Ivanovo State University was originally founded as a Pedagogical Institute in 1918.General courses of that time offered history and social study, physics and Sciences. However the academic structure of the University had been changing during many years of its history according to the needs for qualified specialists in different areas.

The University has been home to many renowned scientists: S.N. Bogolubskii-biologist, first rector of the University, N.N. Luzin, A.Ya. Hinchin, D.E. Menshov, A.I. Maltsev- mathematicians, A.I. Nekrasov, R.V. Kunitskii, V.S. Sorokin-physicists, D.M. Petrushevskii, A.A.Kizevetter, A.Z. Manfred, A.P. Kazhdan-historians, N.F. Belchikov, D.E. Maksimov-literary men.

ISU is reckoned with the first ten classic universities in Russia according to professional staff qualification. It is made up of 450 members, 70 professors, doctors, more than 250 candidates of science, associate professors which are engaged in teaching and research work at 50 departments. 190 post graduates participate in wide range of research work in historical, technical, philological, philosophical and economical sciences. Students can earn Diploma degrees as well as the master`s degree in priority research spheres.

ISU cooperates with Eurasian universities association and Russian universities association, collaborates with educational establishments in Germany-Passau University and Berlin Technical University, in Denmark-business college of Herling, England-Oxford International Linguistic Academy.

Since 1960 University has a strong international students body. In 1982 the department of Russian language for international students that offers a broad range of educational programs: preparatory courses, Russian language study, internship. Faculty advisor helps to plan a course of study tailored to meet one`s individual needs.

Since 1974 till 2000 University was headed by V.N. Latyshev-professor, Doctor of technical science, Honoured Scientist of Russian Federation, corresponding member of RTA. Now University is headed by  V.N. Egorov-professor,Doctor of economics.