CSU was formed in April 2000 through the amalgamation of three institutions - Hunan Medical University (HMU), Changsha Railway University (CRU), and Central South University of Technology (CSUT). The predecessor of CSUT was the Central South Institute of Mining and Metallurgy founded in 1952 and that of CRU was the Central South College of Civil Engineering and Architecture formed in 1953. Their main disciplines originated from Mining & Metallurgy and Civil Engineering - two disciplines of Hunan Industrial College established in 1903. The predecessor of HMU was Xiangya Medical University founded in 1914, which was one of China's earliest colleges offering Western medicine courses.

CSU has a rich history of over one hundred years as an educational institution. It actively responds to the reform of China's higher education system and advocates the principles of "Create Knowledge and Serve Society." Pursuing "Virtue, Truth, Perfection, Inclusiveness," CSU has made significant progress in its overall strength by adhering to its own operational characteristics and aligning with the major demands of the country and society. This progress has been achieved through teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.