University

A university (from Latin universitas 'a whole') is an institution for tertiary education and research. It gives out academic degrees in many academic disciplines. The word university comes from the Latin phrase universitas magistrorum et scholarium, meaning "community of teachers and scholars". Universities have programs for students starting their studies and for those who want to learn more advanced topics later.

The first universities started in Europe. They grew from schools supported by the Church to train priests. One of the earliest universities was the University of Bologna in Italy, founded in 1088. This university was important because it gave high-level degrees, used the word universitas, and was separate from church schools. Students could study many subjects, both religious and non-religious.

History

The word "university" comes from the Latin word universitas, meaning "a whole." It started as a group of teachers and scholars working together. Now, it means a place where people study many subjects and earn degrees.

An important idea for universities is academic freedom. This means scholars can study and teach without interference. The University of Bologna, founded in the 12th century, was one of the first to support this idea.

Universities have a long history. Early learning centers included places like the School of Alexandria and Nalanda mahavihara. In Europe, many universities began in cathedral or monastic schools. The first universities, like the University of Bologna, the University of Paris, and the University of Oxford, started in the 12th and 13th centuries.

During the Early Modern period, universities grew and added new subjects. They were influenced by humanism and created many new universities across Europe.

In the 19th century, universities changed again. They focused more on science and research. Models from Germany and France shaped how universities were organized. Religion had less influence on teaching.

Today, universities keep changing. They stay important places for learning, research, and new ideas.

Organization

Universities are organized in different ways, but most have a board of leaders, a main leader called a president, chancellor, or rector, and deans for different parts of the school. They are often split into several academic departments or schools.

Public university systems are overseen by government boards that handle money and approve new classes and programs. Even though they are controlled by the government, many public universities can make their own decisions about money, research, and teaching. Private universities are funded by private money and usually have more freedom from government rules, but they might still depend on businesses for funding.

Around the world

See also: List of universities and colleges by country

Universities are different in many countries. In some places, the government helps pay for universities. In other places, universities get money from donors or charge students to attend. Some students live close to home, while others come from many countries to study. These universities may have places for students to live on the campus.

Classification

Further information: Category:Higher education by country

The idea of what a university is can differ a lot, even in the same country. Usually, a government group decides what counts as a university.

For example, in Australia, a group called the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency looks after universities. In the United States, some states like Massachusetts only call a school a university if it gives out certain high-level degrees. In the United Kingdom, a group called the Privy Council decides which schools can use the name “university.”

In India, some special schools that aren’t technically universities are called “deemed universities.” In Canada, colleges usually take two years and don’t give degrees, while universities take four years and give degrees.

In Germany, universities can give many types of degrees and must be approved by the government. There are also other schools called “universities of applied sciences” that give some degrees but focus more on practical learning.

Colloquial usage

Main article: College

People sometimes use the word "university" to talk about a part of their life, like saying, "When I was at university..." In some places like the United States and Ireland, they often use the word "college" instead. In many countries, including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Spain, and German-speaking countries, people shorten "university" to "uni." In some other places like Ghana, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and South Africa, it’s sometimes called "varsity," though this isn’t as common now.

Cost

Main article: Tuition payments

In many places, students need to pay money called tuition fees to go to university. Some students get help called "student grants" to pay for this. In the United States, students often have to borrow money and pay it back later.

However, in some countries like those in Nordic countries, students do not pay tuition fees to go to public universities. This includes EU and EEA countries, as well as Switzerland. Germany also usually does not charge tuition fees, except for a small administrative fee. Private universities, though, almost always charge tuition fees.