The religious leaders of congregations operating in Tanzania, with Fr. Andrew Urbanski (SDS) the Salvatorian Mission Superior, recognized the imperative for a Higher Education Institution catering to their religious members, particularly those aspiring to the presbyteral ministry. Consequently, preparations for this institution commenced in Kola, Morogoro, Tanzania, following discussions initiated at in the 1988 Annual Meeting of the Religious Superiors Association in Tanzania (RSAT).

On December 11, 1990, the Salvatorian Mission Chapter in Tanzania committed to establishing the Salvatorian Major Seminary, encompassing both philosophy and theology. The Seminary adopted Fr. Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, the Founder of the Salvatorians, as its patron. Permissions were obtained from ecclesiastical authorities, including Bishop Adrian Mkoba and Archbishop Anthony Mayala.

Under the guidance of the new Mission Superior, Fr. ZdzislawTracz, SDS, plans were implemented, including architectural designs by Prof. Herbert Kramel of the University of Zurich. Construction, undertaken by Coastal Steel, began in 1991 at Morogoro-Kola. By mid-1993, facilities were ready for the opening of classes for the three-year philosophy program.

The initial faculty of six lecturers comprised members from various religious orders and countries. Twenty-five students from five religious orders commenced studies in the first year. Subsequent years saw an annual influx of twenty to twenty-five newcomers.

By 1995, student’s enrollment increased to eighty, representing nine religious congregations. The Salvatorian Major Seminary gained official affiliation with the Philosophy Faculty of the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome in the same year.

In 1998, the number of students increased up to one hundred and seventy, representing fifteen religious congregations. The academic staff expanded to twenty-four members from twelve religious congregations and three lay teachers.

On January 26, 1999, the Salvatorian Major Seminary achieved affiliation with the Theology Faculty of the same university. Simultaneously, a request to change the institution's name from the Salvatorian Major Seminary to the Salvatorian Institute of Philosophy and Theology was approved by ecclesiastical authorities and the Pontifical University Urbaniana.

On April 16, 2010, the General Council of the Society of the Divine Saviour agreed upon transforming the Salvatorian Institute of Philosophy and Theology into a constituent college of St. Augustine University of Tanzania – Jordan University College. On November 2, 2010, the college received a Certificate of Provisional Registration from The Tanzania Commission for Universities.

Leadership transitions included Fr. David Brusky (1993-1996), Fr. Stanislaw Golus (1996-1999), Fr. Julian Bednarz (1999-2005), and Fr. Bernard Witek (2005-2010), who continued as the first principal until 2018. And currentlythe institution is under the leadership of Prof. Betram B.B. Mapunda the Principal, Prof. Daniel J. Mkude the Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs and Prof. Francis S. Magingo the Acting Deputy Principal for Finance and Administration.

The institution has evolved from 1993 where only two programs were offered to its current status where it offers a total number of 44 programs from certificate level (NTA LEVEL 4) to PhD level. This expansion is geared towards elevating the standard of education across a diverse spectrum and empowering society to thrive in all facets of life.