Janice Lozano
The university as an institution is rooted in medieval society, with the earliest universities arising in the West during the Middle Ages in Europe. The University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy, where teaching began around 1088, is considered the oldest university in continuous operation. It was organised into a university in the 12th century, around the same time as the University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 by scholars leaving Oxford due to political conflicts. The University of Paris, often known as 'la Sorbonne', was established between 1160 and 1250 and is known to be one of the first universities in Europe. The University of Padua in Italy was founded in 1222 and is one of the oldest medieval universities still operating. The University of Salamanca in Spain was founded in 1134 and is the country's oldest institution. The University of Naples, founded in 1224, was the first established under imperial authority, while the University of Toulouse, founded in 1229, was the first established by papal decree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oldest university in the world | University of Bologna, Italy (founded in 1088) |
| Oldest university in the UK | University of Oxford (teaching existed in some form in 1096) |
| Oldest university in Spain | University of Salamanca (founded in 1134) |
| First university established under imperial authority | University of Naples (founded in 1224) |
| First university established by papal decree | University of Toulouse (founded in 1229) |
| First established universities in Europe | University of Paris, University of Bologna |
| University with the most number of UK Prime Ministers as alumni | University of Oxford (28) |
| University with the most number of Nobel Prize winners as alumni | University of Oxford (50) |
| University with the most diverse curriculum | University of Bologna (offers programs at all levels, including doctorate studies) |
| University with the largest student community | University of Padua (62,500 students) |
| University with the most international students | University of Bologna (6,400 international students) |
| University with the most unique cultural traditions | University of Coimbra (recognised by UNESCO) |
| University with the oldest university museum | University of Oxford (Ashmolean Museum) |
| University with the largest academic library system | University of Oxford |
| University with the largest university press | University of Oxford |
| University with the highest consolidated income | University of Oxford (£3.05 billion) |
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What You'll Learn
The University of Bologna, Italy, opened in 1088
The University of Bologna, Italy, is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, with its origins dating back to 1088. It is also the first degree-awarding institution of higher learning. The university's emblem carries the motto, "Alma Mater Studiorum" ("Nourishing mother of studies"), and the date A.D. 1088.
The University of Bologna was founded as a private school, established through the spontaneous and informal initiative of a few students. Teaching began around 1088, with the university becoming organised as guilds of students (universitas scholarium) by the late 12th century.
Over the centuries, the University of Bologna has produced many illustrious students and professors, including future popes, cardinals, intellectuals, and writers. It has also been at the forefront of cultural reforms and new disciplines, such as the thriving art schools during the Renaissance.
The University of Bologna has five campuses in Italy and one in Argentina, offering world-class education and research facilities to more than 87,000 students, including over 6,500 international students. The university is structured into 11 schools and 32 departments, with additional interdepartmental research and training centres that foster cross-disciplinary cooperation.
The University of Bologna is not only rich in history but also committed to innovation and excellence in education. It plays a leading role within the EU in supporting its researchers and has a strong track record of attracting European funding for various projects.
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The University of Oxford opened in the 11th century
The University of Oxford, located along the upper course of the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. While the exact foundation date of the university is unknown, evidence of teaching at Oxford dates back to 1096, with some claiming that teaching existed even earlier.
Oxford rapidly developed from 1167 when King Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris following a quarrel with Thomas Becket. The university's tradition of developing international scholarly links began around 1190 with the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student. By 1201, the university was headed by a 'magister scholarum' (head of an ecclesiastical school), and in 1214, the title of Chancellor was conferred upon this position.
The first colleges of Oxford, including University College, Balliol College, and Merton College, were established between 1249 and 1264. These colleges were originally endowed boarding houses for impoverished scholars, primarily serving students pursuing master's or bachelor's degrees in arts who required financial assistance.
Oxford's early reputation was centred around theology and the liberal arts, although the university also gave significant attention to the physical sciences. The university gained charters from the crown in the 13th century and was incorporated by an act of Parliament in 1571. Over the centuries, Oxford has maintained its eminence and praise for its antiquity, curriculum, and doctrines.
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The University of Cambridge opened in 1209
The University of Cambridge is a public research university in Cambridge, England, recognised as the world's third-oldest university in continuous operation. The University was founded in 1209 by a group of scholars who left the University of Oxford due to a dispute with local townspeople.
The University's early history is rich with tradition, myth, and legend. For example, it is said that in 1109, four monks were teaching primitive sciences in a hired barn, and over the following century, the University gradually grew and attracted students from neighbouring monasteries. It may have been centred on Barnwell Priory, just beyond Midsummer Common.
In 1209, Roger of Wendover recorded the troubles between town and gown in Oxford, which led to the establishment of the University of Cambridge. Twenty-two years after its founding, the University was officially recognised with a royal charter granted by King Henry III.
The University of Cambridge has a long and distinguished history, with over eight centuries of academic achievement and original research. The University is divided into 31 semi-autonomous colleges, with small group teaching sessions known as college supervisions. Cambridge's famous colleges and university buildings attract visitors from all over the world, and its museums and collections hold many treasures that provide insight into the scholarly activities of its academics and students.
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The University of Salamanca, Spain, opened in 1134
The University of Salamanca in Spain is a public research university in the city of Salamanca. It was founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, but records show that there was a cathedral school in the city as early as 1130, and possibly earlier.
The university was founded as a 'studium generale' by the Leonese King Alfonso IX in 1218 as the 'scholas Salamanticae'. The actual creation of the university, or the transformation of the existing school into a university, took place between August 1218 and the following winter. It is the oldest university in the Hispanic world and the fourth oldest in the world that has been in continuous operation.
The University of Salamanca has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of education and research. From the 13th century until the end of the 16th century, it was one of the leading centres of learning in Europe, ranking alongside prestigious universities in Paris, Bologna, and Oxford. The university was at its peak in 1584, with almost 7,000 students.
Over the centuries, the university has produced many notable alumni, including Miguel de Cervantes, one of Spain's greatest writers, and Hernán Cortés, the first conquistador who led the fall of the Aztec Empire. The university has also been a pioneer in various aspects, including its debate for the rights of indigenous populations during the Spanish conquest of the Americas and being the first university in the world to accept female students.
Today, the University of Salamanca continues to be a leading educational institution, attracting over 30,000 students from 50 different nationalities each year. It is known for its multicultural environment, with foreign students making up a significant portion of the total student body. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with a focus on the teaching of the Spanish language and culture, attracting over 4,000 foreign students to its Spanish programs annually.
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The University of Padua, Italy, opened in 1222
The University of Padua, Italy, opened its doors in 1222 and has a rich history that spans almost 800 years. It is the second-oldest university in Italy and one of the earliest universities in the world. The university was founded when a large group of students and professors left the University of Bologna in search of greater academic freedom. This migration of scholars and students from Bologna, seeking freedom of thought in education and training, is a key moment in the history of academia.
The University of Padua has a long-standing tradition of academic innovation and excellence. It was originally established as a school of law, but its curriculum expanded rapidly over the centuries. By the 15th to 18th centuries, the university was renowned for its research in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and law. The university played a central role in the Italian Renaissance, housing and educating notable Italian Renaissance mathematicians such as Nicolaus Copernicus.
The university's medieval buildings in the beautiful city of Padua continue to be a draw for tourists, who come to admire the architecture and art. The university offers a range of services and facilities for its students, including dedicated study spaces, IT and computer rooms, sports and leisure facilities, and housing. It also provides a career service to support students' transition from academia to their professional lives.
The University of Padua is currently made up of 32 departments and eight schools, with a total of over 60,000 students and 2,000 staff members. It is consistently ranked among the best universities in Italy and has been recognised as the best university in Italy for teaching and research quality. The university's broad academic portfolio includes Italian-taught degree programmes, as well as English-taught degree programmes, attracting a large and vibrant international community of students, staff, and alumni.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Bologna, the oldest university in continuous operation, opened to students around 1088.
There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096. The University of Oxford opened to students in 1167 when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.
The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 by a group of scholars from the University of Oxford.
The University of Padua was founded in 1222, though some evidence suggests it may have opened to students earlier.
Women were admitted as full members of the University of Oxford from 1920.
