In the early 1950s, people in Central Java, especially in Semarang, needed a university to provide higher education learning and teaching facilities.

Its purpose is to assist the government in managing and overseeing all areas of development, especially in the field of education.

As the number of senior high school graduates have continuously been increasing without increment in the number of universities, some graduates may not be able to gain a seat in higher education in north of Central Java.

The decision was retroactive to 15 October 1957, and this date is commemorated as the day of Diponegoro University's Dies Natalis as well as for remembering "Five Days Battle in Semarang", which is part of Indonesian National Revolution war that took place in Semarang City.

The date of establishment 15 October 1957 was stated in Rector's report on the 13th Dies Natalis of Diponegoro University.

These programs are opened widely for the university graduates achieving higher degree of education.

Development of education, research and community service are based on the university's scientific pattern, that is coastal eco-development.

[15] There are numerous research centres and service centres in Diponegoro University under LPPM (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat/Institute for Research and Community Service) of Diponegoro University:[17][18] Undip is in Semarang – the capital city of Central Java.

[19] Rumah Susun Sewa bagi Mahasiswa (Rusunawa) is the student dormitory building.

The student centre was built to fulfil the needs for a place where students can express their creativity and increase their achievement, and home bases for numerous UKM (Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa/Student Activities Unit).