It was founded in 1912 and was originally named The Preparatory college for Further Study in Europe and America. Afterwards it was renamed Zhongzhou University (1923), Henan Zhongshan University (1927), Henan Provincial University (1930), and Henan National University (1942). By the end of the 1940s, it had developed into an influential comprehensive university with 6 colleges, namely, college of
Art, college of Science, college of Law, college of Agriculture, college of Engineering and college of Medicine. With the nationwide reorganization of universities and departments in 1953, the university was renamed Henan Teachers College (1953),Kaifeng Teachers College (1956) and Henan Teachers University (1979). The name - Henan University was restored in May, 1984.
河南大學位於中國河南省開封市。前身是由教育家林伯襄等人在袁世凱的協助下於1912年組建的河南留學歐美預備學校，[1]它與當時國內的清華留美預備學校（今清華大學）和上海南洋公學（今上海交通大學）呈三足鼎立的局面，中國承襲上千年的科舉考試制度在這裡結束，並開啟了中國學子海外求學的先河。[2]
中華人民共和國院系調整時將河南大學農學院、醫學院、行政學院分別獨立設置為河南農學院、河南醫學院、河南政法管理幹部學院；水利、財經等院系也先後調入武漢大學、中南財經政法大學等高校。1984年恢復校名。2000年，合併開封師專、開封醫專，組建成新的河南大學。[3]
2011年，河南省政府出台《百年名校河南大學振興計劃》，以建設國內著名、國際上有較大影響的高水平大學為目標，為中原經濟區發展提供人才支撐。
Since its founding in 1912, Henan University has trained nearly 400,000 graduates for the country. Many famous scholars, such as Fan Wenlan, Feng Youlan, Luo Zhanglong, Mao Lirui, Jiang Liangfu, Ji Wenfu, have taught here. Its graduates Yin Da, Deng Tuo, Hou Jingru, Yuan Baohua, Wang Guoquan, Bai Shouyi, Yang Tingbao, Gao Jiyu, Wang Mingqi, Yao Xueyin, Zhou Erfu, Ma Ke, etc., are well-known experts, scholars or social activists. Its alumni have made and are making great contributions to the development of China and the progress of mankind, constructed under the co-supervision of the province and the ministry, one humanity social science base under the supervision of the ministry of Education. Now there are more than 30,000 students who receive full-time education here. Among the 3,547 staff members, 10 are academicians, 300 have doctor's degrees, and over 800 are full or associate professors. The university library houses 3 million books, 170 thousand of which are thread-bound ancient writings and 200 thousand books and magazines in foreign languages. The museum houses a
collection of valuable cultural relics. With its first-class equipment the key labs are available for various scientific experiments. In addition, the university has its teaching & research institutions such as the Computing Centre, the Network Centre, the Survey and Experiment Centre, and the Audio-Visual Education Centre. Located in the northeast corner of Kaifeng, the old campus is fragrant with flowers and green with grass and trees. With carved beams and painted rafters, the buildings in traditional architecture such as the Auditorium and Building No. 7 are elegant with rich Chinese Culture. The modern buildings such as the Science Building, the University Library and the Gymnasium are grand, magnificent and spectacular. They match each other well
in radiance and beauty giving a unique style and an elegant taste to the university. At present Henan University is a comprehensive university with 11 branches of learning: liberal arts, science, engineering, economics, management, law, philosophy, education, history, agriculture and medicine. It consists of 26 colleges and teaching departments. There are 72 specialties for undergraduates, of which 20 are the subjects in Henan province. 171 specialties offer master’s degrees and 16 offer PhD degrees. There are two key labs with the deepening of reform in universities; Henan University has entered a new era. It has purchased 122.7 hectares of land for a new campus. 600 million Yuan will be invested in the near future to speed up the all-round construction. The university will take measures to guarantee the guiding principle of “Aim high, develop wide and breakthrough any barriers for a long and successful future”. Accordingly, the university aims to lay emphasis on the development of liberal arts and sciences. The development of applied disciplines such as economics, trade, and law will be speeded up. The special branches of learning, such as art and physical culture, will come to a higher standard. Engineering will have a moderate development. The university is to be built into a comprehensive and creative university with its unique characteristics and will serve local economy and social progress. The past, the present and the future of Henan University convinces us that her future will be brighter than ever.
