The University of Guanajuato was founded in 1732. Since then, the university adopted several names, until March 1945, when the rank of University was acquired as well as the name for which is now known.

The University of Guanajuato is a comprehensive, multi-campus university, ranked 4th among public (state) universities in Mexico, and 2nd best for international outlook, according to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking in 2019. UG is a major research institution with 106 graduate and 98 undergraduate programs in the fields of Arts, Health Sciences, Economics and Administration Sciences, Natural and Exact Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Life Sciences, and Engineering. UG has a total enrollment of 28,047 students, in 4 Campuses across Guanajuato State, organized in 13 Divisions and 52 departments. The UG High School System has 15,214 students in 11 venues in the state of Guanajuato.

UG has over 330 laboratories and 528 researchers who have been recognized by the National System of Researchers of the Mexican Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT). Research is carried out by Research Groups creating an ideal environment for knowledge production, management, and technology transfer. UG also organizes every year its Summer Research Program, recognized internationally for its quality, offered to undergraduate and graduate students.

In terms of international collaboration, UG has 326 international agreements with 201 international partners in 35 countries. It offers double degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.