Ambo University was established in 1939 E.C as school of Agriculture, the first agricultural school in Ethiopia. Passing through various development stages as Ambo Agriculture and Forestry Secondary School, Ambo Institute of Agriculture, Ambo Junior College of Agriculture, Jimma University - Ambo College, Ambo University College, it become an autonomous University in 2001 EC.

Ambo University is one of the foremost higher learning institutions with significant contribution in the country`s overall development by producing skilled human resources in various fields. In the years to come, the University has the vision of becoming one of the most prominent universities in the country surpassing in academics, research and community services giving its utmost attention to quality education. Currently, the University runs  48 graduate and  70 undergraduate programs. The programs are classified into nine colleges/institutes/schools and academic departments. Besides the main campus at Ambo, the University has three campuses at Awaro, Guder and Woliso. The University also owns three research centers two of them ( one at Ejere and the other at Bilo) focus on researches and conservation of indigenous trees while  the third at Birbirsa (about 20 km from Ambo) works on overall agricultural research and development, which is named after a prominent Ethiopian humanitarian, Abebech Gobena.

Ambo University is currently exercising its full potential than ever before so as to meet its missions and is defiantly in a rapid transformation. It contributes to the country’s development through conducting pertinent researches and community outreach programs. The outreach programs provide training and consultancy on improved technology transfer services to the surrounding urban and rural community. Besides, the university plays great roles in developing new curricula both in undergraduate and graduate programs in areas pertinent to the country’s development.

Ambo University has immense location advantages mainly related to its proximity to Addis Ababa. The conducive environment also attracts competent staff to work closely with other institutions by sharing material as well as human resources. Accordingly, many national and international institutions are partners to the University.