First Universities in the World: A Simple Country-by-Country List for Students

First University in the World: Nation-by-Nation Breakdown

For individuals planning their study abroad journey, the earliest universities present a fascinating mix of foundational heritage and contemporary excellence. This segment outlines these institutions, matching their historical background with modern indicators like the QS 2026 rankings.

Presented here is a brief summary of the initial university founded across several notable countries to facilitate straightforward comparison.

Let us examine these academic institutions thoroughly, one by one.

University of Al-Qarawiyyin

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is historically acknowledged as the oldest operating degree-conferencing university in the world without interruption. Originating as a mosque and madrasa during the 9th century, it grew into a premier hub for Islamic scholarship and science, influencing intellectual discourse over generations.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Functions continuously from its original establishment in 859 AD as a prominent center of the Islamic Golden Age.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 8,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Islamic Law & Jurisprudence (Maliki School), Arabic Language & Literature, Theology & Philosophy.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 main historical campus situated within the medina of Fes.
• University Link:https://www.alquaraouiyine.com/

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is widely viewed as the initial university in the contemporary Western tradition, having pioneered the corporate model of higher education along with degree conferring. Its founding established the benchmark for academic organization throughout Europe.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1088 as a student-governed guild, laying the groundwork for the European higher education framework.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 87,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Medicine, Engineering.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 11 locations spread across the Emilia-Romagna district (incorporating Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, Rimini).
• University Link:https://www.unibo.it/en

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford stands as the oldest higher education institution in the English-speaking realm and a top-tier global entity. Its distinctive collegiate framework cultivates an intimate academic circle within a world-class research establishment.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Instruction was underway by 1096, with the collegiate organization evolving starting from the 13th century.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 24,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Medicine, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 44 independent colleges and halls.
• University Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/

Harvard University

Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and ranks among the most influential academic hubs globally. Its extensive assets and prominent alumni network have shaped worldwide leadership, science, and society.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1636, taking its name from its primary benefactor, John Harvard.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 23,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Computer Science, Economics, Political Science.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 primary location in Cambridge/Boston, featuring 12 degree-granting faculties.
• University Link:https://www.harvard.edu/

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is the inaugural university of Australia, founded upon the premise of granting higher education access to every qualified applicant regardless of background. It is celebrated for its scenic grounds and broad academic capability.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1850, it introduced a secular model of higher education within the colony of New South Wales.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 73,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Medicine and Health, Law, Engineering and Computer Science.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 9 primary locations and schools situated in and around Sydney.
• University Link:https://www.sydney.edu.au/

Université Laval

Université Laval represents the first French-medium university in the Americas and serves as the intellectual focal point for Francophone Canada. It played a pivotal role in advancing higher learning and research throughout Quebec.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1663 as the Séminaire de Québec, it was granted a royal charter operating as a university in 1852.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 43,000 learners.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Business Administration, Health Sciences, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 2 primary locations (situated in Quebec City and Montreal), along with numerous partner schools and study centers.
• University Link:https://www.ulaval.ca/

University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's premier university, recognized for its outstanding student lifestyle and excellence in health disciplines. Its heritage grounds located in Dunedin offer a classic collegiate setting.

Essential details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1869, shortly after the Otago gold rush generated the financial resources needed for its creation.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Around 21,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Health Sciences (Medicine), Dentistry, Law.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 4 primary campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland) along with multiple colleges.
• University Link:https://www.otago.ac.nz/

University of Santo Tomas

The University of Santo Tomas holds the title of the oldest operating university in Asia and serves as a pillar of Catholic higher education in the Philippines. It has significantly influenced the political, cultural, and scientific progress of the country.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1611 by the Dominican Order of Preachers, coming into existence 25 years before Harvard.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Roughly 45,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Medicine, Fine Arts and Design.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 main campus situated in Manila (Sampaloc), featuring 25 degree-awarding faculties and colleges.
• University Link:https://www.ust.edu.ph/

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin stands as Ireland's most ancient university and the sole constituent college comprising the University of Dublin. Situated centrally in the capital city, it represents a storied institution combining deep-rooted traditions with contemporary academic research.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I to strengthen English authority and Protestant education within Ireland.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Around 19,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Law, Computer Science, Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS).
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: 1 central campus located in downtown Dublin (alongside various external research centres).
• University Link:https://www.tcd.ie/

Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University ranks among the oldest degree-awarding institutions globally and continues to be the foremost international hub for Sunni Islamic scholarship. Its heritage is profoundly connected to the spiritual and academic framework of Egypt and the wider Islamic community.

Key details:

• Historical Significance: Established in 970 AD in Cairo originally as a mosque and madrasa, transforming over a thousand years into a contemporary university.
• Student Enrollment (Annually): Approximately 400,000 students.
• Popular Courses (list 3): Islamic Law & Jurisprudence, Quranic Studies, Arabic Language & Literature.
• Number of Campuses/Colleges: Numerous faculties, colleges, and associated institutes spread throughout Egypt and across various other nations.
• University Link:https://www.azhar.edu.eg/en