The predecessor of Shandong University was Li San Academy in Ming Dynasty, Jinyang Academy and Lingdetang Academy in Qing Dynasty. It was founded by an Englishman, Timo Taihe Chunxuan, in the 28th year of Guangxu reign in Qing Dynasty. Formerly known as Shanxi University Hall, together with Shi Jing University Hall and Beiyang University Hall, it opened a new era of modern higher education in China.

In the first year of the Republic of China, 19 18 was renamed as Shanxi University and was established as Shanxi University. It is one of the first three national universities in China. 193 1 renamed Shanxi university, 1953 renamed Shanxi normal university, and 1959 renamed Shandong university.