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
• University of Dublin – founded 1592 (The Republic of Ireland may not be part of the UK today, but it was when this university was established. The institution remained and flourished.)

The University of Durham is also sometimes counted, although it only started granting degrees in 1832.

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

See also

• Ivy League (a group comprising some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.; 7 of the 8 are the earliest American universities, founded prior to the 19th century)

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

• Medieval university