The university was founded as a dual medium institution, offering courses in both English and Afrikaans, catering for white students.

The governing National Party, wanted a new university, as it attempted to limit the influence of Rhodes, which was seen as too liberal.

[6] As part of the government's plan for higher education, Vista University's Port Elizabeth campus was merged into UPE in 2004.

[8] UPE effectively shut down after the 2004 academic year, and was merged with Port Elizabeth Technikon on 1 January 2005.

The main campus housed the University of Port Elizabeth Stadium, which was equipped with an all weather running track and flood lights.