The Oldest Universities in the World: 10 Institutions That Still Operate Today

When we talk about the oldest universities in the world, we’re not just diving into history—we’re stepping into institutions that have survived war, revolution, and social change, all while educating some of the most influential minds in history. These universities aren’t just old—they’re still operating. From religious roots to modern academic powerhouses, these schools have endured for centuries, adapting to the evolving world while preserving their rich traditions. So, if you're curious about the true pioneers of higher education, this list of the oldest universities in the world still operating today will take you through the top institutions that continue to shape global academia.

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University of Bologna – Europe’s Oldest Continuously Operating University

Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in Europe with a continuous history. It set the standard for modern universities by being the first to use the term "universitas." Known for its legal and humanities programs, Bologna played a major role in the development of academic freedom and student-run governance.

Highlights:

• First university in the Western world
• Influential in shaping European education systems
• Alma mater of Dante, Petrarch, and Copernicus

University of Oxford – The Oldest English-Speaking University

As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford has been continuously operating since 1096. Its collegiate system and rigorous tutorial style have shaped institutions worldwide. Oxford consistently ranks as one of the top universities globally, producing leaders in politics, science, and the arts.

Highlights:

• 30+ colleges with world-class research centers
• Alumni include 28 British Prime Ministers and 72 Nobel laureates
• Famous for its Rhodes Scholarship and iconic libraries

University of Cambridge – Academic Innovation Since the 13th Century

Founded by scholars fleeing Oxford, Cambridge quickly established itself as an academic equal. Today, it's known for scientific innovation, cutting-edge research, and its historical contributions to mathematics, physics, and literature. With more than 800 years of academic excellence, it remains a global leader.

Highlights:

• 31 autonomous colleges
• Alumni include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking

University of Salamanca – Spain’s Ancient Hub of Humanities 

The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in the world still functioning. It gained prominence in the 13th and 14th centuries as a hub for legal and theological scholarship. Salamanca was also the first European university to offer classes in the Spanish language.

Highlights:

• One of Europe’s most beautiful campuses
• Played a key role in debates about the rights of indigenous peoples during colonization
• Continues to be a leader in humanities and language studies

University of Padua – A Legacy of Scientific and Medical Discovery

Padua was founded by students and faculty who left Bologna in search of more academic freedom. It has become one of Italy’s most prestigious universities, known especially for medicine, law, and astronomy. Galileo Galilei taught at Padua for nearly two decades.

Highlights:

• Site of the world’s first permanent anatomical theatre
• One of the oldest medical schools in Europe
• Known for its commitment to academic liberty since the 13th century

University of Naples Federico II – The First Public, Secular University

Commissioned by Emperor Frederick II, Naples Federico II is the oldest public and secular university in the world. Its mission was to train administrative and judicial officials, making it the first to break from religious institutions. Today, it’s a major center for research and education in Southern Italy.

Highlights:

• First state-funded university in history
• Strong in law, engineering, and agriculture
• Continues to be a major academic player in Europe

University of Toulouse – A Medieval Institution in Modern France

Though it experienced periods of dissolution and restructuring, the University of Toulouse has remained a foundational institution in France’s educational landscape. It was originally established to oppose heresy and support Catholic education, but has evolved into a modern multi-campus university system.

Highlights:

• Today forms part of the Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées
• Known for aerospace, social sciences, and law
• Performs at 22 higher education and research institutions

University of Coimbra – Portugal’s Academic Crown Jewel

Initially established in Lisbon and later relocated to Coimbra, the University of Coimbra is Portugal’s oldest and one of the oldest universities in the world still operating. It became the intellectual heart of the Portuguese-speaking world and still draws thousands of students annually.

Highlights:

• Historic campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Strong programs in law, medicine, and classical studies
• Hosts one of the oldest academic libraries in Europe

University of Siena – Italy’s Historic Public Learning Center

Founded as a publicly funded university in medieval Italy, Siena emerged as a key center for legal and medical studies. Its integration with the historic city center and its consistent academic output have helped it thrive into the 21st century.

Highlights:

• One of the first publicly funded universities in Europe
• Top rankings in Italian academic evaluations
• Blends medieval heritage with modern research infrastructure

FAQ – Oldest Universities in the World

Which one is older, Harvard or Oxford?

Oxford is older. It was founded around 1096, while Harvard was established in 1636.

What is the oldest university in the world still operating today?

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

Are the oldest universities in the world mostly in Europe?

Yes. Most of the oldest universities in the world are in Europe, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Salamanca.

Do the oldest universities still offer modern programs?

Yes. These universities now offer modern degrees in science, law, medicine, and more.

Why are the oldest universities in the world still important?

They combine tradition with innovation and continue to influence global education today.

Ancient Universities Thriving in Modern Day

Whether it’s Bologna pioneering the university model, Oxford and Cambridge shaping global leadership, or Coimbra and Salamanca preserving centuries of intellectual tradition, these institutions continue to influence the world far beyond their campuses. Their longevity proves that while societies evolve, the pursuit of wisdom remains timeless. As we look ahead to the future of higher education, the continued relevance of the oldest universities in the world reminds us that some legacies are built not in decades—but in centuries.