Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World in 2024: Complete List!

Have you ever wondered where learning began?

Universities have been around for centuries, shaping minds and promoting groundbreaking discoveries. But how far back do these institutions of knowledge actually go? 

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey! This guide takes you deep into the history, unveiling the oldest universities in the world. Some of these institutions have been educating students for over 100 years! 

So, scroll down and uncover these ancient powerhouses of knowledge!

Oldest Universities in the World

There are thousands of universities worldwide today, but only a select few have existed for centuries. These ancient institutions have stood the test of time and have been working in shaping the world we live in today. 

Did you know that the oldest university in the world was founded in 1088? That’s over 900 years ago! These universities have a rich history, legacy and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Here’s a table of the top 10 oldest universities in the world:

Universities	Founded In	Location
University of Al-Karaouine	859 AD	Morocco
Al-Azhar University	970 AD	Cairo, Egypt
University of Bologna	1088	Bologna, Italy
University of Oxford	1096	Oxford, England
University of Paris	1160 – 1250	Paris, France
University of Salamanca	1134	Salamanca, Spain
University of Cambridge	1209	Cambridge, England
University of Padua	1222	Padua, Italy
University of Naples Federico II	1224	Naples, Italy
University of Siena	1240	Siena, Italy

After exploring the top 10 oldest universities in the world, it’s time to delve deeper into their key information. Let’s take a closer look!

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, boasts a rich and fascinating history. It is claimed to be the oldest continuously operating university in the world (founded in 859 AD) and has been a beacon of knowledge for centuries. Al-Qarawiyyin played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge while also flourishing in fields like medicine, astronomy, and law. 

Top Courses	-History and Civilization of the Islamic World -Mathematics and Astronomy in Islamic Civilization -Medicine and Traditional Islamic Medicine
Avg Tuition Fees	NA

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna boasts a rich academic heritage dating back to 1088 AD. This prestigious institution has been growing for innovative thinkers and students for centuries.  

The University of Bologna offers a charming glimpse into its academic history. It thrives as a modern learning centre, attracting students worldwide with its top-ranked programs and vibrant campus life.  

Let’s explore some of the university’s most popular courses and see when the ideal times are to apply.

Top Courses	-Medicine & Surgery -Law -Engineering
Best Intake	September
Avg Tuition fees	INR 2L – INR 3.5L

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded in the 11th century, it is located in Oxford, England, and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. While the exact date of its founding is unknown, evidence suggests teaching activities existed at Oxford in 1096. 

Oxford was founded by students and teachers who wanted to create a place of learning that would attract the brightest minds worldwide. It is known for its exceptional teaching and research. It is home to over 20,000 students, including many from India.

Let’s explore some of the university’s most popular courses and see when the ideal times are to apply.

Top Courses	–BSc (Hons)  Medical Sciences –MBA –MSc in Computer Science (Advanced)
Best Intake	-September -January
Avg Tuition fees	INR 10.5L (£10,000) – INR 55L (£52,500)

University of Paris

The University of Paris, also known as the Sorbonne, is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in the 12th century. It has a rich academic history and has been a centre of learning and innovation for centuries. Today, the university is known for its exceptional research and teaching, attracting students from all over the world. It offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including science, humanities, law, and medicine.

Here’s a table of the top courses offered at the University of Paris, along with their average tuition fees and best intake:

Top Courses	-Humanities -Law & Political Science -Economics & Management
Best Intake	September
Avg Tuition fees	INR 90,000 – INR 3.4L

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is the 7th oldest and most prestigious university in the world. It was founded in 1209, making it over 800 years old.
 

In recent years, India has emerged as one of the top countries sending students to the University of Cambridge. According to the latest figures, India ranks 5th in the total population of international students at the university, with 389 students.

Here’s a table of the top courses offered at the University of Paris, along with their average tuition fees and best intake:

Top Courses	–BA (Hons) Computer Science –Master of Finance –MBA
Best Intake	Michaelmas term (Oct – Dec)
Avg Tuition fees	INR 27L (£25,734) – INR 72L (£69000)

Oldest Universities in the USA

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world. With over 4,000 colleges and universities, the USA is a hub of higher education, attracting students from all over the globe. 

In fact, a significant number of Indian students go to the USA every year to pursue their education. According to US Consulate officials, over a million international students enrolled at US higher education institutions in the academic year 2022/23, out of which 268,923 students were from India. 

Here’s a table of the top 5 oldest universities in the USA, along with their average tuition fees:

Universities	Founded In	Avg Tuition Fees
Harvard University	1636	INR 33L ($54,269) – INR 53L ($ 86,145)
College of William & Mary	1693	INR 24.5L ($ 29,352) – INR 1Cr ($120,750)
St. John’s College	1996	INR 37.5L ($ 45,000)
Yale University	1701	INR 12L ($ 14377) – INR 85L ($101839)
University of Pennsylvania	1740	INR 29L ($ 34745) – INR 50L ($ 59905)

Oldest Universities in the UK

The United Kingdom is famous for some of the most renowned and oldest Universities in the World. Boasting a rich tradition of education for over a thousand years, these institutions continue to attract students from across the globe seeking a prestigious education. 

In recent years,  more than 120,000 Indian students have been studying in the UK, making up the largest international student communities in the UK. The number of Indian students preferring the UK for higher education is increasing rapidly every year.

The higher education system in the UK is a vast and diverse network of universities and colleges. It offers an extensive array of programs catering to a wide range of interests and academic goals.

Here’s a table of the top 5 oldest universities in the UK, along with their average tuition fees:

Universities	Founded In	Avg Tuition Fees
University of Oxford	1096	INR 10.5L (£10,000) – INR 55L (£52,500)
University of Cambridge	1209	INR 27L (£25,734) – INR 72L (£69000)
University of St Andrews	1413	INR 38L (£ 30,160) – INR 39L (£ 37,000)
University of Glasgow	1451	INR 11.3L (£10800) – INR 60L (£ 56,520)
University of Aberdeen	1495	INR 21L (£ 20000)

Oldest Universities in Canada

Canada is home to over 100 universities, each offering a diverse range of programs and disciplines. The country’s oldest universities have a rich history and continue to attract students from all over the world. 

The oldest university in Canada is the Université Laval, founded in 1663. 

Here’s a table of the top 10 oldest universities in Canada:

Universities	Founded In	Avg tuition fees
Université Laval	1663	INR 18L (CAD 30,000) – INR 24L (CAD 40,000)
University of New Brunswick	1785	INR 20L (CAD 33,000)
University of King’s College	1789	INR 20.5L (CAD 33,814)
McGill University	1821	INR 16.4L (CAD 27,000) – INR 37L (CAD 61,000)
University of Toronto	1827	INR 18L (CAD 29,597) – INR 50L (CAD 82,215)

Oldest Universities in Australia

Australia is home to over 40 universities, each offering a diverse range of programs and disciplines. The country’s oldest universities have a rich history and continue to attract students from all over the world. 

Recent data reveals that Australia remains a top choice for Indian students, with India being the second-largest source country for international student enrolments, contributing a significant total of 1,22,391 students to Australian universities. 

Here’s a table of the top 10 oldest universities in Australia:

Universities	Founded In	Avg tuition fees
The University of Sydney	1850	INR 16L (AUD 29,322) – INR 20L (AUD 36,652)
The University of Melbourne	1853	INR 22L (AUD 40318) – INR 25L (AUD 45815)
University of Tasmania	1842	INR 17L (AUD 31000) – INR INR 47.5L (AUD 87,000)
Federation University Australia	1870	INR 12.5L (AUD 23,000) – INR 16.3L (AUD 30,000)
The University of Adelaide	1874	INR 25L (AUD 45815)

Top 10 High-Ranking Oldest Universities in the World

When it comes to the oldest universities in the world, many of them have also earned high rankings in global university rankings. These rankings are calculated based on factors such as research output, academic reputation, student satisfaction, and more. 

The QS World University Rankings is one of the most respected and widely used university ranking systems globally. 

Here’s a table of the top 10 oldest universities in the world, along with their QS world university ranking and location:

Universities	QS World Ranking 2024	Founded In
University of Cambridge	#2	1209
University of Oxford	#3	1096
Harvard University	#4	1636
Yale University	#16	1701
McGill University	#30	1821

Final Thoughts

The oldest universities in the world have a rich legacy and continue to shape the world today. From the University of Al-Karaouine in Morocco to the University of Cambridge in England, these institutions have stood the test of time and continue to attract students from across the globe seeking a prestigious education.

If you’re looking to pursue higher education in one of these historic institutions, LeapScholar can help guide you through the process of studying abroad in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. 

From IELTS preparation to visa assistance, LeapScholar is your one-stop-shop for pursuing your dreams of studying at the oldest university in the world.

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