Established in response to the growing demand for higher education in Central Java, the Semarang University Foundation officially opened Semarang University on January 9, 1957, under the leadership of its first President, Mr. Imam Bardjo.

On January 9, 1960, President Soekarno renamed the institution to Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) to honor its contributions to education. October 15, 1957, was later designated as the university's official anniversary to commemorate the historic "five-day battle" in Semarang and to embody the spirit of nation-building through education.

Today, UNDIP aims to produce graduates with a "COMPLETE" profile—possessing national and international excellence—and currently serves students through 11 faculties, 2 schools (Vocational and Postgraduate), and 169 study programs.