The University of Vienna was founded by Duke Rudolf IV in 1365. The University of Vienna is the oldest university in the German-speaking world and one of the largest universities of Central Europe.

On March 12, 1365 Duke Rudolph IV ("the Founder") established the Alma Mater Rudolphina Vindobonensis on the model of the famous universities in Italy and France. The mediaeval university was closely connected with the Church. It was not until the university reforms under Maria Theresia and Joseph II that the Church was forced to relinquish some of its power.

As a result of the 1848 Revolution, the University attained academic freedom. The principle "Science and its teaching are free" has been legally guaranteed ever since 1867. In the period up to World War I, the "Viennese Schools" gained worldwide renown in many a discipline. Numerous new institute buildings were erected. In the late 19th century the architect Heinrich von Ferstel designed the Main Building of the University of Vienna as an impressive Renaissance palace. As of 1897, women were also admitted to study at the University of Vienna.

Following the National Socialist takeover, many students and teachers were excluded from the university, particularly people of Jewish origin - the University of Vienna lost 45% of its professors and lecturers through exile and extermination.

The University underwent a huge expansion during the education boom of the 1970's, in the course of which many new institutes were established. The Universities Act 2002 brought about a fundamental reorganization of the University of Vienna, as a performance oriented, autonomous institution with greater responsibility for its own affairs.