When the new university opened its doors in 1960, it consisted of two faculties (Civil Engineering and Agriculture).

The university grew rapidly in the subsequent decades, formed respected programmes in engineering, sciences, and literature, as well as a strong emphasis on languages, offering courses on German, Russian, French, and English.

[citation needed] On 15 January 2013, 82 people were killed during the Aleppo University bombings.

The blasts reportedly struck an area between Aleppo University's halls of residence and the architecture faculty.

In addition, there are 17 academic centres, a publishing and printing house, and 20 units in the campus, designated to host more than 12 thousand students.