The university is the home of the Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics (RICAM) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

The JKU was established as the "College of Social Sciences, Economics and Business" (Hochschule für Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften) in 1966.

The university was named in honor of astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) who wrote his magnum opus harmonices mundi ("The Harmony of the world") in Linz during the early 17th century and taught mathematics at a school for the landed gentry (Adelichen Landt-Schuelen) near Linz.

JKU's campus is located in the northeast of Linz, in the Auhof area of the St. Magdalena district.

The JKU is also located close to Austria's autobahn network at the Dornach exit on the A7 Mühlkreisautobahn (ca.

In anticipation of extending the campus, an additional autobahn exit, Auhof, is currently in the construction stages and is expected to better facilitate traffic, allowing a more direct route to the university.

A bicycle path in the north-east corner of the town located along the north side of the Danube river provides direct access to the university and helps to reduce traffic in the area.

The university board is an independent body that advises and counsels the vice-chancellor and the Academic Senate on management issues.

It aims to offer its students the skills required to establish, lead, and manage a successful, innovative, and sustainable organization.