Historically, it was part of the University of Aix-Marseille based across the communes of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille in southern France.

The medical school comprised the faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry.

In addition, there were a number of institutes: The Université d'Aix-en-Provence was initially created in 1409 by Louis II de Provence.

In 1791, like every university in France, it was dissolved and its faculties became autonomous and were dispersed between the cities of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.

On 21 April 1881 by decree of the conseil municipal (city council) the medical school was opened at the palais du Pharo by the Vieux Port in Marseille.