The University of Oxford is a public university. It is funded primarily by the UK government, research grants, and tuition fees, aligning with the structure of other public higher education institutions in the country. While it operates independently in governance and academic decisions, its reliance on public funding and commitment to serving the broader educational needs of society classify it as a public institution.
Oxford, established in the 12th century, follows a collegiate system but remains accountable to public oversight, distinguishing it from private universities that rely predominantly on endowments and private funding.
