As of 2026-04-29, Ez-Zitouna University tops the list with 737.
- #1 Ez-Zitouna University — 737
university in Tunisia
Ez-Zitouna University is a medieval public university in Tunis, Tunisia. The university originated in the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, founded at the end of the 7th or in the early 8th century, which developed into a major Islamic centre of learning in North Africa. It consists of the Oldest and Higher Institute of Theology and the Higher Institute of Islamic Civilisation in Tunis and a research institution, the Centre of Islamic Studies, in Kairouan. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #2 University of al-Qarawiyyin — 859
university in Fez, Morocco
The University of al-Qarawiyyin, also written Al-Karaouine or Al Quaraouiyine, is a university located in Fez, Morocco. It was founded as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri in 857–859 and subsequently became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Islamic Golden Age. It was incorporated into Morocco's modern state university system in 1963 and officially renamed "University of Al Quaraouiyine" two years later. The mosque building itself is also a significant complex of historical... Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #3 Hunan University — 976
university in China
Hunan University is a national public university in Yuelu, Changsha, Hunan, China. It is affiliated with and funded by the Ministry of Education. The university is part of Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Construction. It is also a member in the BRICS Universities League. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #4 Sankore Madrasah — 988
ancient center of learning in Timbuktu, Mali
Sankoré Madrasa is one of three medieval mosques and centres of learning located in Timbuktu, Mali. Founded in the 14th or early 15th century, the Sankoré mosque went through multiple periods of patronage and renovation under both the Mali Empire and the Songhai Empire until its decline following the Battle of Tondibi in 1591. The mosque developed into an Arabian madrasa. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #5 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences — 1024
university in Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences also known as Medical University of Isfahan (MUI) is a university specializing in basic medical sciences, clinical science, and health services, located in Isfahan, Iran. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #6 Heiligenkreuz Abbey — 1101
monastery in Heiligenkreuz, Lower Austria
Heiligenkreuz Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in the village of Heiligenkreuz in the southern part of the Vienna woods, c. 13 km north-west of Baden in Lower Austria. It is the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #7 University of Modena and Reggio Emilia — 1175
university in Italy
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, located in Modena and Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1175, with a population of 20,000 students. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #8 University of Montpellier — 1220
French university located in Montpellier (2022- )
The University of Montpellier is a public research university located in Montpellier, in south-east of France. Established in 1220, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #9 University of Padua — 1222
university in Italy
The University of Padua is an Italian public research university in Padua, Italy. It was founded in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna, who previously settled in Vicenza; thus, it is the second-oldest university in Italy, as well as the world's fifth-oldest surviving university. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata - #10 Al-Mustansiriya University — 1227
university in Baghdad, Iraq
Al-Mustansiriya University is a public university located in Baghdad, Iraq. It traces its origin back to 1227. The modern form of the university was founded in 1963. Read more on Wikipedia.
Wikidata