There is some conflict here which historians cannot agree on.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin or al-Karaouine, otherwise known to the west as "University of Karueein", is found in a city called Fes, the second largest city in Morocco. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 CE and continues to operate to this day. However when it was first founded, it was believed that it was not officially classed as a university. So many historians doubt its claim as the oldest university.

The University of Bologna, in Italy, is the university that most historians agree is the oldest and is pretty much "officially" seen as the oldest in the world. Although they are not sure exactly, they believe it was founded around 1088 CE. The University of Bologna received a charter from Frederick I Barbarossa in 1158, however historians believe they have traced the founding back to 1088. The founder of the University of Bologna is Irnerius.

The official answer is Irnerius, who founded the University of Bologna.


Further Reading:

• The University of Bologna
• Irnerius
• University of al-Qarawiyyin / al-Karaouine / University of Karueein
• Fatima al-Fihri
• Guinness Records: Oldest University