Magna Charta Universitatum

Magna Charta Universitatum
Ratified18 September 1988
LocationEngrossed copy: University of Bologna
Signatories975 Universities
Purposereference for the fundamental values and principles of the university, in particular institutional autonomy and academic freedom

The Magna Charta Universitatum (Great Charter of Universities) is a short two-page document signed in Bologna, Italy in 1988 explicitly defining key principles underpinning the existence of universities such as academic freedom and institutional autonomy.[1] The document is signed by higher education institutions with the aim to recognize and celebrate university traditions and to encourage cooperation among European universities.[2] The document is intended to serve as a universal inspiration and is as such open to universities throughout the world and not only those located in Europe.[2]

The charter was established by the University of Bologna and the European Rectors' Conference (now EUA) in 1988, to mark the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna, with 388 original signatories.[2][3] As of 2024 it has been signed by 975 universities from 94 countries.[4]

  1. ^ Lee Adendorff (30 September 2021). "Is the Magna Charta Universitatum still relevant?". University World News. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Read the Magna Charta Universitatum". Observatory Magna Charta Universitum. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  3. ^ Stefan Collini (24 April 2018). "In UK universities there is a daily erosion of integrity". The Guardian.
  4. ^ "Signatory Universities". Observatory Magna Charta Universitum. Retrieved 17 January 2024.