Oxford University has come top of the Times Higher Education world university rankings, the BBC reports.
Oxford knocks California Institute of Technology, the top performer for the past five years, into second place.
The rankings show a mixed picture for European universities, while Asian institutions continue to rise.
The Times Higher tables rank universities worldwide on measures including teaching, research and international outlook – for example, numbers of overseas students and staff.
Editor of the rankings Phil Baty said it was “fantastic news” Oxford had come top, but the UK’s vote to leave the European Union was a big threat to the sector.