In 2005 NUSU started as a college (National College for Medical and Technical Studies). The MHESR approved the start with 4 bachelor's programmes (medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy and health informatics) and 3-year diploma in physiotherapy.

In 2006 the college added bachelor's programmes in Dentistry and Radiography.

In 2008, the college added a bachelor of nursing and midwifery, medical laboratory technology, and administrative studies (business administration, accounting, marketing and management information systems).

In 2016, NUSU added the Faculty of International Relations and Diplomatic Studies, and the Faculty of Engineering (civil, architecture and electrical and electronic degrees).

In 2009 the college became the first and the only ISO-9001-2008 certified higher education institution in Sudan, for its quality management of academic programmes.

In 2014 after graduating from 5 batches and satisfying MHESR requirements, it applied for an upgrade and was promoted to university, after only 9 years. This was a record in Sudan because most colleges take about 15-20 years.

Membership:

In 2008, NUSU became a member of the Union of Arab Universities (Amman, Jordan).

In 2011, it became a member of the Association of African Universities (Accra, Ghana).

In 2013, it became a member of the International Association of Universities (UNESCO, Paris, France).