How Do We Define the Oldest University in the World?

[Campus reveiw]

When discussing the oldest university in the world, founding dates alone can be misleading.

Different institutions developed under different educational traditions, and the definition of a “university” has changed over time.



For example, Al-Qarawiyyin is traditionally dated to 859 CE, while Bologna is associated with 1088 and is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the Western world.

This makes university history an interesting topic because continuity, institutional structure, academic degrees, and historical tradition all matter.

A detailed comparison is available here:

https://thecampusreview.com/history-and-culture/oldest-university-in-the-world/