Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) is a public university located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. It was split from Madurai Kamaraj University on 7 September 1990 to cater to the needs of the people of the three southernmost districts of Tamil Nadu — Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari. It is named after the Tamil scholar and professor Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.
The university has 6 constituent University colleges (also known as "Mano colleges") with 29 departments in arts, languages, sciences, engineering and technology, teaching 2,384 university students as of 2025. 104 other colleges in the Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts are also affiliated with MSU. This includes six colleges over 100 years old, such as Sarah Tucker College, the oldest women's college in Southern India.
Overall, the university provides education to approximately 130,885 students in person and 11,236 students via distance education.
Accreditation The University Grants Commission has accorded its approval for getting financial assistance since 29 March 1994. The university is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India with 'A' grade status. The University Act authorizes the functioning of the Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education outside the university jurisdiction and the courses offered through this mode are recognized by the Distance Education Council of India.
Campuses
Its main campus is a site in Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli, where the majority of the university departments are located. Another campus in Alwarkurichi houses the Sri Parama Kalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences department, and a campus at Rajakkamangalam houses the Centre for Marine Sciences and Technology.
Constituent colleges CollegeDistrictYear foundedCampus sizeCourses offeredTisayanvilaiTirunelveli20095 acresBA Tamil, English, BCom, BSc Mathematics, MA English, M.ComGovindaperiTirunelveli20005.5 acresBA Tamil, English, BBA, BCom, BSc Computer science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, MA English, MCom, MSc MathematicsPuliangudiTenkasi2000BA English, BBA, BCom, BSc Computer Science, MathematicsNagampattiThoothukudi200333 acresBA Tamil, BBA, BCom, BSc MathematicsNaduvakurichi, SankarankovilTenkasiBA English, BBA, BCom, BSc Computer Science, MathematicsPanagudiTirunelveli2010BA Tamil, English, BCom, BSC Mathematics, MCom
Community colleges The community colleges offer diploma courses of one-year duration to those interested in entrepreneurial enterprises. The Extension Learning Programme offers diploma and certificate courses on skill development.
Affiliated colleges + College Year founded Notes Sarah Tucker College, Palayamkottai 1895 First women's college in Southern India Scott Christian College, Nagercoil 1809 St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai 1923 The Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College, Tirunelveli 1879 St John's College, Palayamkottai 1844
References
External links
MSU online learning programs