HU has been granted the legitimate college entitlement on April 9th, 1997. The grand opening of Hatyai City College on His Excellency of Ministry of the University affairs Montree Danpaiboon. He issued a license to Ajarn Praneet Didyasarin, founder of HCC, on May 8th, 1997 at The University Affairs' conference room to establish HCC as a university. The officiation was held on April 20th, 1999. The chairman was Mr.Chuan Leekpai who was the former prime minister.