Oxbridge are undeniably the oldest unis in the UK (but not the world) and that can never change, unless they're abolished.
With their history comes prestige.
However, every other aspect can be replicated, be it the 1-1 tutorial system, collegiate structure, funding, etc.
But the fact is it is NOT being replicated, simply because there is a deliberate ploy to keep them unique.
Take for example, why can they award their graduates an MA for only doing a first (UG) degree, when all other unis award a BA?
Don't say it's because Oxbridge degrees are harder than the rest (they may well be) but if all other unis only award a BA, that means all other unis are of the SAME standard, which is clearly false.
Their fame is largely due to the media giving them an unfair amount of publicity, as they tend to be Oxbridge grads. (Conversely, how many Imperial grads work in the media)?
How many times have you read: Oxbridge grad / student ..... , as opposed to only: Grad / student .....
Even in the latest league table of international unis (complete meaningless imo),
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/12097285/UK-dominates-list-of-worlds-most-international-universities.htmlthe media still would not add Imperial in their headlines but if it was Oxbridge coming top, they would think twice.
Look at this article from the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9090664/Oxford-graduates-pull-pints-in-dire-jobs-market.htmlIt claims Oxford medical grads become GPs and consultants only after graduating for 6 months, which is obviously b*llocks!
Is it true only the best get into Oxbridge? Maybe the best UK students but not necessarily international students. Those that are from abroad must fulfil several criteria: they must speak english, have sufficient funds, actually want to live abroad!
Nobel prize awards are subjective anyway.
If you consider non subjective measurements, such as the international math olympiad, the winning teams tend to be from China and Korea. Which unis do those students attend?
Look at the international math competitions for uni students. Cambridge (never mind about Oxford) have never even come close to winning.
Whilst many might defend by saying Oxbridge don't care but if that were the case, why participate at all?
The bottom line is Oxbridge might still be the best in the UK but probably there's not much in it, if all their advantages were stripped away.