Gaston Berger University (GBU), or L’Université Gaston Berger (UGB), located some 12 km (7.5 mi) outside Saint-Louis, was the second university established in Senegal (the first being Cheikh Anta Diop University). Originally the University of Saint-Louis, it was renamed for Gaston Berger, an important French-Senegalese philosopher, on December 4, 1996.

The first stone was laid by Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor on January 14, 1975.

Established officially by law no. 90-03 of January 2, 1990, GBU welcomed its first class of six hundred students on December 17, 1990. The first rector was Ahmadou Lamine Ndiaye, who held office from January 1990 until November 1999.[1]

The university is funded by a grant from the government of Senegal, established by law No. 96-597 of July 10, 1996.

The university was named in honor of French-Senegalese philosopher Gaston Berger, who was born in Saint-Louis and was the father of Maurice Béjart. Nonetheless, the university is often referred to as the University of Saint-Louis, just as UCAD is often referred to as the University of Dakar.