The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. Evidence suggests teaching occurred there as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest globally that is still in continuous operation. The university grew significantly in 1167 when Henry II barred English students from attending the University of Paris. Following conflicts between students and townspeople, some academics moved to Cambridge in 1209 and established the University of Cambridge. Oxford and Cambridge share many similarities and are often jointly called "Oxbridge".
Oxford is composed of 43 colleges, including 36 chartered colleges, four permanent private halls owned by religious organizations, and three societies controlled by the university, along with various academic departments organized into four divisions. The colleges manage their own memberships and activities, with student social life primarily centered around their respective college. The University does not have a main campus; its buildings are spread throughout the city. Oxford operates the Ashmolean Museum, the world's oldest university museum, and Oxford University Press, the largest university press in the world. In the fiscal year ending July 31, 2024, Oxford had a consolidated income of £3.05 billion, with £778.9 million from research grants and contracts. As of 2024, Oxford ranked first nationally for undergraduate education. Approximately 46% of Oxford's students and 48% of its academic staff come from outside the United Kingdom. Its alumni network includes 31 British Prime Ministers and numerous heads of state from around the world.
