Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World in 2025 | Admissify

Last Updated on October 15, 2024

Universities have existed for centuries now, shaping minds and influencing minds. But just how far back do these centers of learning date? In this blog, we shall explore some of the oldest universities in the world and why they are just as reputed today!

Oldest Universities in the World

In this time and age, there are thousands of universities around the globe, but only a handful have been around for centuries! These historic institutions have not only stood the test of time but also played an important role in shaping our modern world. 

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

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, has a rich and intriguing history. Founded in 859 AD, it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world and has served as a center of knowledge for centuries. Al-Qarawiyyin has played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge while also thriving in disciplines such as 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 has a rich academic legacy that dates back to 1088 AD. This esteemed institution has nurtured innovative thinkers and students for centuries.

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 oldest and most esteemed universities in the world. Established in the 11th century, it is situated in Oxford, England, and is renowned for its breathtaking architecture and rich historical significance. While the precise date of its founding remains uncertain, evidence indicates that teaching activities were taking place at Oxford as early as 1096.

Oxford was created by a group of students and teachers who aimed to establish a center of learning that would draw the brightest minds from around the globe. The university is celebrated for its outstanding education and research programs, currently hosting over 20,000 students, including a significant number 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, often called the Sorbonne, is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in the 12th century. With a rich history of academic excellence, it has long been a center for learning and innovation. Today, the university is well-known for its exceptional research and teaching, attracting students from all corners of the globe. It offers a wide variety of programs in many fields, including science, humanities, law, and medicine.

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, situated in Cambridge, England, is the seventh oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Established in 1209, it has a history spanning over 800 years.

In recent years, India has become one of the leading countries for students attending the University of Cambridge. According to the latest statistics, India ranks fifth among the international student population at the university, with a total of 389 students enrolled.

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, it serves as a hub for higher education, attracting students from across the globe.

Every year, a significant number of Indian students choose to study in the U.S. According to officials from the U.S. Consulate, more than a million international students enrolled in American higher education institutions during the 2022/23 academic year, with 268,923 of those students coming from India.

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 renowned for its prestigious and ancient universities. With a history of over a thousand years in education, these institutions continue to draw students from around the world who seek a high-quality education.

In recent years, more than 120,000 Indian students have chosen to study in the UK, making them one of the largest international student communities in the country. The number of Indian students opting for higher education in the UK has been rapidly increasing each year.

The higher education system in the UK is extensive and diverse, comprising numerous universities and colleges. It offers a wide range of programs that cater to various interests and academic aspirations.

Here’s a table of the top 5 oldest universities in the UK:

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 more than 100 universities, each offering a wide variety of programs and fields of study. The country’s oldest universities have a rich heritage and continue to attract students from around the globe.

The oldest university in Canada is Université Laval, which was established 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 wide variety of programs and fields of study. The country’s oldest universities have a rich history and continue to attract students from around the globe.

Recent data shows that Australia is a top destination for Indian students, with India being the second-largest source of international student enrollments, contributing a significant total of 122,391 students to Australian universities.

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

Many of the oldest universities in the world also hold impressive positions in global university rankings. These rankings are determined by various factors, including research output, academic reputation, student satisfaction, and more.

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

Below is a table showcasing 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 carry a profound legacy and continue to influence society today. From the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco to the University of Cambridge in England, these institutions have endured through the ages, consistently attracting students from around the globe who seek a distinguished education. Their rich histories and commitment to knowledge make them vital centers of learning in our ever-evolving world.

FAQs

What are the oldest universities in the world?

The oldest universities the world include the University of al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 859), the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and the University of Oxford (established between 1096 and 1167).

Which universities are considered the most famous globally?

Renowned universities include Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford.

What scholarships are available for international students?

Many universities offer scholarships such as the Fulbright Program, Chevening Scholarships, and university-specific grants.

What is the typical tuition fee for studying at these universities?

Tuition fees range from approximately $10,000 to $60,000 per year for international students.

What are the entry requirements for these universities?

Entry requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (like SAT or ACT for U.S. schools), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

How can I apply to these universities?

Applications usually involve submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.

Do these universities offer programs in multiple disciplines?

Yes, many of these ancient institutions offer a wide range of programs across various fields including humanities, sciences, law, and medicine.