The State University of Tetova was founded on 17 December 1994 by Albanians,[3] without government approval.

[6] To prevent the university from opening, the Macedonian police used force, which resulted in nineteen people being seriously injured and the death of an Albanian man.

The university was able to continue organizing lectures but its credentials and degrees were not recognized in the country.

The operation of the university was approved by Macedonia's Albanian political parties.

[12] In 2021, at least seven professors from the medical faculty of the university were accused of engaging in academic dishonesty, allegedly plagiarizing and copying scientific works.