[1] In October 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh signed the decree to establish the University of Literature (Ban Đại học Văn khoa, or Trường Đại học Văn khoa) - the precursor of the current VNU-USSH.
In April 1956, the University of Hanoi (Trường Đại học Tổng hợp Hà Nội) was established.
During this period, fundamental foundation for the disciplines of social sciences and humanities as well as the university's tradition and reputation were laid.
[3] For over 70 years, the university has represented the convergence of intellectuals such as President Hồ Chí Minh, Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng, General Võ Nguyên Giáp, erudite scholars including professors Đặng Thai Mai, Trần Văn Giàu, Đào Duy Anh, Cao Xuân Huy, Trần Đức Thảo, Đinh Gia Khánh, Đinh Xuân Lâm, Hà Minh Đức, Hà Văn Tấn, Hoàng Như Mai, Hoàng Xuân Nhị, Lê Đình Kỵ, Lê Văn Lan, Nguyễn Tài Cẩn, Phan Cự Đệ, Phan Huy Lê, Trần Đình Hượu, Trần Quốc Vượng and generations of eminent academics who have founded and developed the social sciences and humanities in the country, and brought international fame to Vietnam.
In addition, journalist and commentator Trương Anh Ngọc, currently working at the Vietnam News Agency, used to study at this university.