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Ancient university

Among British universities, an ancient university is one founded before the 19th century in Britain.

The ancient universities in the United Kingdom are, in order of formation:

• University of Oxford – founded 1249
• University of Cambridge – founded 1284
• University of St Andrews – founded 1411
• University of Glasgow – founded 1451
• University of Aberdeen – founded 1494
• University of Edinburgh – founded 1583

The University of Durham is also sometimes counted, although it only started granting degrees in the 19th century.

"Oxbridge" is a portmanteau name for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the two oldest in England (see Oxbridge rivalry).

See also

• University of Dublin – founded 1592 by Elizabeth I

• The Ivy League – Earliest American universities: 7 of the 8 founded prior to 1800

Ancient universities exist elsewhere in the world, for these see also:

• Medieval university