BINUS UNIVERSITY was originally founded as a short-term computer training institute, Modern Computer Course, on October 21, 1974. It was the start a rapid growth and expansion, blessed with a solid foundation, clear vision, and high dedication.

Rapid growth and the people's interest led to the school´s induction. Modern Computer Course had developed into ‘Akademi Teknik Komputer (ATK)’ or ‘Computer Systems Academy’ on July 1, 1981. It offered Diploma (D-3) Program in Information Management and Computer Science. Three years after, on July 13, 1984, ATK acquired "Registered" status and changed its name to ‘Akademi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer (AMIK)’ or ‘Academy of Information Management and Computer Science’ Jakarta. On July 1, 1985, AMIK Jakarta opened another Diploma Program in Computerized Accounting. On September 21, 1985, AMIK Jakarta changed its name into AMIK BINA NUSANTARA.

On March 17, 1986, The Ministry of Education and Culture, through The Higher Education Board District III awarded AMIK BINA NUSANTARA as The Best Computer Academy, when it was still relatively young.

The growing need for highly qualified human resources in the Information Technology field motivated BINA NUSANTARA to establish ‘Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer (STMIK)’ or ‘Institute of Information Management and Computer Science’ BINA NUSANTARA on July 1, 1986. This Institute offered Undergraduate (S-1) Program in Information Management, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering.

On November 9, 1987, AMIK BINA NUSANTARA was merged with STMIK BINA NUSANTARA. It created a single institution offering Diploma (D-3) and Undergraduate (S-1) programs. STMIK BINA NUSANTARA achieved "Accredited" status for all its programs and levels, on March 18, 1992. Having already carved a good reputation, STMIK BINA NUSANTARA inaugurated its Master (S-2) Program in Information System Management, the first of its kind in Indonesia on May 10, 1993.

As the next step for BINA NUSANTARA, BINUS UNIVERSITY was established on August 8, 1996. STMIK BINA NUSANTARA was then merged into BINUS UNIVERSITY on December 20, 1998. BINA NUSANTARA UNIVERSITY, at the time, has 6 Faculties: Computer Studies, Economics and Business, Science and Technology, Language and Culture, Psychology and Communication & Multimedia, also with BINUS Online Learning Program.