The university was, during the Soviet era, part of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. In 1990, the Sumy Institute of Physics and Technology was founded, renamed three years later as Sumy State University.

Sumy State University provides a wide range of high-quality recreational facilities and activities for its students. These include literary workshops, drama groups, numerous theatre groups, dance clubs and Ukrainian folk ensembles. As well as this, the university has a dedicated club offering nearly 40 different kinds of sports including swimming, basketball, aerobics and boxing.

The city of Sumy has a history stretching back nearly 500 years, and has been the site of many important historical events including being the site of Peter the Great’s army headquarters during the Great Northern War.

The university provides over 70 courses for students to study, with study options available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.

In addition, Sumy State University works hard to accommodate the needs of international students and provides optional psychological support for those who require it.