In the early 1950s, people in Central Java, especially in Semarang, needed a university for providing higher learning and teaching facilities. It has been purpose to support of government in handling and in conducting all sectors of development, especially in the field of education. At that time, it was only Gajah Mada University as a public university, that providing higher education for people in Yogyakarta and also Central Java.

As amount of senior high schools graduated has been continuously increasing, while existence of universities limited, some graduates could have not been accommodated at higher education facilities in north of Central Java. Considering this situation, MR. Imam Bardjo and his colleagues formed an educational foundation, namely Yayasan Universitas Semarang (Foundation of Semarang University), noted by notary R.M. Soeprapto on Notarial Deed No 59, December 4, 1956. The foundation was a first step to establish a university in Semarang, namely Semarang University, that officially opened on January 9, 1957, and MR. Imam Bardjo was the first President of the university.