The oldest universities in the UK draw students from every corner of the globe with their rich histories, exceptional academic achievements, and distinct cultural allure. Within these hallowed halls, each student embarks on an unforgettable academic journey, carving out their own splendid chapter. Now, let’s learn about some of the oldest universities in the UK. We’ll find out when they were founded, what mottoes they’re known for, and some of their famous alumni.
10 Oldest Universities in the UK
Below is a list of 10 oldest universities in the UK by the date of their foundation.
| University | Date of Foundation |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 1096 |
| University of Cambridge | 1209 |
| University of St Andrews | 1413 |
| University of Glasgow | 1451 |
| University of Aberdeen | 1495 |
| University of Edinburgh | 1583 |
| University of Manchester | 1824 |
| University College London | 1826 |
| Durham University | 1832 |
| Aberystwyth University | 1872 |
1. University of Oxford (1096)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #3
- Motto: Dominus illuminatio mea (The Lord is my light)
- Famou alumini: Adam Smith, Tony Blair, Indira Gandhi, David Cameron, Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Oxford University, renowned globally as the oldest university in the UK, boasts a rich history and unparalleled academic excellence. It stands as the second-oldest continuously operating university in the world, after only Bologna University. Located in the picturesque city of Oxford, England, it is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is often referred to as part of the “Golden Triangle” and the “G5 Super Elite Universities.” We have Oxford University accommodation in all room types and you can find a suitable one.
2. University of Cambridge (1209)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #5
- Motto: Hinc lucem et pocula sacra (From here, light and sacred draughts)
- Famou alumini: Stephen Hawking, Alan Turing, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Rajiv Gandhi.
Cambridge University, nestled along the banks of the picturesque River Cam in the historic city of Cambridge, England. it is a prestigious institution of higher learning that has stood the test of time since its founding in the 13th century. Cambridge’s 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own distinctive charm and traditions, provide a nurturing environment where students engage in rigorous academic pursuits, fostering deep intellectual growth and personal development. You can browse and find nice student accommodations near University of Cambridge according to your preferences.
3. University of St Andrews (1413)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #104
- Motto: ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ (Ever to Excel)
- Famou alumini: Richard Abbott, Patrick Abercromby, George Gordon, John Hamilton-Gordon, Hikmat Abu Zayd, Henry Adamson, John Adamson.
The University of St Andrews, nestled in the picturesque coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland. St Andrews is particularly renowned for its innovative teaching methods and emphasis on critical thinking. Beyond academics, St Andrews offers a vibrant campus life filled with cultural events, sports activities, and clubs and societies, providing students with ample opportunities to develop their interests and leadership skills. There are many excellent options for student accommodation near the University of St Andrews.
4. University of Glasgow (1451)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #78
- Motto: Via, Veritas, Vita (The way, the truth, the life)
- Famou alumini: Sir Vince Cable, Charles Kennedy, Sir Menzies Campbell, John Smith, Donald Dewar.
The University of Glasgow is located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Scotland. As one of the oldest UK universities, Glasgow offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities. Glasgow is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research universities in the United Kingdom. Looking for University of Glasgow accommodation? We offer fantastic deals on a wide selection of rooms.
5. University of Aberdeen (1495)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #236
- Motto: Initium sapientiae timor domini (The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord)
- Famou alumini: Princess Royal Anne, Richard Dawkins, David Attenborough, Isaac Watts, Denis Law, J. K. Rowling, Thomas Hardy.
The University of Aberdeen, is nestled in the picturesque city of Aberdeen, Scotland. With a long tradition of academic excellence, Aberdeen offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. It is famous for its innovative research, particularly in fields such as medicine and energy. If you want to live off-campus, visit uhomes.com to find University of Aberdeen accommodations.
6. University of Edinburgh (1583)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #27
- Motto: Quaerite et Invenietis (Seek and You Shall Find)
- Famou alumini: Charles Darwin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Walter Scott.
The University of Edinburgh is located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines including medicine, law, engineering, arts, and social sciences. Edinburgh has a strong academic reputation for medicine and science. The University also has the UK’s oldest Department of English Literature and ranks highly in the humanities and is counted among the top 5 Business schools in the UK. Click here to find University of Edinburgh accommodation.
7. University of Manchester (1824)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #34
- Motto: Cognitio, sapientia, humanitas. (Knowledge, Wisdom, Humanity.)
- Famou alumini: Phil Collins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ade Edmondson, Helen Edmundson, Ben Elton, Vicky Featherstone.
The University of Manchester is located in the heart of the vibrant city of Manchester, England. The University is well-known for academic and research excellence and is a member of the Russell Group. It offers a diverse range of programs spanning the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and business, ranking high in the list of top MBA universities in the UK. Don’t worry about student accommodation near the University of Manchester, there are plenty of options available with uhomes.
8. University College London (1826)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #9
- Motto: Cuncti adsint meritaeque expectent praemia palmae (Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward)
- Famou alumini: Mahatma Gandhi, Christopher Nolan, Chris Martin, Rabindranath Tagore, David Attenborough.
University College London, famously known as ‘London’s Global University,’ boasts a rich history as the eighth oldest university in the United Kingdom. UCL is an esteemed member of both the Russell Group of prestigious UK universities and the League of European Research Universities. It offers over 650 master’s programs and nearly 500 undergraduate degrees for students round the world. Besides, there are numerous UCL accommodation options waiting for you.
9. Durham University (1832)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #89
- Motto: Fundamenta eius super montibus sanctis (Her foundations are upon the holy hills)
- Famou alumini: Peter Adam, Ajaz Akhtar. Umberto Albarella. Michael Alcorn. Michelle Alexander.
Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England. The University is a member of Russell Group of British research universities.Durham has 25 academic departments, 19 of which are ranked in the top 100 in the country and is among the best Law universities in UK. Moreover, Durham University is renowned for its beautiful campus, which combines historic architecture with modern facilities. Living near Durham University could be comfortable and enjoyable.
10. Aberystwyth University (1872)
- QS World University Ranking 2025 #661
- Motto: A world without knowledge is no world at all
- Famou alumini: Charles III of the United Kingdom, Alex Jones, Gareth Jones, Rachel Roberts, Neil Hamilton.
Aberystwyth University is a prestigious public comprehensive research university located in Wales. It is the first formal university in Wales. Aberystwyth University is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in fields such as International Relations, Law, and Celtic Studies. Its Department of International Politics, founded in 1919, is one of the oldest and most highly regarded in the world.
Oldest Universities in Scotland, Wales & North Ireland
Oldest University in Scotland
Scotland boasts a remarkable heritage in higher education, with half of the ten oldest universities in the United Kingdom hailing from its shores. The University of St Andrews, founded in 1410 and officially recognized as a university in 1413, stands as the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the entire UK. The three other oldest universities in Scotland are the University of Glasgow (1451), the University of Aberdeen (1495), and the University of Edinburgh (1583). These institutions, represent a formidable force in Scottish academia.
Oldest University in Wales
The oldest university in Wales is the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Although the university was officially established through a merger in 2010, its history can be traced back to earlier institutions. Specifically, UWTSD was formed by the merger of the former University of Wales, Lampeter (established in 1822), and Trinity University College, Carmarthen (established in 1848), among other institutions. These predecessor institutions were all historically significant academic institutions in Wales, and thus, it can be argued that UWTSD inherits the long history and academic traditions of these institutions.
Oldest University in North Ireland
The oldest university in Northern Ireland is Queen’s University Belfast. This prestigious institution traces its origins back to Queen’s College, Belfast, which was founded in 1845 as part of an initiative to establish three colleges that would eventually merge to form the Queen’s University of Ireland (later renamed the Royal University of Ireland). However, when the Royal University of Ireland was dissolved in 1909, Queen’s College, Belfast was granted independent university status, a position it has held ever since.
The Oldest University in the World
While the UK boasts several universities with a long and rich history, it does not hold the title of having the oldest university in the world. That distinction belongs to the University of Bologna in Italy, which has been conducting classes since 1088, and is even credited with coining the term “university” for the institution. In comparison, Oxford and Cambridge universities in the UK are the second and third oldest existing universities globally, respectively.
Conclusion
We hope you find our exploration of the oldest universities in UK both fascinating and informative. As you embark on this exciting journey, we understand that finding the right student accommodation in UK is just as crucial. That’s where uhomes.com comes in — your one-stop solution for comfortable and convenient living spaces tailored to enhance your university experience. Whether you’re dreaming of immersing yourself in the historic charm of Oxford or Cambridge, or exploring the cutting-edge facilities of modern institutions, uhomes has got you covered.
FAQ
Harvard University stands as the oldest college in the US and the oldest Ivy League school. It was founded by Massachusetts legislature. Originally named “New College”, it was later named Harvard University after the university benefactor John Harvard.
University of Bologna in Italy is the oldest university still running. The university has been operating since 1088. It largely specialised in doctorate studies, but now offers a wide array of programmes across all levels. In 2021, over 90,291 students were enrolled at the University of Bologna. 7,062 of these were international students.
The University of Buckingham is the smallest university in England. It is also the only independent University in the UK. In this university, students study in small size classes so teachers can easier pay attention on individual students. And students here have different nationalities and so being at Buckingham is just like being in a mini global village.
The King’s School, Canterbury is the oldest school in the UK. It is founded with the establishment of Canterbury Cathedral in 597. Over the centuries, the oldest boys school in the UK has nurtured countless notable alumni, known as Old King’s Scholars (OKS), consisting of politicians, writers, philosophers, sports celebrities and more.
