The University of Kerala, based at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, was established in 1937 and describes itself as the 16th university in India. It is governed by the Kerala University Act of 1974, having earlier been governed by the Travancore University Act of 1937 and the Kerala University Act of 1957.
The university has 11 schools, 44 departments and 16 faculties, with campuses including Senate House (17 acres) and Kariavattom (359 acres). Its affiliated institutions include 92 arts and science colleges and 44 engineering and architecture colleges. Its NIRF 2026 data submission reports 3,126 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 1,962 PhD students in university departments. Prof.(Dr.) Mohanan Kunnummal has been Vice Chancellor since 25 October 2022.