Indiana University, founded in Bloomington in 1820, is one of the leading research universities in the nation. More than 37,000 students are enrolled at the Bloomington campus, approximately one-third of whom are graduate and professional school students. The University Graduate School offers outstanding academic programs alongside professional schools of national reputation, including the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the Kelley School of Business, the Jacobs School of Music, and the Maurer School of Law.

As a result of efforts dating back to World War II, Indiana University is also a major center of international studies. This work is concentrated in a large number of federally and foundation-funded area study centers and in language and literature programs.

The Bloomington campus offers a variety of academic and cultural opportunities for minority students such as the Black Culture Center, the Office of Latino Affairs, and La Casa. The Office of Women’s Affairs is concerned with the status of all women on campus. This office sponsors speakers and career workshops for graduate women.

The IU Congo Working Group is an interdisciplinary working group connecting IU to colleagues and affiliates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A collaboration between IU’s African Studies Program and the Center for Constitutional Democracy, the group tackles important issues from both local and international perspectives and offers events to the wider campus community. Possible topics may include elections and electoral laws, political alliances, natural resources, education, environment, and responsible governance.