Russian-Armenian University was established following the inter-state agreement between Armenia and Russian Federation in 1997.

The first students were enrolled in February 1999 in Law, Public and Municipal Administration and Journalism.

Starting from 2002, scientific centers, institutions and problem research groups have been developing within the university.

On October 15, 2004, the Park of Gratitude was opened on the university premises as a symbol of the Russian-Armenian friendship.

On April 29, 2005 RAU was accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.