Overview

The Early Years (1945–1956) On October 10, 1945, shortly after the Declaration of Independence gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 45/SL establishing the Faculty of Literature (Ban Đại học Văn khoa) in Hanoi. His vision was to elevate national science to a level "comparable to advanced countries worldwide." On November 15, 1945, the first opening ceremony of the University was held at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi.

During the nine-year resistance war against the French, university classes were relocated to the Viet Bac revolutionary base and Military Region IV, with some facilities operating in Nanning (China).

The Period of Consolidation (1956–1995) Following the victory in 1954, Vietnamese higher education expanded significantly. On June 4, 1956, the Government issued Decision No. 2183/CP establishing the University of Hanoi (also known as the University of General Education). In 1957, President Ho Chi Minh visited the university, offering encouragement to staff and students.

From 1956 to 1995, the University flourished as the country’s premier center for basic science training and research, serving the cause of national construction and defense. Leading professors and scientists worked here to lay the fundamental groundwork for Vietnamese science. During this period, numerous faculty members and students also bravely sacrificed their lives for the nation's revolutionary cause.

Establishment of USSH (1995–Present) In September 1995, building upon the rich tradition of the social sciences and humanities disciplines of the University of Hanoi, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-USSH) was officially established as a member of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The school's construction and development process is closely linked to the names of famous professors such as: Dang Thai Mai, Tran Van Giau, Dao Duy Anh, Tran Duc Thao, Cao Xuan Huy, Hoang Xuan Nhi, Dinh Xuan Lam, Phan Huy Le, Ha Van Tan, Tran Quoc Vuong, Nguyen Tai Can, Dinh Gia Khanh, Phan Cu De, Ha Minh Duc, Hoang Nhu Mai, Le Dinh Ky, Tran Dinh Huou…

Mission and Vision Today, VNU-USSH stands as the proud successor to the Faculty of Arts (1945) and the University of Hanoi. It strives to be a leading research-oriented university with the mission of "leading in training high-quality human resources, and creating and disseminating knowledge in social sciences and humanities." Throughout its 80-year history, the Party and State have recognized the University as the nation's foremost center for social sciences and humanities.

Loyalty and pioneering spirit, standards and creativity are the core traditional values ​​of the School, which have always been preserved and promoted by generations of faculty and students.

In 2005, to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the school was honored to receive the following title from the President of Vietnam:Hero of Labor.

In 2010, to celebrate its 65th anniversary, the school was honored to receive the following title from the President of Vietnam:HO CHI MINH ORDER

In 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the tradition and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and recognizing the University's contributions to the national education and science and technology sector during the period 2019-2014, the President of Vietnam awarded the following title:First-Class Labor Order
In 2025, celebrating 80 years of tradition and 30 years since the founding of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the University is honored to receive...First-Class Labor Order
Over 80 years of development, despite facing numerous difficulties, through unity and dedication, the University has grown stronger, affirming its position and making significant contributions to Vietnamese science and education, aiming to become an advanced research university in the region and the world.