The history of MU Leoben is marked by a continuous development of it's academic range of studies.
Due to an initiative of Archduke Johann the "Styrian Corporate School of Mining" was established in Vordernberg on November 4, 1840. The inaugural address of Peter Tunner demonstrates the intention of keeping the instruction on an academic level and of developing his school to a center for all experts in mining and metallurgy from the alpine region.