The University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola was founded on 25 April 1979 as the second state university in the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, originally under the name University in Bitola.

The University received the name St. Kliment Ohridski in 1994.

The naming honors St. Kliment Ohridski, one of the most prominent medieval Slavic scholars and educators, and a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius. He was a key figure in the development of Slavic literacy and education, as well as the founder of the Ohrid Literary School, one of the earliest centers of higher learning in Europe.

By adopting his name, the University affirms its commitment to education, science, culture, and the long-standing tradition of Slavic and Macedonian enlightenment.