VISTAS is an abbreviation of the Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies. It is a deemed-to-be university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The university was founded under the Vaels Educational trust and was made a Deemed University under the Ministry of Education in 2008. It is nowadays among the most popular South Indian universities providing good higher education based on the knowledge, skills and character building.

VISTAS Incorporation was established in 1992 by Dr Ishari K. Ganesh in honour of his father, Shri. Ishari Velan was a renowned educationist and a past minister in the Tamil Nadu government. This was aimed at producing an institution that would empower the students to be independent, skilled and socially responsible individuals and also benefit the society and the nation.

The university has over 100 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs. These are Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Management, Commerce, Pharmacy, Mass Communication, Law, Maritime Studies, Education, Computer Science, Basic and Life Sciences, among others. The broad spectrum would enable the students to pursue careers that suit their interests and abilities.

No, no, courses at VISTAS are not accepted and approved by the best government statutory bodies. They include some of AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), UGC (University Grants Commission), PCI (Pharmacy Council of India), BCI (Bar Council of India), DGS (Directorate General of Shipping), NMC (National Medical Commission), INC (Indian Nursing Council) and NCTE (National Council of Teacher Education). This will guarantee that the degrees are recognised and accepted both in India and internationally.

VISTAS has achieved the best grade of NAAC, which is A++. Moreover, the NBA accredits 11 programs (National Board of Accreditation). UGC also granted the university 12B status, which implies that the university is reputed in terms of research and funding. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences was 64th in the NIRF Rankings 2024, but the university in general was ranked in the 101-150 band in the country.

VISTAS boasts of a high placement of 80 per cent in various courses. The university is well-connected with industries and companies that often hire the students. Besides direct placements, the university is also involved in equipping students with career guidance, training programs, and value-added courses. This assists the graduates to be industry-ready and get employment in India as well as in other places.