The University of Patras was founded in the city of Patras in 1964 and it began functioning in the academic year 1966–67.
It was established primarily with the intention to concentrate on science, technology, economics, business administration and social sciences. In the proposal for a new University, which was the result of an International Conference in August 1964, it is stated that the role of the University of Patras is to set an example of a highly qualified Institution of higher learning and serve as a stimulus for the modernisation of the entire Greek higher education system.