[13] The university is internationally known for its football club CS Universitatea Craiova.

The idea of founding a higher school in Craiova was proposed in the 18th century by Nicolae Bălcescu, the leader of the Wallachian Revolution of 1848.

The establishment of the University of Craiova put in a proposal by Ion Heliade Rădulescu in 1848.

Almost a century later, its establishment was approved based on Act 138/25 April 1947 in the Official Bulletin of the Kingdom of Romania.

The Pedagogical Institute of Craiova included four teaching faculties: Philosophy, Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry, and Natural Sciences.

[15] According to the Act No.894/27 August 1965 approved by the Ministerial Council of the Socialist Republic of Romania, the University of Craiova was officially established with seven faculties: Mathematics, Philology, Electrotechnics, Agriculture, Horticulture, Chemistry and Economics.

This has been ranked as one of the best universities for medicine in Romania, and has gained in popularity among students due to its six-year program and no entrance exam.

Its construction was finished in 1896, and it was designed as Neoclassical architecture by architect Ion N. Socolescu [ro].

Over the time, the entrances has been relocated, to make easy access to faculties and rooms.

The university has awarded honorary doctorates to more than 60 persons from different countries for their contributions to science and education.

The University of Craiova participates in the European educational programs and performs cooperation and student exchanges with other institutions abroad.

The university works towards extending collaborations and improving the pedagogical experience of both professors and students.