The University of Mauritius was officially established by the University of Mauritius Ordinance in December 1965, incorporating the existing School of Agriculture. In 1971, the University of Mauritius Act further defined the objects, powers, functions and structure of the university.
On 24 March 1972, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, inaugurated the University of Mauritius. The first chancellor of the university of Mauritius was Her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy.