Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) started as Kolej Ugama Sultan Zainal Abidin (KUSZA). KUSZA has commenced operations on 1 January 1980 at Batu Burok before moving to Hajah Wook Building in Pulau Kambing in 1981.

KUSZA was upgraded to a university status and UDM underwent a rebranding process on 14 May 2010 and known as Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Name of the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III Muazzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Muazzam Shah II, Sultan The 11th Terengganu is used to commemorate the services of His Majesty in spreading knowledge and religion in the state of Terengganu.

On November 29, 2013, the new UniSZA logo was introduced. UniSZA currently operates in three campuses, namely the Gong Badak Campus (Kuala Nerus) which is the main campus, Medical Campus (Kuala Terengganu), Besut Campus and a satellite office in Putrajaya.