The history of Akaki Tsereteli State University started nine decades ago and now, it is a higher educational institution in Georgia distinguished with its excellent traditions, which have found a decent place in the cultural-intellectual and moral upbringing of generations. The University has gained universal recognition as a result of staff training, high quality scientific potential and wide- ranging links with scientific institutes of advanced countries.
Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University, in fact, was founded in the entrails of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. In July 1930, the authorities abolished Tbilisi State University and created four independent higher education institutions at its base. One of them was the State Pedagogical Institute, which, from then on, until 1933, was functioning in Tbilisi. In 1933, the institute continued functioning in Kutaisi from February 13 of the same year. In 1933-1990 the institution was in the position of Alexander Tsulukidze State Pedagogical Institute.
In 1990, the higher education institution was transformed into Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University, which was a logical culmination of the great work that the institute successfully had for almost six decades of its existence.
According to the Decree #39 of the Government of Georgia of February 23, 2006, reorganization was carried out of the legal entities of public law - Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University and Kutaisi N. Muskhelishvili State Technical University through their unification. The educational institution was named as a university and was called Akaki Tsereteli State University.
Kutaisi N. Muskhelishvili Polytechnic Institute was granted the official status on 23 September, 1973 and was ceremonially opened on September 1, 1974. In 1977, the institution was named after the academician Niko Muskhelishvili. On September 21, 1992 Kutaisi N. Muskhelishvili Polytechnic Institute was granted university status and was called Kutaisi Niko Muskhelishvili State Technical University.
By the resolution #353 of the Government of Georgia of 16 November, 2010, the legal entity of public law -Sokhumi State University of Subtropical Agriculture joined Akaki Tsereteli State University.
In 1952, at the historic, geographical and economic center of western Georgia - Kutaisi, an agricultural institution was opened on the grounds of subtropical agriculture service. In 1959, it was transferred to the typical subtropical zone (Abkhazia, Sokhumi) and was named the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture of Georgia.
In the 90s of the twentieth century, due to events in Abkhazia, the institution became a refugee in Kutaisi. With the guidance of Prof. F. Pruidze, the educational process was restored at the institute thanks to the leadership of the city, Akaki Tsereteli State University and the city facilities.

 Akaki Tsereteli State University, built on the traditions of the Phasisi and Gelati Academies, and cognizant of its responsibility for the development of the city, region and state, as well as aligning with the principles of the “Great Charter of the Universities” and the fundamental goals of national and European education, declares its mission statement as follows: 
• Akaki Tsereteli State University is a multi-disciplinary higher education institution that implements academic and professional programs at all three levels, meeting the demands of the labor market; 
• Through international cooperation, active involvement in internationalization processes and the creation of an inclusive environment, it conducts high-quality educational, research and creative activities, fostering the personal development of students and nurturing them as professionals and leaders. 
• Ensures provision of life-long education programs and services for interested persons, creation and dissemination of new knowledge and support for the formation of public policy within the framework of social responsibility