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
Ancient universities exist elsewhere in the world. For these see also: