The Government of Tamil Nadu established Periyar University in Salem on 17th September 1997 as per the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. The University covers the area comprising four districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri. The University obtained 12(B) and 2(f) status from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi and it was reaccredited by the NAAC with “A++” Grade in 2021. The University secured 59th rank among Indian Universities by MoE NIRF 2023.

The University is named after the Great Social Reformer E.V. Ramasamy, affectionately called as “Thanthai Periyar”. The University aims at developing knowledge in various fields to realize the maxim inscribed in the logo “Arival Vilayum Ulagu” (Wisdom Maketh the World). “Holistic development of the students” is the primary objective of the University.

Periyar University imparts higher education through three modes: Departments of Study and Research, the affiliated Colleges, and Periyar University Centre for Online and Distance Education (PUCODE). The University has 27 departments and 113 affiliated colleges.

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced for various programmes offered by the University from 2008-09 onwards. From 2009-10 onwards, the University has been offering certificate courses to cater to the current needs of the public. Periyar University provides the Student Support Services such as Library, National Service Scheme, Youth Red Cross, Women’s Welfare Centre and various avenues for sports and games.

Periyar University aims towards excellence in teaching, research, outreach, imparting new-age skills and preserving cultural identity for future generation.
To offer need based, society driven, industrially relevant academic programmes with a view to make future ready citizens
To provide a vibrant learning environment, fostering innovation and creativity inspired by cutting edge research
To aspire as a national leader in developing educated contributors, career ready learners and global citizens
To make a significant, consistent and sustainable contribution towards social, cultural and economic life
To adopt Hassle free, distributed, committed and transparent governance

According to the NIRF report 2023, a total of 181 out of 778 UG and PG students were placed during Periyar University Salem placements 2022. The median package offered to UG (3-year) and PG (2-year) students was INR 3.50 LPA and INR 3 LPA during Periyar University, Salem placements 2022, respectively.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHEMES
To motivate the students towards higher education the university is keen on creating avenues to get scholarships/fellowships through various schemes from Government sector, NGO and through institution support by the way of waiving fees under free education scheme meant for merit-cum-economically weaker sections, merit scholarships, University Research Fellowships, and freeships.

Free Education for PG Students
One first year student of each programme offered by the University departments and scored high rank in the UG programme and from poor family is exempted from paying fees for the whole period of the programme based on the recommendation of the department committee.
Application Form Mode of Selection
Dr. Ambedhkar and Rajaji Meritorious Scholarship
Endowment Merit Scholarship in the name of National leaders Thiru Rajaji and Dr. Ambedkar has been created for meritorious students of the University Departments/Government Colleges/Aided Colleges /University Constituent Colleges/Periyar University PG Extension Center. One first year PG student having highest score in the UG programme among the classmates will be awarded the scholarship based on the recommendation sent by the Head of the Department and the scholarship will be renewed for the second year also if the candidate passed all the subjects in first year PG in a single attempt.

University Research Fellowship
One research scholar irrespective of the category under each supervisor will be provided University Research Fellowship (URF) based on their registration seniority among the scholars registered to that research supervisor.

Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme
Students admitted in B.Voc. (Food Science and Nutrition/Textiles and Apparel Design) are eligible to get tuition waiver, irrespective of their category. Physically disabled students admitted in the University Departments are eligible for tuition fee waiver sscheme irrespective of their category and programme enrolled.

Partial Travel Financial Support
The research scholars of the University Departments presenting research papers in the International Conferences organized by the Foreign institutions are eligible to avail 50 % of the air fare.

NGO Scholarship
There are few NGOs offering scholarship for student from economically weaker sections and the NGOs are listed in the annexure

Special Financial Assistance/support during COVID 19
Fee waived to all the students enrolled for add-on courses during Covid 19 period.
Room rent waived to the hostel students during Covid 19 pandemic.
List of State Government Scholarships
Government of Tamilnadu - Post Matric Scholarship
Higher Education Special Scholarships for SC/ST Hostel Students Only.
Ph.D - Rs.50,000/-Scholarships For SC/ST Students Only
SC/ST Students Prizes (60% marks & Above)
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Laborers – Farmers (Social Security And Welfare Scheme)
The Tamilnadu Educational Trust Scholarship
Higher Education Research Scholarship
Scholarship from Tamilnadu Construction Workers Welfare Board
Central Schemes
UGC PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship For Single Girl Child
UGC PG Scholarship For University Rank Holders (1st and 2nd Rank Holders)
PG Scholarship Scheme For SC/ST Students for pursuing professional Courses
Post Matric Scholarships Scheme For Minorities
Merit Cum Means Scholarship For Professional and Technical Courses
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Financial Assistance for Education of the wards of Beedi/Cine/IMC/LSDM Workers – Post Matric
Post - Matric Scholarship for students with disabilities.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students of Puducherry
Post Matric Scholarship for ST students of Manipur
JRF/SRF for NET cleared research scholars from UGC/CSIR/DBT/DST/ NBHM /ICHR etc.
Fellowships through funded projects by central funding agencies.
List of NGOs offering scholarships
Dr. Abdul Kalam Trust for future vision
Agaram Foundation
Matram Foundation
Mugavari Foundation
Anantham Foundation
Dreams Alive
Vidai Foundation
Help Society Foundation
Imaigal Foundation
Ooruni Foundation

Auditorium
High Performance Computing
Post Office
Bank
Hostel Facility
Power House
Bio Gas Unit
Internet Centre
Seminar Halls
Biodiversity Garden
Kids Park
Sewage Treatment Plant
Day Care Centre
Media Laboratory
Solar Plant
Food Court
Miyawaki Forest
Sports
Guest House
Networking Facility
Student Amenity Centre
Health Centre
Parking Slots
Transport Facility