The European-American University project itself first took shape in 2003, and in subsequent years incorporated several small and now-defunct correspondence institutions. The ensuing years saw the EAU project undergo a considerable process of development and change, culminating in the adoption of the EAU name itself in early 2007 and the formal launch of the new online presence for EAU later that year.

The following institutions have been absorbed into EAU:

The College of Liturgical Arts
The College of Liturgical Arts, a non-denominational learned society and examining body, was established in 2003 for the promotion, study and performance of all aspects of the Liturgical Arts. Through its membership the College aimed to celebrate the richness and diversity of liturgy in worship, to encourage liturgical excellence and to increase knowledge of the breadth of Western liturgical heritage and practice.

The Free College of the Divine Spirit
The founding statement of the Free College of the Divine Spirit described it as "an autonomous, non-denominational and affirming Learned Society of Fellows and Associates established for the encouragement of freedom of theological and liturgical thought and practical application." The College awarded certificates in theology and philosophy.

The Free College of the Divine Spirit in turn incorporated the Institute of Independent Funeral Ministers, the J.M. Lloyd Thomas Theological Society, the Society of Free Christian Liturgy and the Institute of Practical Ministry.

The University for Self-Empowerment
UfSE was the name given to the EAU project from 2003 onwards, a period in which no students were enrolled. The UfSE name was changed to European-American University prior to the launch as EAU.

The London Academy of Professional Management
The London Academy of Professional Management (LAPM) was established as a professional sister association to Marquess College, London (see below), in 2005. Its objectives were to encourage the professional development of managers, to encourage good management practice, to encourage high standards and ethical practice for management and to assess and recognise management competencies.

LAPM offered routes to certified membership based purely on experience and existing academic awards, recognising management achievement in many areas. It conferred the membership designations of Certified Management Professional (CMP) and Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP).

Marquess College, London
Marquess College, London, was an independent, privately-owned and funded British corporate learning provider of further education and a division of Marquess Educational Consultants, Limited, an educational consultancy company. MCL was founded in 2005 from the incorporation of the other institutions mentioned above. It awarded certificate and diploma awards in several areas.

MCL was registered with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) and was also an associate member of the former British Learning Association, which promoted quality and best practice in open, flexible and distance forms of learning. Following a full institutional audit, MCL was awarded the IC9200 quality assurance certification by the International Charter, an independent British certification agency. In late 2006, MCL's provision of theological seminary programs was transferred to St Simon's College (part of The Liberal Rite), and its other activities ceased in preparation for the launch of EAU.

St Simon's College
St Simon's College, the theological seminary of The Liberal Rite (now part of the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church), was absorbed into EAU in March 2008. LCAC ordinands continued their formation via the programs offered by EAU.