STUDIUM GENERALE

Studium Generale is the old name for a medieval university which was registered as an institution of international excellence by the Holy Roman Empire. Most of the early Studia Generali were found in Italy, France, England, and Spain, and these were considered the most prestigious places of learning in Europe. The Vatican continues to designate many new Universities as Studia Generali, although the popular significance of this honour has declined over the centuries.

As early as the 13th century, scholars from a Studium Generale were encouraged to give lecture courses at other institutes across Europe and to share documents, and this led to the current academic culture seen in modern European universities.

The eight universities generally considered as Studia Generali early in the 13th Century were:

• University of Bologna
• University of Paris
• University of Oxford
• University of Montpellier
• University of Palencia
• University of Reggio Emilia
• University of Vicenza
• University of Salerno (uncertain)
• University of Cambridge

Both theological and secular Universities were registered. This list quickly grew as new Universities were founded throughout Europe.

Many of these universities received formal confirmation of their status as Studia Generali towards the end of the 13th Century by way of papal bull, along with a host of newer universities.