The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and is actually so ancient that its founding date is unknown – though it is thought that teaching took place there as early as the 11th century. As the UK’s oldest and most famous universities, Oxford and Cambridge share a historic rivalry which dates back more than 800 years.The two halves of “Oxbridge” may have many elements in common – residential colleges, tutorial-based teaching, centuries of tradition – but as any graduate from Oxford or Cambridge will tell you, that’s where … Coordinates The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England.There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in continuous operation. There's a reason why Oxford is the world's most famous university, and it's not because of the nice old buildings or pretty countryside. It's not even because we wrote the English dictionary. The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education. Watch lectures, learn how to apply, and hear stories about the research, students and staff of this incredible university. We seek to do this in ways which benefit society on a national and a global scale. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a unique and historic institution. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the 11th century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear.