Periyar University, established on 17th September 1997 by the Government of Tamil Nadu, is located in Salem and serves the districts of Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri. Named after the esteemed social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, known as "Thanthai Periyar," the university is dedicated to advancing knowledge across various disciplines, encapsulated by its motto, "Arival Vilayum Ulagu" (Wisdom Maketh the World).

The university's vision focuses on excellence in teaching, research, outreach, imparting new-age skills, and preserving cultural identity for future generations. Its mission encompasses offering need-based, society-driven, and industrially relevant academic programs to prepare future-ready citizens; providing a vibrant learning environment that fosters innovation and creativity inspired by cutting-edge research; aspiring to be a national leader in developing educated contributors, career-ready learners, and global citizens; making significant, consistent, and sustainable contributions to social, cultural, and economic life; and adopting hassle-free, distributed, committed, and transparent governance.

Periyar University has achieved significant milestones, including accreditation with an "A++" grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2021, securing the 56th rank among Indian universities by the Ministry of Education's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024, and being recognized among the top 5 Indian universities in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA). The university comprises 27 teaching and research departments organized into eight schools, offering a total of 79 academic programs. Additionally, it has established five constituent colleges in various locations, including Mettur and Idappadi in Salem District, and Pennagaram, Harur, and Pappireddipatty in Dharmapuri District.