The University of Calicut, was born on 07/23/1968, by ordinance No. 5/68 of the Gov. of Kerala, which was later superseded by the Calicut University Act, 1975. The objectives of the University are to qualitatively develop higher education and research in all spheres of human development with special reference to technical and technological sectors and to promote art and culture particularly for Kerala, to uplift the educationally backward people and speed up the process of human development in comparatively less developed regions of North Kerala. Now after the establishment of Kannur University in 1995, the jurisdiction of the University of Calicut is limited to Thrissur, Palakkad districts. , Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad (except the Taluk of Mananthavady). The main campus of the University is Thenhipalam (Malappuram Dt), 23 KM. south of the city of Kozhikode and extends over an area of 200 ha. on both sides of NH-17.
Administrative office, Pareeksha bhavan, distance learning school, indoor and outdoor stadium, university press, publishing department, university engineering department, men’s and women’s hostels, working women’s hostel , faculty hostel and staff accommodation are located here. A well-equipped library, an Audiovisual Research Center, a Computer Center, a Science and Instrumentation Center, a Guest House and a Seminar Complex, School of Health Sciences, University Health Center, Supermarket, Canteen, Bank Travancore State with ATM, Post Office, Telephone exchange is also working on campus. Extensive playgrounds and gymnasium are also located on the Campus.
The University has complete teaching departments and several centers and schools of study. The university has two major extension centers, one in Thrissur and the other in Calicut. Another center is being established in Vatakara. In addition to these, the university has Teacher Training Centers in all five boroughs and advanced computing centers in 13 locations offering MCA, MSc Computer and BSc IT courses. Calicut University Institute of Engineering and Technology (CUIET) is located on the university campus, 400m from Kohinoor on NH-17. There are more than 150 colleges affiliated with the University, including teacher education colleges, engineering colleges, medical colleges, law colleges, IHRD centers, fine arts college, oriental degree colleges, and the college of dentistry, nursing, and homeopathy.