The University of Bologna is known as the oldest university in the world and is located in Italy. followed by the University of Oxford, the University of Salamanca, the University of Paris, and the University of Cambridge. Here, you can check out the the names of top-10 oldest universities in the world.
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Top 10 Oldest University in the World
Here, you can check out the list of top-10 oldest universities in the world:
Rank | University | Location | Establishment |
1. | University of Bologna | Italy | 1088 |
2. | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | 1096-1167 |
3. | University of Salamanca | Spain | 1134 |
4. | University of Paris (Sorbonne) | France | 1160-1250 |
5. | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 1209 |
6. | University of Padua | Italy | 1222 |
7. | University of Naples Federico II | Italy | 1224 |
8. | University of Siena | Italy | 1240 |
9. | University of Coimbra | Portugal | – |
10. | Al-Azhar University | Egypt | 1961 (as a university) |
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Oldest University of the World – University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is known as the ‘Nourishing Mother of the Studies’ With an enrollment of 87,760 students, including 6,400 international students, and was founded in 1088. The University stands as the world’s oldest university. it offers diverse programs at all levels.
- Country: Italy
- Establishment: 1088
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2nd Oldest University in the World – University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is known as the second oldest university in the world and was established between 1096 and 1167. It boasts an illustrious alumni list, including 28 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, and 27 Nobel laureates.
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FAQs
Which is the oldest university in the world?
The University of Bologna (Italy), is the oldest in the world.
Which is the oldest university of India?
The oldest university in India is the Senate of Serampore College (University), located in Serampore, Kolkata.
Which are the top 5 oldest universities in the world?
The top-5 oldest universities in the world are the University of Bologna, the University of Oxford, the University of Salamanca, the University of Paris (Sorbonne), and the University of Cambridge.