The university was first created by Yamanashi Prefecture in 1953 as the Temporary School for Teacher Training.

The curriculum emphasized a liberal arts education overseen by a Faculty of Humanities.

Every semester, an average of 10 UC students have the opportunity to take classes in Japanese language and culture.

In exchange, Tsuru students are able to compete for the chance to study at any of the UC campuses.

The first international contact came about in 1978 when then-student Masanori Sakaguchi (currently retired school principal in Wakayama Prefecture) invited an Asian-American friend to stay with him and to tour the campus.