Yasouj University began its activities in 1983 under the name of Technical College affiliated with Shiraz University, admitting students in two associate degree programs: Rural Construction and Mechanics (Welding), and annually, about 100 students were admitted until 1992, with around 250 students attending each academic year and approximately 70 graduates each year, totaling about 600 graduates by 1992. In 1993, the Agricultural Technical College was added and it led to its evolution into Yasouj Higher Education Complex affiliated with Shiraz University, with student admissions in associate programs for Water and Gas Supply Installations Mechanics and Roadway Substructure Engineering in 1994. 

In 1995, this complex received approval from the Higher Education Expansion Council and one year later, in 1996, it became independent from Shiraz University. Efforts made to enhance the quality of higher education first in the region and then in the whole province, finally culminated in an important official decision; a decision made on June 22, 1999, so as to upgrade the complex to Yasouj University. Thus, on this date, it was officially announced as Yasouj University by the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology.

After the upgrade, Yasouj University continued its scientific, research, and educational activities with three faculties: Faculty of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Agriculture – along with several educational groups (departments) and an affiliated high school and pre-university center. This university is now composed of six faculties (Engineering, Humanities, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Gachsaran Oil Industry, and Charam Industry and Mining), three research institutes (Natural Resources and Environment Institute, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Institute, and Social and Linguistic Studies Institute), an affiliated high school, and a pre-university center. Based on university’s planned educational goals, currently, it encompasses 22 educational departments offering 50 various programs at the associate and bachelor levels (Full-time – day and evening sectors – and part-time), as well as 120 master's and 40 doctoral (PhD) programs, with over 6,000 students. 

In 2011, Yasouj University added the master's in Nematology to its educational programs; and it was credited as the first university admitting students in this major in Iran as well as in the Middle East; a great task fulfilled by the efforts of the member of the Plant Protection Group (Department) of Yasouj University, with the first student of the field graduating in 2013.

Yasouj University (YU) is a public university located in the city of Yasouj and is considered the largest and most prestigious higher education institute in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The university currently comprises of 5 faculties, 2 campuses, 300 faculty members, and more than 7,000 students. At present, Yasouj University offers admission to 31 undergraduate, 52 master's, and 22 doctoral (PhD) programs.

According to the ISC (International Science Council) organization, Yasouj University ranks number 7th among comprehensive universities in terms of education in Iran. Its absolute rate among comprehensive universities in the country is 23rd. Fortunately, Yasouj University has been upgraded to the level of an international university, and in 2022, it admitted its first international students. Based on the 2020 "Green Metric" international ranking, Yasouj University achieved a global rank of 364 and ranked 10th in Iran. In the QS Asia University Rankings of 2023, the rank of Yasouj University was 401–450. Additionally, its rank in the THE Asia University Rankings was 301–350. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) 2020 international ranking, Yasouj University ranked as 301–400 globally in the field of "Engineering and Technology." Furthermore, in the 2020 Times Higher Education ranking of the top Asian universities, five Iranian universities made it to the top 100 in Asia, with Yasouj University ranked first among comprehensive universities. Notably, according to the Times ranking in 2023, Yasouj University has been listed among the top young universities in the world.