The University of Mumbai was established in 1857 by Dr John Wilson (after whom Wilson College in Mumbai is named), according to "Woods despatch", drafted by Sir Charles Wood in 1854. It was modelled on the universities in Great Britain. St. Xaviers College was affiliated to the university in 1868, with Wilson as its first vice-chancellor. His wife, Margaret Bayne Wilson, founded 16 schools mainly for girls, the most famous among them being Wilson College, Mumbai and St. Columbia High School. Initially, the Elphinstone College building was used as the Mumbai University campus. Initially, the university officials focused their efforts on imparting undergraduate courses and conducting examinations. Research disciplines and post-graduate courses were added later. Several university departments were established, starting with the School of Sociology and Civics and Politics. After India achieved independence in 1947, the functions and powers of the university were sought to be reorganised, for which The Bombay University Act of 1953 was passed. The name of the University has been changed from "University of Bombay " to "University of Mumbai" as per a gazette of the Government of Maharashtra dated September 4, 1996. The university has grown and evolved over the years, but it is still dedicated to providing inspirational teaching to students and it has a significant impact on the world around it.
The University of Mumbai offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees apart from diplomas and certificates in many disciplines. The language of instruction for most courses is English. A majority of private colleges are also affiliated to MU. One of its two campuses in Mumbai is located in Kalina, Santacruz. The campus houses academic and administrative departments. Another campus located in Fort carries out administrative work only. Several world-renowned institutes in Mumbai were affiliated to the university. Most of them are now autonomous institutes or deemed universities. The University of Mumbai, is the largest university in the world in terms of the number of graduate and affliated colleges.