Here is a list of Top 5 Oldest University around the World as per the time, they were established. Some are still operating while others are remembered for their rich history.
Taxila flourished between 600 BC and 500 AD, in the kingdom of Gandhar, in Ancient India, but now in Pakistan. 68 subjects were taught including Vedas, Grammar, Philosophy, astronomy, medicine, surgery, politics, archery warfare, music, commerce etc. Minimum entry age was 16. At the time, 10,500 students studied there, including those from China, Babylon, Syria and Greece.
Nalanda functioned from 500 AD to 1300 AD until, it was destroyed by foreign invaders. It had 300 lecture halls, laboratories, libraries and an observatory. Chinese travelers recorded that, 10,000 students were taught by 200 professors in Nalanda. It was founded during Gupta age.
Al- Karaounine is situated in Fes, Morocco. It was originally a mosque founded by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, in 859 AD. It gradually became one of the leading universities of natural sciences. In 1959, the university added subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics and foreign languages. This is considered the oldest degree-granting university in the world.
It started in 970-972 AD by Fatimid empire of Egypt, as an institute for studying Arabic Literature and Sunni Islamic religion. Now, its course includes modern sciences along with Islamic studies like Quran. Its library is a treasure of Islamic literature.
Founded in 1065 AD by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk, it was the most successful branch of a series of universities established by al-Mulk. These universities together created the "Largest University of Medieval world". The education offered required no fee. List of Top 5 Oldest University around the World may differ since some researchers include the Ancient Universities while others enlist only those resembling modern concepts. Bologna of Italy, founded in 1088 AD is considered the first institute of higher learning in Western world.