Wuhan University grew out of Hubei Self-improving School founded in 1893 by Hubei viceroy Zhang Zhidong.

Zhang Zhidong presented a memorial to the emperor, Guangxu to found a school to train talents for Qing Dynasty. His memorial was approved Qing Government.

The school opened four courses as languages, sciences, mathematics and trade with 20 students recruited each. Languages include English, French, German, Russian and Japanese.

Students were free of charge if they rendered services for Qing Government after graduation.

The school changed its name for several times before it was named National Wuhan University in July 1928.