Juliana Morell

The first woman to earn a university degree, breaking barriers in female education during the 16th century.

Juliana Morell (1594–1653) was a pioneering Spanish nun, scholar, and intellectual who made history as the first woman to receive a university degree in a time when higher education was almost exclusively reserved for men. Born in Barcelona, she displayed extraordinary intellectual prowess from a young age, mastering Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and philosophy by her teenage years.

In 1608, at just 14 years old, Juliana defended her thesis in law at the University of Avignon, France, under the guidance of her stepfather. Her achievement was unprecedented, challenging the rigid gender norms of Renaissance Europe. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, her degree was granted with special papal approval, highlighting the societal resistance she overcame.

Juliana's later life as a Dominican nun did not diminish her scholarly impact. She authored theological works and poetry, advocating for women's intellectual capabilities. Her legacy is celebrated in feminist historiography as a cornerstone of early female academic achievement. Learn more about her life here.