List of Oldest Universities in Continuous Operation - Modern Spread

Modern Spread

From the early modern period onwards, the university gradually spread from the medieval Latin west across the globe, eventually replacing all other higher-learning institutions and becoming the preeminent institution for higher education everywhere. This process occurred in the following chronological order:

• Western Europe (since 11th/12th century)
• Eastern Europe (since 14th/15th century)
• Americas (since 16th century)
• Australia (since 19th century)
• Asia and Africa (since 19th/20th century), except in the Philippines where University of Santo Tomas and San Carlos University were established in 17th and 16th century respectively.