The first university of Perpignan was established in 1349 by King Peter IV of Aragon.

By the Bull of 28 November 1379, the antipope Clement VII confirmed the foundation and privileges, and the university, in a petition addressed to him in 1393, declared him its founder: "Pater et Genitor".

In 1381 John I of Aragon, son of Peter IV, granted permission to the city authorities to build the university near the royal castle.

The institution spread in Perpignan an atmosphere of learning, the study of law being specially developed.

The university is composed of four Faculties: and three institutes: Herbermann, Charles, ed.