The University was founded on 5th February, 1960 by the USSR Government. On 22nd February, 1961, the RUDN University was named after Patrice Lumumba — one of the symbols of the African peoples’ fight for independence.

Students and academics could be free to pursue their learning, teaching, and research activities at , without being subject to political context, but firmly directed to the grand principles of friendship and mutual support.On February 5, 1992, by the decision of the Government of Russia, the University was renamed to Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

December 7, the results of UI GreenMetric 2020, the world ranking of the environmental sustainability of universities are presented. RUDN University is the only Russian university that entered the top 50 ranking, taking 42nd position among 912 universities in the world, and once again confirming the position of the “greenest” university in Russia. RUDN University is also recognized as the most active national coordinator of the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings network. Only one university in the world receives this award every year.

RUDN University has raised a lot of generations of leaders. Our graduates work in over 170 countries. Our alumni include presidents and ministers, well-known politicians and sought-after specialists in various fields.

Today RUDN University is a modern university which maintains long-standing traditions and has set the new heights to reach. In 2016 RUDN University started rebranding. RUDN University vector is defined in its Mission which says "Uniting people of different cultures by knowledge RUDN University creates leaders to make the World better". The university strategy is aimed at creating leaders able to meet the challenges of the modern society and deal with worldwide regional and global issues.

Welcome to RUDN University – world without horizons, world of ideas, world of opportunities!