In the early 1950s, people in Central Java, especially in Semarang, needed a university for providing higher learning and teaching facilities. It has been purpose to support of government in handling and in conducting all sectors of development, especially in the field of education. At that time, it was only Gajah Mada University as a public university, that providing higher education for people in Yogyakarta and also Central Java.

As amount of senior high schools graduated has been continuously increasing, while existence of universities limited, some graduates could have not been accommodated at higher education facilities in north of Central Java. Considering this situation, MR. Imam Bardjo and his colleagues formed an educational foundation, namely Yayasan Universitas Semarang (Foundation of Semarang University), noted by notary R.M. Soeprapto on Notarial Deed No 59, December 4, 1956. The foundation was a first step to establish a university in Semarang, namely Semarang University, that officially opened on January 9, 1957, and MR. Imam Bardjo was the first President of the university.

When Semarang University celebrated its third Dies Natalis on January 9, 1960, President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno renamed the Semarang University as Diponegoro University. Changing the name of Semarang University was intended as a tribute to the university’s performance in development of higher education in Central Java.

The President’s decision was confirmed by the Government Regulation No. 7 1961 and Decree Minister of Education, Teaching and Culture No. 101247 / UU on December 3, 1960.

Keputusan tersebut berlaku surut mulai tanggal 15 Oktober 1957 dengan ketentuan tanggal tersebut ditetapkan sebagai Dies Natalis Undip mengingat pada tanggal tersebut terjadi “pertempuran lima hari” revolusi fisik di kota Semarang. UNDIP memilih tanggal ini untuk meneruskan cita-cita pejuang kemerdekaan bangsa dalam mengisi kemerdekaan dengan mencerdaskan bangsa. UNDIP adalah bentuk sumbangsih para penerus bangsa atas amanah yang ditinggalkan para pejuang kemerdekaan.

Tahun 1957 ditetapkan sebagai tahun berdirinya Undip, dengan memperhatikan realitas sejarah bahwa Universitas Semarang sebagai universitas swasta – yang berdiri tahun 1957 merupakan embrio Universitas Diponegoro. Penetapan Dies Natalis Undip tanggal 15 Oktober 1957 telah dinyatakan dalam laporan Rektor pada Dies Natalis Undip yang ke 13.

The long reputation of Diponegoro University has delivered it to be among the top national higher education entities, which bring competitive advantage for the alumni and deliver intellectual works of research and publications.

1. Status Perguruan Tinggi Negeri (PTN)
   • Diponegoro University (UNDIP) based on Government Regulation No. 7 of 1961 is a State University based in Semarang, the capital city of Central Java Province
2. Status Badan Layanan Umum (BLU)
   • Based on the Decree of the Minister of Finance number 259 / KMK.05 / 2008 dated September 15, 2008 concerning the Establishment of Diponegoro University in the Ministry of National Education as a Government Agency implementing Financial Management of Public Service Agencies. Furthermore, Diponegoro University in financial management follows the pattern of Public Service Agency Management
3. Status Perguruan Tinggi Negeri – Berbadan Hukum (PTN-BH)