Ulianovsk State University was founded in 1988 as a regional branch of M. Lomonosov Moscow State University and received the status of an autonomous state university in 1996. Since the beginning, it has enjoyed rapid growth and development. The support and reputation of M. Lomonosov Moscow State University has ensured a first-class faculty that includes leading researchers of Russia and former Soviet republics. Today Ulianovsk State University is one of the largest universities in the Volga region, boasting seven institutes, twenty-four departments, two branches (Inza and Dimitrovgrad), two international schools (Russian-American and Russian-German), two higher education colleges, a medical college, a music school, a research, educational and instructional support center for secondary education, and other institutions.

In 2002, Ulianovsk State University launched the Regional Center for Internet Education, providing training and re-training courses in ICT for educators, culture workers, public officials and other professionals. In 2002 – 2006, the Center trained more than 3,500 people. In September 2007, the Regional Center for Internet Education joined the network of IDEA Educational Centers.