Establishing an educational institution that was financially and geographically accessible to all was a pressing dream for His Excellency Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. In the early 1980s, PM Hariri chose Kfarfalous, an area between the South, Bekaa, and the mountains, to establish a hospital and a university in collaboration with the University of Saint Joseph. However, the 1982 Israeli invasion led to the almost complete destruction of the university and the theft of its equipment.

In 1984, the dream took a different turn with the establishment of the Rafik Hariri Foundation. It is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to provide Lebanese youth with a chance at higher education in local and international universities. Around 33,000 Lebanese students benefited from the University Loan Program of the Rafik Hariri Foundation and pursued their education in Lebanon, Europe, North Africa, and North America.

After the end of the civil war in Lebanon, the Rafik Hariri Foundation decided to revive its dream of establishing an affordable, accessible university. In 1997, the Foundation continued its efforts to establish a university that would provide Lebanese students with greater access to higher education. In 1998, partnerships with Canadian institutions helped shape the University's academic programs and curriculum.

Such a massive project required the help of experts from a country that had made significant strides in education. Although several educationally advanced countries were considered, the University eventually chose Canada for this collaboration. Rafik Hariri University developed its programs of study in association with several Canadian institutions, including the Canadian Bureau of International Education, the Canadian International Development Agency, Capilano University, and Memorial University.

In 1999, Hariri Canadian Academy opened its doors for the first time on September 15, with the College of Business Administration, in accordance with Presidential Decree 1947. It began with an initial enrolment of 75 students.

In 2005, the University faced a profound loss with the assassination of its Founder, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. His vision for education and his commitment to providing opportunities for Lebanese youth continued to guide the University's development.

After the Colleges of Engineering and Science and Information Systems were established, the institution was granted university status on June 19, 2006, by Decree Number 17192, and became Hariri Canadian University.

In 2011, Hariri Canadian University became Rafik Hariri University, honoring its Founder and his legacy. Since then, RHU has continued to build on the vision that inspired its establishment, remaining committed to providing accessible, quality education and empowering generations of students.