Universities around the globe boast rich histories, but one institution stands out as the oldest in the world: the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco. According to Guinness World Records, this venerable institution holds the record for being the oldest higher learning institution in continuous operation.
Founded as a mosque in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, the University of al-Qarawiyyin was incorporated into Morocco’s university system in 1963. Fatima al-Fihri, along with her sister Mariam, used their inherited wealth to establish the Al-Karaouine Mosque and the associated educational complex, which includes the university and a library, as reported by the BBC.
The university’s curriculum originally focused on Arabic language and Islamic literature, but it has since expanded to include teachings in science, mathematics, and foreign languages.
In contrast, another historic institution, the University of Bologna in Italy, is often cited as the oldest continually operating university. Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest university in Europe. It has been a center of learning for notable figures such as astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus, who attended the university in 1497. As of the 2022-23 academic year, the University of Bologna had 96,984 students, including 8,526 international students, and offered programs across 31 departments, ranging from architecture to veterinary sciences.
The University of Oxford in England, considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world, also has a long history. Although teaching at Oxford is believed to have begun around 1096, the university’s official website notes that a precise founding date is unclear. The university’s prominence grew significantly in 1167 when English students were banned from studying at the University of Paris, boosting Oxford’s enrollment.
In the United States, Harvard University holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning, founded on October 28, 1636. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is a member of the Ivy League and has a highly competitive acceptance rate of 3%.
These institutions reflect the rich and diverse history of higher education across different cultures and eras.
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