The University of Perugia was founded in 1308. In that year, Pope Clement V issued a bull entitled Super specula, which granted the Studium of the city the authority to engage in higher education. The bull made Perugia a leggere generaliter, giving its degree courses universal validity and recognition. Formal imperial recognition of the University was conveyed in 1355, when Emperor Charles I granted Perugia the permanent right to have a University and to award degrees to students from all nations. In the 14th century, the University offered degrees in two fields: Law and General Arts.

Today, research, education and consulting activities in the various disciplines are organized in 14 Departments, with about 25,000 students, 1,100 professors and researchers and 1,100 staff members. The University also offers study programs in some other Umbrian towns: Assisi, Foligno, Narni and Terni.