List of oldest universities in continuous operation

The historical Patision Street campus in a postcard of 1900

 

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

This article contains a list of the oldest existing universities in continuous operation in the world. Inclusion in this list is determined by the date at which the educational institute met the traditional definition of a university^{[Note 1]} although it may have existed as a different kind of institute before that time.^[1]

Map of medieval universities in Europe

This definition limits the term «university» to institutions with distinctive structural and legal features that developed in Europe, and which make the university form different from other institutions of higher learning in the pre-modern world. Thus, for the list below, the university must have been founded before 1500 in Europe or be the oldest university derived from the medieval European model in a country or region. It must also be still in operation, with institutional continuity retained throughout its history, and so some early universities, most notably the University of Paris, which was suspended from 1793 to 1896, are excluded.

The word university is derived from the Latin: universitas magistrorum et scholarium, which approximately means «community of teachers and scholars». The term was coined by the Italian University of Bologna,^{[citation needed]} which, with a traditional founding date of 1088, is considered to be the first university.^[2][3] The origin of many medieval universities can be traced back to the Christian cathedral schools or monastic schools, which appeared as early as the 6th century and were run for hundreds of years as such before their formal establishment as universities in the high medieval period.^[4]

Other institutions of higher learning, such as those of ancient Greece, ancient Persia, ancient Rome, Byzantium, ancient China, ancient India and the Islamic world, are not included in this list owing to their cultural, historical, structural and juristic dissimilarities from the medieval European university from which the modern university evolved.^{[Note 2][Note 3][7]}

Contents

[hide]

• 1Medieval origins
• 2Modern spread
• 3Founded before 1500
• 4Oldest universities by country or region after 1500 still in operation
  • 4.1Africa
  • 4.2Asia
  • 4.3Europe
  • 4.4Latin America and the Caribbean
  • 4.5Canada, Greenland and the United States
  • 4.6Oceania
• 5See also
• 6References
  • 6.1Notes
  • 6.2Citations

Medieval origins[edit]

Main article: Medieval university

The university as an institution was historically rooted in medieval society, which it in turn influenced and shaped:^[7]

The university is a European institution; indeed, it is the European institution par excellence. There are various reasons for this assertion. As a community of teachers and taught, accorded certain rights, such as administrative autonomy and the determination and realisation of curricula (courses of study) and of the objectives of research as well as the award of publicly recognised degrees, it is a creation of medieval Europe, which was the Europe of papal Christianity […].

Modern spread[edit]

From the early modern period onwards, the university gradually spread from the medieval Latin West across the globe, eventually replacing all other higher-learning institutions and becoming the preeminent institution for higher education everywhere. This process occurred in the following chronological order:^[8]

• Western Europe (from the 11th or 12th century)
• Central and Eastern Europe (from the 14th or 15th century)
• Americas (from the 16th century)
• Australia (from the 19th century)
• Asia and Africa (from the 19th or 20th century), with the exception of the Philippines, where the University of Santo Tomas was established in the 17th century.

Founded before 1500[edit]

Main article: List of medieval universities

Year
University
Location
Notes

Original
Current

1088
University of Bologna
Kingdom of Italy,
Holy Roman Empire
Bologna, Italy
The oldest university in the world. A university in the sense of a higher-learning, degree-awarding institute, the word university (Latin: universitas) having been coined at its foundation. It received, in 1158, from Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa the «Authentica habita«, which settled the rules, rights and privileges of universities.^[9]

1096–1167
(charter granted in 1248)^[10]
University of Oxford
Kingdom of England
Oxford, United Kingdom
The oldest university in the English-speaking world. Claims to have been founded between 1096 and 1167.^[11] Rashdall takes 1167 as the date when Oxford became a studium generale.^[12] Teaching was suspended in 1209 (due to the town’s execution of two scholars) and in 1355 (due to the St. Scholastica Day riot), but was continuous during the English Civil War (1642–1651), when the University was Royalist. It was not until 1254 that Pope Innocent IV granted to Oxford a university charter by papal bull(«Querentes in agro»).

1134 (charter granted in 1218)
University of Salamanca
Kingdom of León
Salamanca, Spain
The oldest university in operation in Spain. The university claims to have been founded by Alfonso IX of León in 1218 (although James Trager’s People’s Chronology sets its foundation date as 1134), making it the third or fourth oldest university in continuous operation.^[13] It was the first European university to receive the title of «University» as such, which was granted by the King of Castile and León, Alfonso X, and the Pope in 1254. After being excluded from the University in 1852 by the Spanish government, the Faculties of Theology and Canon Law became the Pontifical University of Salamanca in 1940.

1209
(charter granted in 1231)^[14]
University of Cambridge
Kingdom of England
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Founded by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute caused by the execution of two scholars in 1209. Its royal charter was granted in 1231.^[15] The University takes 1209 as its official anniversary.^[16] Inspired the establishment of Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, with the first college in the United States, Harvard University named after one of Cambridge University’s alumni, John Harvard.

1222
(probably older)
University of Padua
Lombard League
Padua, Italy
Founded by scholars and professors after leaving Bologna.^[17]

1224 (1258)
University of Naples Federico II
Kingdom of Sicily
Naples, Italy
The first public university,^[18] founded by Frederick II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The university moved to Salerno in 1253, and its return to Naples in 1258 is sometimes considered as a refoundation.

1290
University of Coimbra^[19]
Kingdom of Portugal
Coimbra, Portugal
It began its existence in Lisbon with the name Studium Generale (Estudo Geral). Scientiae thesaurus mirabilis («the admirable treasure of knowledge»), the royal charter announcing the institution of the University, was dated 1 March 1290, although efforts had been made since at least 1288 to create this first university in Portugal. Papal confirmation was also given in 1290 (on 9 August of that year), during the papacy of Pope Nicholas IV.

1290
University of Macerata^[19]
Papal States
Macerata, Italy
Founded in 1290, possibly as a private law school rather than a university. Unknown whether this was in continuous operation, but there is evidence for a school (without degree awarding powers) in 1518. After petitions from the commune to the Pope from 1534, bull establishing a studium generale issued in 1540.^[20]

By 1293
University of Valladolid
Kingdom of Castile
Valladolid, Spain
Founded in the late 13th century (first documentary evidence 1293), probably by the city.^[21][22]

1293
University of Alcalá
Crown of Castile
Alcalá de Henares, Spain
The University of Alcalá was founded by King Sancho IV of Castile as Studium Generalein 1293 in Alcalá de Henares. It was granted a papal bull in 1499, and quickly gained international fame thanks to the patronage of Cardinal Cisneros and the production of the Complutensian Polyglot Bible in 1517, which is the basis for most current translations. The University moved to Madrid in 1836 by royal decree as Universidad Central. The Moyano Law of 1857 established Central as the sole university in Spain authorized to confer the title of Doctor on any scholar. This law remained in effect until 1969. In 1970, Universidad Central de Madrid changed its name to Universidad Complutense de Madrid, its present name. On the other side, the Universidad de Alcalá was restored in Alcalá de Henares in 1977.

1303
Sapienza University of Rome
Papal States
Rome, Italy
Founded by Pope Boniface VIII, but became a state university in 1935.

1308
University of Perugia
Papal States
Perugia, Italy
Attested by the Bull of Pope Clement V.

1321
University of Florence
Republic of Florence
Florence, Italy
The University of Florence evolved from the Studium Generale, which was established by the Florentine Republic in 1321. The Studium was recognized by Pope Clement VI in 1349.

1343
University of Pisa
Republic of Pisa
Pisa, Italy
It was formally founded on September 3, 1343 by an edict of Pope Clement VI, although there had been lectures on law in Pisa since the 11th century. Nowadays is one of the most important universities in Italy.

1348
Charles University of Prague
Kingdom of Bohemia
Prague, Czech Republic
Three of four faculties closed in 1419, joined with Jesuit university and renamed Charles-Ferdinand University in 1652, split into German and Czech part in 1882, Czech branch closed during Nazi occupation (1939–1945), German branch closed in 1945.^[23]

1357
University of Siena
Republic of Siena
Siena, Italy
Claims to have been founded in 1240 by the Commune of Siena,^[24] although Rashdall dates the proclamation of the Studium to 1246, when Frederick II tried to place a ban on scholars travelling to Bologna. Was granted some exemptions from taxes by Pope Innocent II in 1252, but closed shortly after when the scholars returned to Bologna. Attempted revivals in 1275 and (fed by further short-lived migrations of scholars from Bologna) in 1321 and 1338 were unsuccessful. Gained an Imperial Bull in 1357 «granting it de novo the ‘privileges of a Studium Generale.'», but was not firmly established until «[i]n 1408 a fresh grant of privileges was obtained from Pope Gregory XII».^[25] Closed temporarily in 1808–1815 when Napoleonic forces occupied Tuscany.^[24] On November 7, 2015 the University celebrated its 775th anniversary.

1361
University of Pavia
Domain of the House of Visconti
Pavia, Italy
Closed for short periods during the Italian Wars, Napoleonic wars, and Revolutions of 1848.

1364
Jagiellonian University
Kingdom of Poland
Kraków, Poland
Founded by Casimir the Great under the name Studium Generale, and was commonly referred to as the Kraków Academy. The institution’s development stalled upon the king’s death in 1370; primarily due to a lack of funding. Without a permanent location; lectures were held across the city at various churches and in the Kraków Cathedral School. Further development again resumed in the 1390s, by the initiative of King Władysław Jagiełło and his wife Jadwiga of Poland; at which point the school became a fully functioning university with a permanent location. The university was forcibly shut down during the German Occupation of Poland (1939–1945). The staff was deported to Nazi concentration camps, and many of its collections were deliberately destroyed by the occupying German authorities. Within a month after the liberation of the city, the university again re-opened; with some of the original pre-war staff who survived the occupation.

1365
University of Vienna
Holy Roman Empire
Vienna, Austria
Modelled on the University of Paris.

1386
Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg
Holy Roman Empire
Heidelberg, Germany
Founded by Rupert I, Elector Palatine. The oldest in contemporary Germany and third oldest Germanophone university.

1391
University of Ferrara
House of Este
Ferrara, Italy
Founded by Marquis Alberto d’Este.

1404
University of Turin
Duchy of Savoy
Turin, Italy
Founded by the prince «Louis of Piedmont» during the reign of Amadeus VIII.

1409
University of Leipzig
Holy Roman Empire
Leipzig, Germany
Founded when German-speaking staff left Prague due to the Jan Hus crisis.

1413
University of St. Andrews
Kingdom of Scotland
St. Andrews, United Kingdom
A school of higher studies was founded in 1410 and became a full university by the issue of a Papal bull in 1413.^[26]

1419
University of Rostock
Holy Roman Empire
Rostock, Germany
During the Reformation, «the Catholic university of Rostock closed altogether and the closure was long enough to make the refounded body feel a new institution».^[27] The university closed in 1523,^[28] but would appear to have reopened by 1551, when there are records of a number of professors being appointed, including Johannes Aurifaber, David Chytraeus, and Johann Draconites (de).^[29][30]

1434
University of Catania
Kingdom of Sicily
Catania, Italy
The oldest in Sicily. Founded by Alfonso V of Aragon.

1450^[31]
University of Barcelona
Crown of Aragon
Barcelona, Spain
Founded by Alfonso V of Aragon as Estudi general de Barcelona after the unification of all university education. For forty-nine years prior to that foundation, however, the city had had a fledgling medical school founded by King Martin of Aragon, and in the 13th century Barcelona already possessed several civil and ecclesiastical schools.

1451
University of Glasgow
Kingdom of Scotland
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Founded by a Papal bull.

1456
University of Greifswald
Holy Roman Empire
Greifswald, Germany
Teaching had started by 1436. Founded by initiative of Heinrich Rubenow, Lord Mayor of Greifswald (and first rector), with approval of Pope Callixtus III and Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, under the protection of Wartislaw IX, Duke of Pomerania. Teaching paused temporarily during the Protestant Reformation (1527–39).

1457
Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg
Holy Roman Empire
Freiburg, Germany
Temporarily transferred to Constance in 1686–98 and 1713–15.

1460
University of Basel
Holy Roman Empire
Basel, Switzerland
Founded in 1460 (Schola Basiliensis), the University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland.^[32]

1472
Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich
Holy Roman Empire
Munich, Germany
Founded in Ingolstadt in 1472; with a Papal Bull obtained in 1459 from Pope Pius II by Louis the Rich,^[33] transferred to Landshut in 1800, moved to Munich in 1826.

1477
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
Holy Roman Empire
Tübingen, Germany

1477
Uppsala University
Kingdom of Sweden within the
Kalmar Union
Uppsala, Sweden
Uppsala’s bull, which granted the university its corporate rights, was issued by Pope Sixtus IV in 1477, and established a number of provisions. Among the most important of these was that the university was officially given the same freedoms and privileges as the University of Bologna.

1479
University of Copenhagen
Kingdom of Denmark within the
Kalmar Union
Copenhagen, Denmark
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark, and the second oldest in Scandinavia after Uppsala University in Sweden

1481
University of Genoa
Republic of Genoa
Genoa, Italy
Founded in 1481 (Genuense Athenaeum).

1495
University of Aberdeen
Kingdom of Scotland
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
King’s College was founded by a Papal bull in 1495 and then Marischal College in 1593; they merged in 1860.

1495
University of Santiago de Compostela
Galicia, Crown of Castile
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The university traces its roots to 1495, when a school was opened in Santiago.^[34] In 1504, Pope Julius II approved the foundation of a university in Santiago, and the bull for its creation was granted by Clement VII in 1526.

1499
University of Valencia
Crown of Aragon
Valencia, Spain

Oldest universities by country or region after 1500 still in operation[edit]

The majority of European countries had universities by 1500. After 1500, universities began to spread to other countries all over the world. Note that many universities were established at institutes of learning such as schools and colleges that may have been founded significantly earlier but were not classed as universities upon their foundation; this is normally described in the notes for that institution.

Africa[edit]

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Algeria
(Algiers)
French Algeria
(Algiers)
University of Algiers
1909

Angola
(Luanda)
Portuguese Angola
(Luanda)
Agostinho Neto University
1962
Founded as Estudos Gerais Universitários de Angola. Was renamed Universidade de Luanda (University of Luanda) in 1968. After Angolan independence from Portugal in 1975, the institution was renamed the University of Angola (Universidade de Angol). In 1985 it was renamed Agostinho Neto University, in honour of Agostinho Neto, the first President of Angola.

Cameroon
(Yaoundé)
Cameroon
(Yaoundé)
University of Yaoundé
1962
In 1993 following a university reform the University of Yaounde was split into two (University of Yaoundé I and University of Yaoundé II) following the university branch-model pioneered by the University of Paris.

Cape Verde
(Praia)
Cape Verde
(Praia)
Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
2001
as a result of the merger of the two previously existing higher education establishments (ISE and ISECMAR)

Egypt
(Giza)
Khedivate of Egypt
(Cairo)
Cairo University
1908
The oldest university in Africa

Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa)
Ethiopian Empire
(Addis Ababa)
University of Addis Ababa
1950
The university was originally called the University College of Addis Ababa in 1950 and was later renamed Haile Selassie I University in 1962 after the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I. The institution received its current name in 1975.

Ghana
(Accra)
Gold Coast
(Accra)
University of Ghana
1948^[35]
Founded as the University College of the Gold Coast, an affiliate college of the University of London which supervised its academic programmes and awarded the degrees. It gained full university status in 1961.

Kenya
(Nairobi)
Kenya
(Nairobi)
University of Nairobi
1956
(university 1970)
Oldest in Kenya. Established 1956 as the Royal Technical College. Renamed the Royal College of Nairobi when it became affiliated to the University of London 1961. On 20 May 1964, was renamed University College Nairobi when it was admitted as a constituent college of inter-territorial University of East Africa. In 1970, it transformed into the first national university in Kenya and was renamed the University of Nairobi.^[36]

Kenya
(Njoro)
Colony and Protectorate of Kenya
(Njoro)
Egerton University
1939
(university 1987)
Claims to be «the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya». Founded as a farm school 1939, Egerton Farm School. Upgraded to an agricultural college in 1950, Egerton Agricultural College, then a college of the University of Nairobi in 1986 before becoming an independent university by Act of Parliament in 1987.^[37]

Liberia
(Monrovia)
Liberia
(Monrovia)
University of Liberia
1951
building on Liberia College founded in 1863

Libya
(Benghazi & Tripoli)
Kingdom of Libya
(Benghazi)
University of Libya
1956
A royal decree was issued on 15 December 1955 for the founding of the university. The first faculty to be formed was the Faculty of Literature in Benghazi, and the royal palace «Al Manar», from which King Idris I of Libya declared its independence on 24 December 1951, was assigned to be the campus. Later divided to University of Benghazi and University of Tripoli, the names were changed again during Gaddafi’s era, but now they have reinstated their original names.

Madagascar
(Antananarivo)
Colony of Madagascar and Dependencies
(Antananarivo)
University of Antananarivo
1955
Founded December 1955 as the Institute for Advanced Studies in Antananarivo. Renamed the University of Madagascar in 1961.

Mauritius
(Moka)
British Mauritius
(Moka)
University of Mauritius
1965
The Faculty of Agriculture is the oldest faculty of the university. It was founded in 1914 as the School of Agriculture in 1914, and in 1966 it was incorporated into the newly established University of Mauritius.

Morocco
(Fez, Marrakech, Tétouan, Agadir)
Morocco
(Fez)
University of Al Quaraouiyine
859
(university 1965)
traces its origins back to the al-Qarawiyyin mosque and associated madrasa founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859, but only became a university in 1965.

Morocco
(Rabat)
Morocco
(Rabat)
Mohammed V University
1957
Founded as University of Rabat

Morocco
(Casablanca)
Morocco
(Casablanca)
University of Hassan II Casablanca
1975

Mozambique
(Maputo)
Portuguese Mozambique
(Lourenço Marques)
Eduardo Mondlane University
1962
Estudos Gerais Universitários de Moçambique

Nigeria
(Ibadan)
Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
(Yaba, Lagos)
University of Ibadan
1948
(university 1962)
Founded as Yaba College in 1932 in Yaba, Lagos, as the first tertiary educational institute in Nigeria. Yaba College was transferred to Ibadan, becoming the University College of Ibadan, in 1948.^[38] and was a university college associated with the University of London. Independent university since 1962.^[39]

Nigeria
(Nsukka, Enugu, Ituku, Aba)
Nigeria
(Nsukka)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
1960^[40]
First university in Nigeria.

Rwanda
(Kigali)
Rwanda
(Kigali)
University of Rwanda
2013
Incorporates the National University of Rwanda founded in 1963

Sierra Leone
(Freetown)
Sierra Leone
(Freetown)
Fourah Bay College
1827
(university 1967)
Oldest university-level institution in Africa. Founded as a school in 1827. Became an affiliated college of Durham University in 1876 and awarded first degrees in Africa in 1878. Became part of the federal University of Sierra Leone in 1967.^[41][42]

Somalia
(Mogadishu)
British Somaliland
(Mogadishu)
Somali National University
1954

South Africa
(Cape Town)
Union of South Africa
(Cape Town)
University of Cape Town
1918
founded as a school in 1829 (university status: 2 April 1918)^[43]

South Africa
(Stellenbosch)
Union of South Africa
(Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch University
1918
founded as a secondary education institute in 1866 (University status: 2 April 1918)

Sudan
(Khartoum)
Sudan
(Khartoum)
University of Khartoum
1956^[44]
Renamed from Gordon Memorial College, founded 1902, when it gained full university status in 1956

Tunisia
(Tunis)
Tunisia
(Tunis)
University of Ez-Zitouna
1300
(university 1961)
traces its origins back to the Al-Zaytuna madrassa founded around 737 AH (1300-1350 CE) (university status in 1961)

Uganda
(Kampala)
British Protectorate of Uganda
(Kampala)
Makerere University
1922

Zimbabwe
(Harare)
Southern Rhodesia
(Salisbury)
University of Zimbabwe
1952

Asia[edit]

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Afghanistan
Kingdom of Afghanistan
Kabul University
1931
Founded in 1931, formally opened 1932.

Bahrain
Bahrain
University of Bahrain
1986

Bangladesh
British Raj
(Eastern Bengal and Assam)
University of Dhaka
1921
First university in Bangladesh, opened 1 July 1921.^[45]

Cambodia
French Protectorate of Cambodia
Royal University of Fine Arts
1918

China
Qing Empire
Nanking University
1888
Known in Chinese as Jinling University (金陵大学). Was a private university later merged with the public University of Nanjing (南京大学). First institution in China to use the English term «university». Educational institutions were closed in China on June 13, 1966 due to the Cultural Revolution, reopening in July 1967.^[46]

China
Qing Empire
Wuhan University
1893
Opened in 1893 as the Ziqiang Institute (自強學堂). Educational institutions were closed in China on June 13, 1966 due to the Cultural Revolution, reopening in July 1967.^[47]

China
Qing Empire
Tianjin University
1895
Established in 1895 as Tientsin University/Imperial Tientsin University (Chinese: 天津北洋西學學堂/天津北洋西学学堂). Educational institutions were closed in China on June 13, 1966 due to the Cultural Revolution, reopening in July 1967.^[48]

China
Qing Empire
Zhejiang University
1897
Opened in 1885 as the Qiushi Institute (求是书院). Later renamed to National Chekiang University, National 3rd Sun Yat-sen University, and eventually to Zhejiang University.

China
Qing Empire
Peking University
1898
Founded in 1898 as Imperial Capital University or Imperial University of Peking Educational institutions were closed in China on June 13, 1966 due to the Cultural Revolution, reopening in July 1967.^[49]

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong
1911
founded as the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese in 1887, incorporated as a university in 1911

India
Danish India
Serampore College
1818 (university 1827)
Incorporated and granted university status and the right to award degrees by royal charter of Frederick VI of Denmark on 23 February 1827, endorsed by the Bengal Government Act 1918.^[50]

India
British Raj
(Bengal Presidency)
University of Calcutta
1857
First full-fledged multi-disciplinary university in South Asia. The University of Bombayand the University of Madras were subsequently established in the same year

India
British Raj
(Bombay Presidency)
University of Mumbai
1857
Called the University of Bombay until 1996.

India
British Raj
(Madras Presidency)
University of Madras
1857

India
British Raj
(North-Western Provinces)
University of Allahabad
1887
At one point it was called the «Oxford of the East».On 24 June 2005 its Central University status was restored through the University Allahabad Act 2005

Indonesia
Indonesia
University of Indonesia
1947
founded as the School of Javanese Doctor in 1851

Indonesia
Indonesia
Bandung Institute of Technology
1959
founded as Technische Hogeschool in 1920

Iraq
Kingdom of Iraq
University of Baghdad
1956
the Iraqi Royal College of Medicine was established in 1928

Iran
Imperial State of Persia
University of Tehran
1934
founded by Rezā Shāh, incorporating portions of the Dar ul-Funun Polytechnic Institute (1851) and the Tehran School of Political Sciences (1899)

Israel
Ottoman Empire
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
1912
founded in 1912, but formal teaching began in 1924

Israel
Occupied Enemy Territory Administration
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
1918

Japan
Empire of Japan
University of Tokyo
1877
Previous names are University of Tokyo (1877–1886), Imperial University (1886–1897), and Tokyo Imperial University (1897–1947). Its origins include a private college of Confucian studies founded by Hayashi Razan in 1630,^[51] Tenmonkata (The Observatory, 1684)^[52] and Shutōsho (Smallpox Vaccination Centre, 1849).^[53]
The university was established in 1877 by the merger of three institutions: Shoheiko (Japanese and Chinese Literature, established 1789), Yogakusho (Occidental Studies, established 1855) and Shutosho (Vaccinations, established 1860), originally as Tokyo University before becoming the Imperial University and then Tokyo Imperial University before reverting to its original name after World War II.^[54]

Japan
Empire of Japan
Keio University
1920
Founded as a «school for Dutch studies» in 1858. College with three university departments (literature, law and economics) established 1890. Accredited as a university by the Japanese government in 1920.^[55] (To be noted, Japan’s oldest academic institution is Ashikaga Gakko)^{[citation needed]}

Japan
Empire of Japan
Ryukoku University
1922
Traces its origins to a school for Buddhist monks of the Nishi Hongan-ji denomination founded in 1639. Assumed its current name and became a university under the University Ordinance in 1922.^[56]

Jordan
Jordan
University of Jordan
1962

Kazakhstan
Soviet Union
(Kazakh Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic)
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
1933

Lebanon
Ottoman Empire
American University of Beirut
1866

Lebanon
Ottoman Empire
Saint Joseph University
1872

Lebanon
Ottoman Empire
Université La Sagesse
1875

Macau
Macau
University of Macau
1981
established as University of East Asia in 1981, renamed 1991

Malaysia
Malaysia
University of Malaya
1981
established as Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School in 1905 in Singapore

Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolian Academy of Sciences
1921
Institute of Literature and Script

Mongolia
Mongolian People’s Republic
Institute of finance and economics of Mongolia
1924
School of Custom’s Officers in Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia
Mongolian People’s Republic
National University of Mongolia
1942

Myanmar
Burma
Rangoon University
1878^[57]

Nepal
Nepal
Tribhuvan University
1959^[58]

North Korea
Korea
(Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea)
Kim Il-sung University
1946

Pakistan
British Raj
(Punjab)
University of the Punjab
1882
Established by British colonial authorities in 1882 as the first university in what would become Pakistan.^[59]

Pakistan
British Raj
(Punjab)
King Edward Medical University
1860 (university 2005)
Established as King Edward Medical College, Lahore in 1860. Became an independent university in 2005.^[60]

Pakistan
British Raj
(Punjab)
Government College University, Lahore
1864 (university 2002)
Established as Government College, Lahore, 1864. Became an independent university in 2002.^[61]

Philippines
Spanish East Indies
University of Santo Tomas
1611
Founded on 28 April 1611 by the Order of Preachers, it is the oldest extant university in Asia. Receiving the Royal Charter from King Phillip III of Spain in 1611, it was elevated by Pope Innocent X as a Pontifical University on November 20, 1645. The university celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2011.

Philippines
Spanish East Indies
Ateneo de Manila University
1859
First established as the Escuela Municipal de Manila by the Society of Jesus.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
King Saud University
1957

Singapore
Straits Settlements
National University of Singapore
1905
Founded as Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School

South Korea
South Korea
Ewha Womans University
1946
started higher education in 1910, and was reorganized as Ewha Womans University in 1946. It was established in 1886 as the first mission school to educate women in Korea

South Korea
South Korea
Korea University
1946
then Boseong School, was established in 1905, and was restructured as Korea University in 1946

South Korea
South Korea
Sungkyunkwan University
1946
reorganized as Sungkyunkwan University in 1946. Sungkyunkwan, its origin, was established in 1398 as the royal institution for higher education of the Joseon Dynasty

South Korea
South Korea
Yonsei University
1946
The Yonsei University Medical School was established in 1886 at Chejungwon Hospital (established the previous year as Gwanghyewon Hospital). The medical school was renamed Severance Medical College in 1909, following a donation from Louis Severance. Yonhi College was established in Chosun Christian College in 1915 and became Yonhi College in 1917. Yonhi College was recognised as a university in August 1946. Yonsei University was formed by the merger of the college and medical school in 1957.^[62]

Sri Lanka
British Ceylon
University of Colombo
1942
Formed in 1942 as the University of Ceylon by the amalgamation of University College Colombo (established 1921) and Ceylon Medical College (established in 1870). Was part of the University of Sri Lanka 1972-1978.^[63]

Syria
State of Damascus
University of Damascus
1923
founded in 1923 through the merger of the School of Medicine (established 1903) and the Institute of Law (established 1913)

Taiwan
Republic of China
National Taipei University of Technology
1912
School of Industrial Instruction

Taiwan
Japanese Taiwan
National Taiwan University
1928
Taihoku (Taipei) Imperial University

Thailand
Thailand
Chulalongkorn University
1917

Thailand
Thailand
Thammasat University
1939

Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
National University of East Timor
2000

Vietnam
French Indochina
Hanoi Medical University
1902

Vietnam
French Indochina
Vietnam National University, Hanoi
1904

Europe[edit]

While Europe had 143 universities in 1789, the Napoleonic wars took a heavy toll, reducing the number to 83 by 1815. The universities of France were abolished and over half of the universities in both Germany and Spain were destroyed. By the mid 19th century, Europe had recovered to 98 universities.^[64]

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Albania
(Tirana)
Albania
(Tirana)
University of Tirana
1957
originally established in 1957 as the State University of Tirana through merging of five existing institutes of higher education, the most important of which was the Institute of Sciences, founded in 1947

Albania
(Shkodër)
Albania
(Shkodër)
University of Shkodër «Luigj Gurakuqi»
1957

Armenia
(Yerevan)
First Republic of Armenia
(Alexandropol)
Yerevan State University
1919

Austria
(Graz)
Holy Roman Empire
(Graz)
University of Graz
1622
founded in 1585 by Archduke Charles II of Austria

Austria
(Salzburg)
Holy Roman Empire
(Salzburg)
University of Salzburg
1585
also known as Paris Lodron University after its founder, Prince-Archbishop Paris von Lodron

Austria
(Innsbruck)
Holy Roman Empire
(Innsbruck)
University of Innsbruck
1669

Azerbaijan
(Baku)
Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
(Baku)
Baku State University
1919
In 1930, the government ordered the University shut down in accordance with a reorganization of higher education, and the University was replaced with the Supreme Pedagogical Institute. In 1934 the University was reestablished.

Belgium
(Ghent)
United Kingdom of the Netherlands
(Ghent)
Ghent University
1817
established in 1817 by William I of the Netherlands

Belgium
(Liège)
United Kingdom of the Netherlands
(Liège)
University of Liège
1817
was founded in 1817 by William I of the Netherlands

Belgium
(Leuven)
Belgium
(Mechelen)
KU Leuven and
Université catholique de Louvain
1834
Founded as the Catholic University of Mechelen on November 8, 1834 by the bishops of Belgium. Moved to Leuven on 1 December 1835, where it took the name Catholic University of Louvain.^{[Note 4]} In 1968, it split to form two institutions: Dutch-speaking Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and French-speaking Université catholique de Louvain.

Belgium
(Brussels)
Belgium
(Brussels)
Université libre de Bruxelles
and Vrije Universiteit Brussel
1834
Founded in 1834 as the Université libre de Belgique (Free University of Belgium). In 1836, it changed its name to Université libre de Bruxelles. On 1 October 1969, the university was split into two sister institutions: the French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Dutch-speaking Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Both names mean Free University of Brussels in English, so neither uses the English translation as it is ambiguous.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Sarajevo)
Yugoslavia
(Sarajevo)
University of Sarajevo
1949

Bulgaria
(Sofia)
Principality of Bulgaria
(Sofia)
Sofia University
1888

Bulgaria
(Sofia)
Kingdom of Bulgaria
(Sofia)
University of National and World Economy
1920
was founded in 1920 as the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences (FUPES)

Bulgaria
(Varna)
Kingdom of Bulgaria
(Varna)
University of Economics Varna
1920
was originally known as the Higher School of Commerce

Croatia
(Zagreb)
Kingdom of Croatia (Habsburg)
(Zagreb)
University of Zagreb
1669
History of the University began on September 23, 1669, when the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I issued a decree granting the establishment of the Jesuit Academy of the Royal Free City of Zagreb. Decree was accepted at the Council of the Croatian Kingdom on November 3, 1671.

Czech Republic
(Olomouc)
Kingdom of Bohemia
(Olomouc)
Palacký University
1573
originally known as Olomouc Jesuit University

Czech Republic
(Prague)
Kingdom of Bohemia
(Prague)
Czech Technical University in Prague
1707
established as the Institute of Engineering Education in 1707 it is the oldest non-military technical university in Europe

Denmark
(Copenhagen)
Denmark
(Copenhagen)
Technical University of Denmark
1829
was founded in 1829 as the ‘College of Advanced Technology’

Estonia
(Tartu)
Kingdom of Sweden
(Dorpat)
University of Tartu
1632 (continuous operation since 1802)
founded as The Academia Gustaviana in the then Swedish province of Livonia. It was closed from 1710 to 1802.

Finland
(Helsinki)
Kingdom of Sweden
(Åbo)
University of Helsinki
1640
founded as the Royal Academy of Turku (Swedish: Kungliga Akademin i Åbo. It was shut down by the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. The University of Helsinki was founded the next year, in 1828, and it started operating in 1829. The University of Helsinki sees itself as continuation of the Royal Academy of Turku.

France
(Paris)
Kingdom of France
(Paris)
Sorbonne University (group)
1160-1250 (continuous operation since 1896)
Emerged around 1150 as a corporation associated with the cathedral school of Notre Dame de Paris, it was considered the second-oldest university in Europe. Officially chartered in 1200 by King Philip II (Philippe-Auguste) of France and recognised in 1215 by Pope Innocent III, it was often nicknamed after its theology collegiate institution, College of Sorbonne, founded about 1257 by Robert de Sorbon and charted by Saint Louis, King of France. It closed in 1793 due to the French Revolution, and was re-established by Napoléon on 1 May 1806 as the Académie de Paris under the auspices of the University of France. In 1896 it was reformed as the University of Paris. In 1970, it split into 13 separate universities and numerous specialised institutions of higher education. In 2018, Sorbonne University will be formed from the Paris-Sorbonne University (created from the faculty of humanities of the University of Paris) and Pierre and Marie Curie University (created from the faculty of science and medicine of the University of Paris). Panthéon-Assas University (from the faculty of law and economics) and University of Technology of Compiègne, already members of the Sorbonne University group, may follow the merge.^[65][66]

France
(Occitanie)
County of Toulouse
(Toulouse)
Université fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées
1229 (continuous operation since 1896)
Founded by papal bull in 1229 as the University of Toulouse. It closed in 1793 due to the French Revolution, and reopened in 1896. In 1969, it split into three separate universities and numerous specialised institutions of higher education. It no longer represents a single university, as it is now the collective entity which federates the universities and specialised institutions of higher education in the region.

France
(Montpellier)
Kingdom of Majorca
(Montpellier)
University of Montpellier
Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3
1289 (continuous operation since 1896)
The world’s oldest medicine faculty was established before 1137 and operated continuously through the French Revolution. University by Papal Bull in 1289. It closed in 1793 due to the French Revolution, and reopened in 1896. The university of Montpellier was officially re-organised in 1969 after the students’ revolt. It was split into its successor institutions the University of Montpellier 1 (comprising the former faculties of medicine, law, and economy), Montpellier 2 (science and technology) and Montpellier 3 (social sciences, humanities and liberal arts). On 1 January 2015, the University of Montpellier 1 and the University of Montpellier 2 merged to form the newly recreated University of Montpellier.^[67][68] Meanwhile, the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3 remains a separate institution.

France
(Aix-en-Provence,
Marseille)
Provence
(Aix)
Aix-Marseille University
1409 (continuous operation since 1896)
Founded in 1409 as the University of Provence, and in 1792, dissolved, along with twenty-one other universities. In 1896 it was reformed as the University of Aix-Marseille, one of 17 self-governing regional universities financed by the state. In 1968 it was divided into two institutions, the University of Provence (Aix-Marseille I) as a school of languages and letters, and the University of Aix-Marseille (Aix-Marseille II) as primarily a school of medicine and sciences. In 1973 the University of Law, Economics and Science (Aix-Marseille III) was added. In 2012 the three universities merged and was renamed Aix-Marseille University.

Germany
(Wittenberg
Halle)
Holy Roman Empire
(Wittenberg)
Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg
1502
created in 1502 as the University of Wittenberg. Merged with University of Halle (founded 1691) in 1817.

Germany
(Marburg)
Holy Roman Empire
(Marburg)
Philipps University of Marburg
1527

Germany
(Jena)
Holy Roman Empire
(Jena)
University of Jena
1558
founded as Ducal Pan-Saxon University (German: Herzoglich Sächsische Gesamtuniversität)

Georgia
(Tbilisi)
Democratic Republic of Georgia
(Tbilisi)
Tbilisi State University
1918
founded in 1918 as Tbilisi State University

Gibraltar
Gibraltar
University of Gibraltar
2015

Greece
(Corfu)
United States of the Ionian Islands
(Corfu)
Ionian University
1824 (university 1984)
created as the Ionian Academy in 1824 on Corfu. Established as the Ionian University (Greek: Iόνιο Πανεπιστήμιο) in 1984 by the Greek government.

Greece
(Athens)
Kingdom of Greece
(Athens)
National Technical University of Athens
1837 (awarded degrees from 1887)^[69]
founded in 1836 as a part-time vocational school called Royal School of Arts

Hungary
(Budapest)
Kingdom of Hungary
(Nagyszombat)
Eötvös Loránd University
1635
Founded in 1635 by the archbishop and theologian Péter Pázmány as the University of Nagyszombat. Renamed Royal Hungarian University of Science in 1769. The university was moved to Buda (today part of Budapest) in 1777. The university moved to its final location in Pest (now also part of Budapest) in 1784 and was renamed Royal University of Pest. It has been renamed three times since then: University of Budapest (1873-1921), (Hungarian Royal Pázmány Péter University (1921-1950), and since 1950, Eötvös Loránd University.

Hungary
(Budapest)
Kingdom of Hungary
(Nagyszombat)
Semmelweis University
1769
(independent 1951)
the oldest medical school in Hungary. Founded as a medical school within the University of Nagyszombat. Became an independent institution as the Medical University of Budapest in 1951. Took on the name of Ignác Semmelweis in 1969.

Hungary
(Budapest)
Kingdom of Hungary
(Nagyszombat)
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
1782
(independent 1872)
established as the Institutum Geometricum as part of the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the University of Buda in 1782. The Institutum Geometricum merged with the Joseph College of Technology in 1850 and became the Royal Joseph Polytechnic in 1856. Renamed Royal Joseph University in 1862 and gained full autonomy in 1872. Reorganized as Palatine Joseph University of Technology and Economics in 1934. Renamed Technical University of Budapest in 1949. In 2000, the official name changes to Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

Iceland
(Reykjavík)
Denmark
(Reykjavík)
University of Iceland
1911

Ireland
(Dublin)
Kingdom of Ireland
(Dublin)
University of Dublin
1592
Effectively synonymous with Trinity College, Dublin

Italy
(Urbino)
Holy Roman Empire
(Urbino)
University of Urbino
1506

Italy
(Messina)
Kingdom of Sicily
(Messina)
University of Messina
1548
The predecessor institution of the University was the College of Messina

Italy
(L’Aquila)
Kingdom of Naples
(L’Aquila)
University of L’Aquila
1596

Latvia
(Riga)
Russian Empire
(Riga)
Riga Technical University
1862
first established as Riga Polytechnicum in 1862

Liechtenstein
(Vaduz)
Liechtenstein
(Vaduz)
University of Liechtenstein
1961
successor to the Abendtechnikum Vaduz in 1992

Lithuania
(Vilnius)
Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
(Vilnius)
Vilnius University
1579 (continuous operation since 1919)
founded as the Jesuit Academy (College) of Vilnius; the university was closed from 1832 to 1919 and again in 1943-44

Luxembourg
(Esch-sur-Alzette)
Luxembourg
(Esch-sur-Alzette)
University of Luxembourg
2003

Macedonia
(Skopje)
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(Skopje)
Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje
1946

Macedonia
(Bitola)
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(Bitola)
St. Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola
1979

Malta
(Msida)
Malta
(Msida)
University of Malta
1769
first established as the Collegium Melitense by the Jesuits 1592

Netherlands
(Leiden)
Dutch Republic
(Leiden)
University of Leiden
1575

Netherlands
(Groningen)
Dutch Republic
(Groningen)
University of Groningen
1614

Netherlands
(Amsterdam)
Dutch Republic
(Amsterdam)
University of Amsterdam
1632
founded as the Athenaeum Illustre of Amsterdam

Netherlands
(Utrecht)
Dutch Republic
(Utrecht)
Utrecht University
1636
formerly Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht

Norway
(Oslo)
Denmark–Norway
(Christiania)
University of Oslo
1811
founded as The Royal Frederik’s University

Poland
(Wrocław)
Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
(Wrocław)
University of Wrocław
1701
re-founded 1811

Poland
(Warsaw)
Prussia
(Budapest)
University of Warsaw
1816
founded as a Royal University on 19 November 1816, when the Partitions of Poland separated Warsaw from the older University of Kraków (founded in 1364).

Portugal
(Évora)
Portugal
(Évora)
University of Évora
1559 (continuous operation since 1973)
second oldest university in Portugal, 1559–1759, resumed work in 1973

Portugal
(Lisbon)
Portugal
(Lisbon)
University of Lisbon
1911

Portugal
(Porto)
Portugal
(Porto)
University of Porto
1911

Romania
(Iași)
United Principalities
(Iași)
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
1860^[70][71]
successor to the Princely Academy from Iaşi, 1642, and Academia Mihăileană, 1835^[72]

Romania
(Bucharest)
United Principalities
(Bucharest)
University of Bucharest
1864^[70][73]
successor to the Saint Sava College, 1694

Romania
(Cluj-Napoca)
Kingdom of Romania
(Cluj)
Babeș-Bolyai University
1918^[70][74]
teaching existed in Cluj-Napoca since the Jesuits College, 1581, and the Jesuits Academy, 1688

Russia
(Kaliningrad)
Kingdom of Poland
(Königsberg)
Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
1544 or 1967
claims continuity from University of Königsberg, 1544. After the World War II, Königsberg was renamed Kaliningrad and the new Russophone Kaliningrad State Pedagogical Institute used the campus of the Albertina from 1948 to 1967. In 1967, the institute received the status of a university and became known as Kaliningrad State University.

Russia
(Saint Petersburg)
Russian Empire
(Saint Petersburg)
Saint Petersburg State University
1724
claims to be the successor of the university established along with the Academic Gymnasium and the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences on January 24, 1724 by a decree of Peter the Great. In the period between 1804 and 1819, Saint Petersburg University officially did not exist

Russia
(Moscow)
Russian Empire
(Moscow)
Moscow State University
1775

Russia
(Kazan)
Russian Empire
(Kazan)
Kazan Federal University
1804
Founded in 1804 as Kazan Imperial University

Serbia
(Belgrade)
Kingdom of Serbia
(Belgrade)
University of Belgrade
1905
founded in 1808 as the Belgrade Higher School, by 1838 it merged with the Kragujevac-based departments into a single university, under current name from 1905; Orthodox Christian Lyceum in 1794; Teacher’s college in 1778|

Slovakia
(Bratislava)
Czechoslovakia
(Bratislava)
Comenius University
1919

Slovenia
(Ljubljana)
Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes
(Ljubljana)
University of Ljubljana
1919

Spain
(Seville)
Spain
(Seville)
University of Seville
1505

Spain
(Granada)
Spain
(Granada)
University of Granada
1531

Spain
(Zaragoza)
Spain
(Zaragoza)
University of Zaragoza
1542

Spain
(Oviedo)
Spain
(Oviedo)
University of Oviedo
1608

Sweden
(Lund)
Sweden
(Lund)
Lund University
1666
a Franciscan Studium Generale was founded in Lund in 1425, as the first university in Northern Europe, but as a result of the Protestant Reformation the operations of the catholic university were suspended

Switzerland
(Lausanne)
Old Swiss Confederacy
(Lausanne)
University of Lausanne
1537

Switzerland
(Geneva)
Old Swiss Confederacy
(Geneva)
University of Geneva
1559
founded by John Calvin

Switzerland
(Zurich)
Switzerland
(Zurich)
University of Zurich
1833
origin 1525; est. 1833

Turkey
(Istanbul)
Turkey
(Istanbul)
Istanbul Technical University
1928
Founded in 1773 as Imperial School of Naval Engineering by Mustafa III, but became a state university in 1928.^[75]

Turkey
(Istanbul)
Turkey
(Istanbul)
Istanbul University
1933
The current state university was founded in 1933, but traces its origins back to the House of Multiple Sciences founded in 1846. Its ultimate origins lie in a madrasa founded by Mehmed II in 1453, itself built upon a previous Byzantine school dating back to 1321

Ukraine
(Kharkiv)
Russian Empire
(Lund)
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
1804

Ukraine
(Kiev)
Russian Empire
(Kiev)
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
1834
Founded as the Kiev Imperial University of Saint Vladimir and changed names several times afters that

Ukraine
(Lviv)
Austrian Empire
(Lviv)
Lviv University
1850
operated from 1661-1773, 1784-1805, 1817–1848, 1850-

United Kingdom
( Scotland)
(Edinburgh)
Kingdom of Scotland
(Edinburgh)
University of Edinburgh
1582/3^[76]
Formally established as the Tounis College (Town’s College) under the authority of a Royal Charter granted to the Town of Edinburgh by King James VI of Scotland on 14 April 1582.^[77][78] It opened its doors to students in October 1583.^[79]

United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
University College London
1826^[80] (as college; degree awarding powers 2005)
Claims to be the third oldest university in England and «the first university to be founded in London».^[81][82]

Listed by Rüegg as a college of the University of London rather than as a university.^[80]
Legally a college of the University of London but generally recognised as a university. Established by deed of settlement as an unincorporated joint stock company under the name of London University in 1826.^[83] Unsuccessful in attempts to gain recognition as a university, but accepted charter of incorporation «not as a University but as a College» in 1836, and was affiliated to the University of London.^[84][85] Gained its own degree awarding powers in 2005.^[86]

United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
King’s College London
1829^[80] (as college; degree awarding powers 2006)
Claims to be the fourth oldest university in England.^[87]

Listed by Rüegg as a college of the University of London rather than as a university.^[80]
Legally a college of the University of London but generally recognised as a university. Established by royal charter as a college in 1829.^[88] Gained its own degree awarding powers in 2006.^[89]

United Kingdom
( England)
(Durham)
United Kingdom
( England)
(Durham)
Durham University
1832^[80]
Claims to be the third oldest university in England.^[90][91]

Listed by Rüegg in A History of the University in Europe as meeting standard criteria for recognition as a university from 1832^[80]
Established under the authority of the University of Durham Act 1832.^[92]Recognised as a university in the Municipal Corporations Act 1835 and the Established Church Act 1836.^[93][94] Incorporated and confirmed by Royal Charter in 1837 and degrees granted equal privileges with those of Oxford and Cambridge by the Attorneys and Solicitors Act 1837.^[95][96]

United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
United Kingdom
( England)
(London)
University of London
1836^[80]
Claims to be the third oldest university in England.^[97]

Listed by Rüegg as meeting standard criteria for recognition as a university from 1836^[80]
Established by Royal Charter as degree awarding examining body for King’s College London and University College London (see below), the London medical schools, and other institutions.^[98] Degrees granted equal privileges with those of Oxford and Cambridge by the Attorneys and Solicitors Act 1837.^[96]

United Kingdom
(Northern Ireland)
(Belfast)
United Kingdom
(Ireland)
(Belfast)
Queen’s University Belfast
1845^[80] (as college; university 1908)
Oldest university in Northern Ireland. Listed by Rüegg as meeting standard criteria for recognition as a university from 1845.^[80]

Founded 1845, as a university college, gained university status in 1908.^[99]

United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Cardiff)
United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Aberystwyth,
Bangor,
Cardiff)
University of Wales
1893^[100]
Founded by Royal Charter in 1893 as a federal university with three constituent colleges – Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff – the university was the first and oldest university in Wales. Listed by Rüegg as meeting standard criteria for recognition as a university from 1893^[100]

United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Carmarthen,
Lampeter,
Swansea)
United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Carmarthen,
Lampeter)
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
1822 (as college; limited degree awarding powers 1852)
The university was founded as St David’s College (Coleg Dewi Sant) in 1822 «to provide a liberal education to members of the clergy» and was incorporated by royal charter in 1828.^[101] It was renamed St David’s University College (Coleg Prifysgol Dewi Sant) in 1971, when it became part of the federal University of Wales. It was again renamed University of Wales, Lampeter in 1996 in line with moves elsewhere in the University of Wales. In 2010 it merged with Trinity University College to form the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.^[102] Although described as the oldest university in Wales,^[103][104] it was not listed by Rüegg as meeting standard critera for a university^[105] and lost a court case in 1951 against the Ministry of Education in which it sought to receive recognition as a university.^[106]

United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Aberystwyth)
United Kingdom
( Wales)
(Aberystwyth)
Aberystwyth University
1872^[100] (as college; university 2007)
Founded in 1872 as University College Wales, Aberystwyth, it became a founder member of the University of Wales in 1894 and changed its name to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.^[107] It claims to be «Wales’s oldest university»,^[108]but was listed by Rüegg as a college of the University of Wales rather than as a university.^[100] It became an independent university (as Aberystwyth University) in 2007.^[109]

Latin America and the Caribbean[edit]

Main article: List of colonial universities in Latin America

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Argentina
Spanish Empire
National University of Córdoba
1613
the oldest university in Argentina

Argentina
Argentina
University of Buenos Aires
1821
the largest university in Argentina and the second largest university by enrollment in Latin America.

Belize
Belize
University of Belize
2000

Bolivia
Spanish Empire
University of Saint Francis Xavier
1624
Founded in 1624 by order of the Spanish King Philip IV, and with the support of Pope Innocent XII. Full name is The Royal and Pontificial Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca

Brazil
Brazil
Federal University of Amazonas
1909
founded on January 17, 1909 as the Free University School of Manáos. It is the oldest university in Brazil and the largest university in the northern region of Brazil.

Brazil
Brazil
Federal University of Paraná
1912

Brazil
Brazil
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
1920
successor to the Escola Politécnica (Polytechnic School (founded December 17, 1792 as Royal Academy of Artillery, Fortification and Design), the Faculdade Nacional de Medicina (National College of Medicine, founded on April 2, 1808) and the Faculdade Nacional de Direito (National College of Law, which came to exist after the fusion between the College of Legal and Social Sciences and the Free College of Law – both recognized by the Law Decree 693 of October 1, 1891). It is the largest federal university in the country

Chile
Chile
Universidad de Chile
1842
successor to the «Real Universidad de San Felipe», created in 1738. The oldest university in Chile

Colombia
Spanish Empire
Saint Thomas Aquinas University
1580
It is the oldest Colombian university, founded in 1580 by the Dominican Order.

Colombia
Spanish Empire
Pontifical Xavierian University
1623
The College of the Society of Jesus was established in Santafé de Bogotá in 1604 as part of the San Bartolome School and Cloister.

Colombia
Spanish Empire
Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Universidad del Rosario
1653

Costa Rica
Costa Rica
University of Costa Rica
1940
The first institution dedicated to higher education in Costa Rica was the University of Saint Thomas (Universidad de Santo Tomás), which was established in 1843. That institution maintained close ties with the Roman Catholic Church and was closed in 1888 by the progressive and anti-clerical government of President Bernardo Soto Alfaro as part of a campaign to modernize public education. The schools of law, agronomy, fine arts, and pharmacy continued to operate independently. In 1940, those four schools were re-united to establish the modern UCR, during the reformist administration of President Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia.

Cuba
Spanish Empire
Universidad de La Habana
1728

Dominica
Dominica
Ross University School of Medicine
1978

Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo
1914
successor to the Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, 1558, which disappeared in 1823

Ecuador
Gran Colombia
Central University of Ecuador
1826
Real y Pontificia Universidad de San Gregorio Magno

El Salvador
El Salvador
Universidad de El Salvador
1841
founded on February 16, 1841, by the President Juan Lindo,

Grenada
Grenada
St. George’s University
1976

Guatemala
Spanish Empire
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
1676

Guyana
British Guiana
University of Guyana
1963

Haiti
Haiti
Universite d’Etat d’Haiti
1820

Haiti
United States occupation of Haiti
Université Adventiste d’Haïti
1921

Honduras
Honduras
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras
1847

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Grenada
Jamaica
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos
Jamaica
University of the West Indies
1948
First campus opened in Jamaica as the University College of the West Indies associated with the University of London in 1948. Gained independent university status in 1962.

Jamaica
Jamaica
University of Technology, Jamaica
1958
established as the Jamaica Institute of Technology (1958); renamed College of Arts, Science and Technology (1959–1995). Degree awarding powers from 1986

Mexico
Mexico
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
1910
traces its origins back to Real y Pontificia Universidad de México (1551-1865) but no institutional continuity

Mexico
Mexico
Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
1917
founded in 1540 as Colegio de San Nicolás Obispo (St. Nicholas Bishop College) and later in 1543 was appointed Real Colegio de San Nicolás Obispo (Royal St. Nicholas Bishop College) by King Carlos I of Spain; it was converted into a university on October 15, 1917.^[110]

Mexico
Mexico
Universidad de Guadalajara
1925
founded October 12, 1791; legally established October 12, 1925

Mexico
Mexico
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
1935
founded March 3, 1935

Mexico
Mexico
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
1937
founded 1587 as Colegio del Espíritu Santo. Converted into a public college in 1825, then a public university in 1937.^[111]

Panama
Panama
Universidad de Panamá
1935

Paraguay
Paraguay
Universidad Nacional de Asunción
1889

Peru
Spanish Empire
National University of San Marcos
1551
Also known as the «Dean university of the Americas»; This is the first officially established (privilege by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) and the longest continuouslyoperating university in the Americas

Peru
Spanish Empire
National University of San Antonio Abad in Cuzco
1692

Peru
Peru
National University of Saint Augustine
1828

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
1903

Surinam
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Anton de Kom University
1968

Uruguay
Uruguay
Universidad de la República
1849

Venezuela
Spanish Empire
Central University of Venezuela
1721

Canada, Greenland and the United States[edit]

See also: Colonial colleges and First university in the United States

In the United States, the colonial colleges awarded degrees from their foundation, but none were formally named as universities prior to the American Revolution, leading to various claims to be the first university in the United States. The earliest Canadian institutions were founded as colleges, without degree awarding powers, and gained degree granting authority and university status later.

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Canada
(Québec, QC)
New France
(Quebec City)
Université Laval
1663 (university 1852)
Founded in 1663 as a seminary (Séminaire de Québec), making it the oldest post-secondary institution in Canada; extended to teach the liberal arts after the British Conquest of 1760. Gained university status and the power to award degrees by royal charter in 1852.^[112]

Canada
(Montreal, QC)
Lower Canada
(Québec)
McGill University
1821
McGill College received a royal charter in 1821. The name «McGill University» was adopted in 1855^{[113][better source needed]}.

Canada
(Fredericton & Saint John, NB)
New Brunswick
(Fredericton)
University of New Brunswick
1785 (university 1828)
Oldest English-language post-secondary institution in Canada. Founded in 1785 as Provincial Academy of Arts and Sciences, provincial charter as College of New Brunswick in 1800, royal charter «to be deemed and taken as an University» 1828 King’s College, reorganised as the University of New Brunswick 1859.^[114][115]

Canada
(Halifax, NS)
Nova Scotia
(Windsor)
University of King’s College
1789 (university 1802)
First established as the King’s Collegiate School in Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1789. Received a royal charter in 1802 establishing it (after the model of Trinity College, Dublin) as «The Mother of an University», making it the oldest chartered university in Canada.^[116][117] A fire destroyed the original university in 1920, and the institution relocated to Halifax.

Canada
((Toronto, ON)
Upper Canada

(Ontario)

University of Toronto
1827
Initially established as King’s College, the first higher learning institution in Upper Canada. In 1849 it adopted its current name, University of Toronto.^{[citation needed]}

Greenland
(Nuuk)
Greenland
(Nuuk)
University of Greenland
1983 (university 1989)
Established 1983, took name University of Greenland 1987, formal university status by legislation since 1 September 1989.^[118]

United States
(Cambridge, MA)
Massachusetts
(Cambridge)
Harvard University
1636
Founded in 1636, named Harvard College in 1639, chartered in 1650. Claims to be «the oldest institution of higher education in the United States». Officially recognised as a university by the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780.^[119][120]

United States
(Williamsburg, VA)
Virginia
(Middle Plantation)
The College of William & Mary
1693
Chartered in 1693. Claims to be the «[f]irst college to become a university» in the US, in 1779.^[121] Closed during two different periods—from 1861 to 1869 due to the Civil Warand postwar financial problems, and 1882 to 1888 due to continued financial difficulties.

United States
(Philadelphia, PA)
Pennsylvania
(Pennsylvania Colony)
University of Pennsylvania
1755
Traces its roots to a charity school founded in 1740. Collegiate charter 1755. Claims to be «the first American institution of higher education to be named a university» (in 1779).^[122]

United States
(Washington, DC)
United States
(Georgetown, MD)
Georgetown University
1789
Founded in 1789, Georgetown University received the first federal university charter by President James Madison in 1815^{[123][124][not in citation given]}

Oceania[edit]

Location
Current name
Year
Notes

Current
Original

Australia
( New South Wales)
New South Wales
University of Sydney
1850
oldest in New South Wales, Australia and Oceania

Australia
( Victoria)
Victoria
University of Melbourne
1853
oldest in Victoria

Australia
( South Australia)
South Australia
University of Adelaide
1874
oldest in South Australia

Australia
( Tasmania)
Tasmania
University of Tasmania
1890
oldest in Tasmania

Australia
( Queensland)
Australia
( Queensland)
University of Queensland
1909
oldest in Queensland

Australia
( Western Australia)
Australia
( Western Australia)
University of Western Australia
1911
oldest in Western Australia

Australia
( Australian Capital Territory)
Australia
(Australian Capital Territory)
Australian National University
1946
oldest in Australian Capital Territory

Australia
( New South Wales)
Australia
( New South Wales)
University of New England
1954
first established outside of a state capital

Australia
( Northern Territory)
Australia
( Northern Territory)
Northern Territory University
1989
oldest in Northern Territory, amalgamated as part of Charles Darwin University in 2004

Cook Islands
Fiji
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Nauru
Niue
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Colony of Fiji
University of the South Pacific
1968
Regional university, operating in (and owned by the governments of) 12 Pacific island nations. Main campus in Fiji.

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
University of Papua New Guinea
1965
first university in Papua New Guinea

New Zealand
( Otago)
New Zealand
(Otago)
University of Otago
1869
oldest in New Zealand and the South Island

New Zealand
(Canterbury)
New Zealand
(Canterbury)
University of Canterbury
1873
oldest in Christchurch

New Zealand
(Auckland)
New Zealand
(Auckland)
University of Auckland
1883
oldest in Auckland and the North Island

New Zealand
( Wellington)
New Zealand
(Wellington)
Victoria University of Wellington
1899
oldest in Wellington

See also[edit]

• List of medieval universities
• List of oldest madrasahs in continuous operation

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

1. Jump up^ ‘The statement that all universities are descended either directly or by migration from these three prototypes [Oxford, Paris, and Bologna] depends, of course, on one’s definition of a university. And I must define a university very strictly here. A university is something more than a center of higher education and study. One must reserve the term university for—and I’m quoting Rashdall here—»a scholastic guild, whether of masters or students, engaged in higher education and study,» which was later defined, after the emergence of universities, as «studium generale».’^[1]
2. Jump up^ «No one today would dispute the fact that universities, in the sense in which the term is now generally understood, were a creation of the Middle Ages, appearing for the first time between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It is no doubt true that other civilizations, prior to, or wholly alien to, the medieval West, such as the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Islam, or China, were familiar with forms of higher education which a number of historians, for the sake of convenience, have sometimes described as universities.Yet a closer look makes it plain that the institutional reality was altogether different and, no matter what has been said on the subject, there is no real link such as would justify us in associating them with medieval universities in the West. Until there is definite proof to the contrary, these latter must be regarded as the sole source of the model which gradually spread through the whole of Europe and then to the whole world. We are therefore concerned with what is indisputably an original institution, which can only be defined in terms of a historical analysis of its emergence and its mode of operation in concrete circumstances.»^[5]
3. Jump up^ «Thus the university, as a form of social organization, was peculiar to medieval Europe. Later, it was exported to all parts of the world, including the Muslim East; and it has remained with us down to the present day. But back in the Middle Ages, outside of Europe, there was nothing anything quite like it anywhere.»^[6]
4. Jump up^ Note that the Court of Cassation of Belgium ruled 26 November 1846, that this new Catholic University of Louvain founded in Mechlin in 1834 does not have any links with the Old University of Louvain founded in 1425 and abolished in 1797 and can not be regarded as continuing it: «The Catholic University of Louvain can not be regarded as continuing the old University of Louvain», in, Table générale alphabétique et chronologique de la Pasicrisie Belge contenant la jurisprudence du Royaume de 1814 à 1850, Brussels, 1855, p. 585, column 1, alinea 2. See also: Bulletin Usuel des Lois et Arrêtés, 1861, p.166. To see also this rule of the Cour d’Appel of 1844: La Belgique Judiciaire, 28 July 1844 n° 69, p. 1 : «Cour d’Appel de Bruxelles. Deuxième chambre. L’université libre de Louvain ne représente pas légalement l’antique université de cette ville. Attendu que cette université (l’ancienne Université de Louvain), instituée par une bulle papale, de concert avec l’autorité souveraine, formait un corps reconnu dans l’État, ayant différentes attributions, dont plusieurs même lui étaient déléguées par le pouvoir civil; Attendu que ce corps a été supprimé par les lois de la république française; Attendu que l’université existant actuellement à Louvain ne peut être considérée comme continuant celle qui existait en 1457, ces deux établissemens ayant un caractère bien distinct, puisque l’université actuelle, non reconnue comme personne civile, n’est qu’un établissement tout-à-fait privé, résultat de la liberté d’enseignement, en dehors de toute action du pouvoir et sans autorité dans l’État…«. «Court of Appeal of Brussels. Second Chamber. The Free University of Louvain is not legally representend the old university in that city. Whereas this University (formerly University of Louvain), established by a papal bull, together with the sovereign authority, formed a body recognized by the State, with different functions, many of which even he was delegated by the civil power. And whereas this body was removed by the laws of the French Republic; Whereas the currently existing university in Leuven can not be regarded as continuing that which existed in 1457, these two establishments with a distinct character, since the currently university is not recognized as legal person, and is institution is entirely private, the result of academic freedom, apart from any action without authority and power in the state.»

Citations[edit]

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2. Jump up^ Hunt Janin: «The university in medieval life, 1179–1499», McFarland, 2008, ISBN 0-7864-3462-7, p. 55f.
3. Jump up^ de Ridder-Symoens, Hilde: A History of the University in Europe: Volume 1, Universities in the Middle Ages, Cambridge University Press, 1992, ISBN 0-521-36105-2, pp. 47–55
4. Jump up^ Riché, Pierre (1978). Education and Culture in the Barbarian West: From the Sixth through the Eighth Century. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. pp. 126–127, 282–298. ISBN 0-87249-376-8.
5. Jump up^ Verger, Jacques: «Patterns», in: Ridder-Symoens, Hilde de (ed.): A History of the University in Europe. Vol. I: Universities in the Middle Ages, Cambridge University Press, 2003, ISBN 978-0-521-54113-8, pp. 35–76 (35):
6. Jump up^ Makdisi, George: «Madrasa and University in the Middle Ages», Studia Islamica, No. 32 (1970), pp. 255–264 (264):
7. ^ Jump up to:^{a b} Rüegg, Walter: «Foreword. The University as a European Institution», in: A History of the University in Europe. Vol. 1: Universities in the Middle Ages, Cambridge University Press, 1992, ISBN 0-521-36105-2, pp. XIX–XX.
8. Jump up^ Rüegg, Walter (ed.): Geschichte der Universität in Europa, 3 vols., C.H. Beck, München 1993, ISBN 3-406-36956-1
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12. Jump up^ Hastings Rashdall (2010). The Universities of Europe in the Middle Ages: Volume 2, Part 2, English Universities, Student Life. Cambridge University Press. p. 332. In that case we may definitely assign the birth of Oxford as a Studium Generale to 1167 or the beginning of 1168. Originally published 1895.
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33. Jump up^ Hastings Rashdall (1895). The Universities of Europe in the Middle Ages: pt. 1. Italy. Spain. France. Germany. Scotland, etc. Clarendon Press.
34. Jump up^ «La Universidad de Santiago cumple 500 años». El Mundo (in Spanish). March 22, 1995.
35. Jump up^ «University of Ghana | Legon». Ug.edu.gh. Archived from the original on 2013-06-01. Retrieved 2013-08-15.
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40. Jump up^ «History/Overview». University of Nigeria. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
41. Jump up^ «Fourah Bay College (1827 – )». BlackPast.org. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
42. Jump up^ «The First BA in Africa». Durham First. No. 32. 2012. p. 7.
43. Jump up^ «University of Cape Town / About the university / Introducing UCT». Uct.ac.za. Retrieved 2013-08-15.
44. Jump up^ «Historical Background». University of Khartoum. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
45. Jump up^ «The University». University of Dhaka. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
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55. Jump up^ «History». Keio University. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
56. Jump up^ «The Spirit of Tradition and Innovation Embodied in the 370 Year History of Ryukoku». Ryukoku University. Retrieved 8 April 2017. 1922 Renamed Ryukoku University Became a university under University Ordinance
57. Jump up^ «Yangon – From stately city to crumbling symbol of isolation». Reuters. 27 November 2011.
58. Jump up^ «About Us». Tribhuvan-university.edu.np. Retrieved 2013-08-15.
59. Jump up^ «About Us». University of the Punjab. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
60. Jump up^ «The King Edward Medical University, Lahore Act 2005». Punjab Laws Online. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
61. Jump up^ «The Government College University, Lahore Ordinance 2002». Punjab Laws Online. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
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63. Jump up^ «History». University of Colombo. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
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65. Jump up^ Study International, Consolidation of two elite Paris universities confirmed for 2018
66. Jump up^ The Pie News, Mega university planned for Paris’s Left Bank
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82. Jump up^ Undergraduate Prospectus 2015. University College London. p. 7.
83. Jump up^ The deed of settlement of the University of London.
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90. Jump up^ Durham University Undergraduate Prospectus 2015. Durham University. p. 6. We are the third oldest university in England and one of the world’s leading centres of scholarship and learning
91. Jump up^ «Our history and values». Retrieved 30 September 2015. Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell’s attempts to formally establish a University for the North in Durham were subsumed by politics and North-South rivalries, and it was not until 1832, as the Prince-Bishopric declined lost his powers, was Durham finally endowed with the Castle and lands and granted degree awarding powers by the king as England’s third University
92. Jump up^ Acts Relating to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England. 1844. p. 389.
93. Jump up^ A Collection of Statutes of Practical Utility. p. 225. nothing herein contained shall affect or interfere with the rights and privileges granted by charter or Act of Parliament to the University of Durham
94. Jump up^ A Collection of Statutes of Practical Utility. 1837. p. 148. that the Bishop of Durham do in future hold the castle of Durham in trust for the University of Durham
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99. Jump up^ «History and Heritage». Queen’s University Belfast. Retrieved 28 January 2017. Queen’s University Belfast was founded by Royal Charter in 1845. One of three Queen’s Colleges in Ireland, with the others being in Cork and Galway, it became a university in its own right in 1908.
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102. Jump up^ «University of Wales Trinity Saint David Receives Royal Approval». 23 July 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
103. Jump up^ «End of an era for Lampeter, the oldest university in Wales». The Guardian. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
104. Jump up^ «Fears for the future survival of Wales’ oldest university». Wales Online. 7 August 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
105. Jump up^ Walter Rüegg (2004). A History of the University in Europe. 3, Universities in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries (1800–1945). Cambridge University Press.
106. Jump up^ «St David’s College, Lampeter v Ministry of Education 1951» (PDF). Retrieved 2014-12-30.(PDF)
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108. Jump up^ «Investing over £100m in your future». Aberystwyth University. Retrieved 30 September2015. Together they will ensure that Wales’s oldest university will be well placed to survive the challenges of the twenty-first century – Aberystwyth’s third century of existence.
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