In this piece, we will take a look at the five oldest universities in the world. If you want to take a deeper look at the for profit university and college costs, head on over to 30 Oldest Universities in the World.
5. University of Bologna
Date of Establishment: 1088
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Italy, and considering the number of Italian universities on our list of oldest universities in the world, it’s no small feat. It also has the distinction of being the oldest university in the world that has never stopped operating since being set up – ensuring that the University of Bologna has been working for more than a thousand years. It has a distinguished set of alumni, including prime ministers, CEOs, poets, and scientists.
4. Hunan University
Date of Establishment: 976
The Hunan University is China’s oldest university. It traces its roots back to China’s Song dynasty and has tens of thousands of students in its enrollment. Hunan University is also one of the most highly ranked universities in China. It offers education in a variety of different courses, ranging from engineering to mathematics, economics, business, and physics. Hunan University has also produced several notable alumni, including philosophers, business leaders, ambassadors, and engineers.
3. Al-Azhar University
Date of Establishment: 970
The Al-Azhar University is Egypt’s oldest university. It is also one of the centers of education and research in Islam. Scholars at the university often tackle important questions about one of the world’s largest religions, seeking to balance Islamic teachings with the current age. Al-Azhar has produced numerous Islamic scholars, and its founders claimed direct descent from Islam’s prophet Muhammad. Through its centuries old history, Al-Azhar has significantly expanded its academic scope and also offers education in engineering, business, agriculture, and other disciplines.
2. University of al-Qarawiyyin
Date of Establishment: 859
The University of al-Qarawiyyin is Morrocco’s oldest university. It was initially set up as a mosque, and its status as one of the oldest universities in the world is often disputed. Critics claim that the University of al-Qarawiyyin has not operated as a proper university throughout most of its history, while supporters point out that during the early Islamic age, mosques often also doubled down as centers of learning. Throughout the years, the university has produced several scholars, philosophers, and politicians.
1. University of Ez-Zitouna
Date of Establishment: 737
The University of Ez-Zitouna, like the University of al-Qarawiyyin, was also initially set up as a mosque. It is however one of the smallest universities on our list, with less than two thousand students on its roster. The University of Ez-Zitouna focuses purely on offering Islamic education, and it offers degrees in Islamic sciences, arts, and heritage. However, the university is known for having vibrant libraries as well, with a significantly diverse list of manuscript subjects, including logic, mathematics, and minerals.
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