Established in Cairo in 970 A.D., this university was originally a madrassa, known as the center of Sunni Muslim learning, but now has a curriculum focused on secular subjects.
Bologna University, Italy
Located in the Italian city of Bologna, this school was founded in 1088 and is considered the oldest university in Europe.
Oxford University, U.K.
Founded in 1096, Oxford has the world’s oldest university museum and is home to the largest university press in the world.
Salamanca University, Spain
The oldest university of the Hispanic world, this school was founded in 1134 and was the first European institution to receive the title of university.
Cambridge University, U.K.
This university was founded in 1209 after some scholars left Oxford after a dispute involving the execution of a few faculty members.
Padua University, Italy
Similar to Cambridge, this university was founded by professors and scholars who left Bologna University in 1222.
University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Considered the first public university in Europe, this school was founded in 1224 by Roman Emperor Frederick II.
Toulouse University, France
Founded in 1229, it was briefly closed in 1793 due to the French Revolution.
Coimbra University, Portugal
Founded in 1290, it was initially located in Lisbon. In 1537, the school was moved to the city of Coimbra.
