Giorgio Armani – World famous fashion designer.

Factoid: Walking across the center of Piazza Maggiore and climbing to the top of the towers were two superstitions abided by the students. Doing this could lead them to failure.

3. University of Oxford, United Kingdom

One of the most prestigious universities in the world, The University of Oxford was established in 1096. It is famous around the world for its stunning architecture and atmosphere as the most popular public figures around the world have been from here.

Established: 1096

Alumni: Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawkings, Bill Clinton and more.

Factoid: It was granted a royal charter by King Henry II, when he banned students in England from studying at the University of Paris.

4. The University of Salamanca, Spain

Recognized as a Spanish higher educational institute, the University of Salamanca, is the fourth oldest university in the world. It lies in the city of Salamanca, in the west of Madrid and famous around the world for cancer research. The University holds a series of colleges founded to encourage poor scholars for higher studies in 1130. 

Established: 1134

Alumni: Alexander Payne, American Film Director.

Factoid: It was rumoured to be visited by astronauts.

5. The University of Paris, France

It is unclear when exactly the city ‘Paris’ was formed, but it is popular around the world for its well-preserved architecture and the University of Paris is one of the oldest universities in the world that is considered to date back to 1150. With the urban campus, it was associated with the cathedral school. It was officially chartered in 1200 by King Philip II of France.

Established: 1150

Alumni: Honoré de Balzac, famous novelist and playwright.

Factoid: It is considered to be one of the earliest established universities in Europe.

6. The University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

River-cross bridge, gothic-style architecture and picturesque landscape, this is what the one of the oldest universities in the world, The University of Cambridge is all about. It was established in 1209 by a group of students who left the University of Oxford due to dispute with locals. Based on the students and alumni, it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Established: 1209

Alumni: Charles Darwin, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Emma Thompson and more.

Factoid: It has up to 110 libraries and women were not a member of Cambridge university until 1948.

7. University of Padua, Italy

Located in the most beautiful countries in the world, the University of Padua was established in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna. It portrays the most stunning natural scenery and picturesque landscapes in the campus.  And the University is popular for its well-preserved, beautiful architecture. 

Established: 1222

Alumni: Nicolaus Copernicus – Polish astronomer, Pietro d’Abano – physician and philosopher, and more.

Factoid: Scientists have performed a human body study in theater here since 1595.

8. University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Located in the third most beautiful city of Italy, the University of Naples Federico II established in 1224. The Holy Roman Empire, Federic II founded this. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and the world oldest non-sectarian university organized into 26 departments. 

Established: 1225

Alumni: Samantha Cristoforetti, the first Italian woman in space.

Factoid: The Margherita Pizza was named after the Queen Margherita of Italy.

9. University of Toulouse, France

One of the best universities in the world, it comes after the University of Paris. It was established in 1229  and popular for its well-preserved historic building. The education center was formed to teach theology, law and medicine and now there are three separate universities for all.

Established: 1229

Alumni: Marcel Dassault, founded of Dassault Aviation – French aircraft Company.

Factoid: The modern city of France, Toulouse is famous around the world for its mouthwatering food.

10. The Siena University, Italy

Here is the most beautiful university in the world. Seems like a movie set, the Siena University was formed in the Tuscany region of Italy in 1240. It is listed in the UNESCO World’s Heritage Sites and attracts up to 160,000 visitors annually.

Established: 1240

Alumni: William Kennedy, American writer and journalist who won The Pulitzer Award.

Factoid: Being one of the oldest universities in the world, The University of Siena is a tourist place famous for the alluring scenery.

If you think we missed something, you can let us know in the comment section.You will be highly appreciated. The aforementioned Universities are the dream of many students and if you want to study abroad, here are some fully funded scholarships for international students.

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