Periyar University is a government university established by the government of Tamil Nadu in 1997, The university is situated in Salem, Tamil Nadu, It was enacted as per the provisions and the Periyar University Act 1997. Periyar University is among the most prominent and influential universities in the southern region of the country, and it all happened because of its reputation and quality education Meanwhile the university also covers areas of four districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri.

Periyar University is leading in its region but intending to spread quality education across the nation and reach the unreached, the university came up with its initiative of online and distance education. The university set up a dedicated department for online and distance modes. Periyar University has launched its online degree programs officially from Jan 2021. Periyar University Online offers multiple programs under its online department in different specializations such as B.A. English, B.Com, MBA,  M.A. History, and M.Sc Maths.

Periyar University was named after a great social reformer  E.V. Ramasamy, affectionately also known as “Thanthai Periyar”. The main aim of the university is to spread education and wisdom and the logo of the university also describes it, The logo has inscribed  “Arrival Vilayum Ulagu”  which stands for (Wisdom Maketh the World).

Periyar University Online is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with 12(B) and 2(f) status and also accredited with an A++ Grade in 2021 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and ranks 63rd among the top universities in India as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).