Founded in 1962, under the designation of General University Studies of Mozambique (EGUM). In 1968, it acquired university status and was renamed Lourenço Marques University (ULM).

UEM is headquartered in Maputo, where most of its faculties are located. There is a branch of the Faculty of Law in Beira, the School of Hospitality and Tourism in the city of Inhambane, and recently the School of Marine Sciences was inaugurated in Quelimane. Approximately 27,000 students attend this university.