Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the most important educational hubs in India. Known for its rich academic heritage and strong industrial growth, the city attracts thousands of students every year from across the country. Explore the top universities and colleges in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, including engineering, medical, arts, science, management, law, and private institutions. Get admission details, popular courses, eligibility, and career opportunities.
1. Anna University
📍 Location: Guindy, Chennai
📅 Established: 1978
🎓 Courses: B.E, B.Tech, M.E, M.Tech, MBA, MCA, PhD, Architecture, Applied Sciences
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s top engineering universities, 490+ affiliated colleges, NIRF-ranked, strong placements and research.
2. University of Madras
📍 Location: Chepauk, Chennai
📅 Established: 1857
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Law
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s oldest universities, NAAC A++ accredited.
3. SRM Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Location: Kattankulathur
📅 Established: 1985
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Medical, Law, Management, Science
⭐ Highlights: Global collaborations, high placement packages.
4. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Location: Jeppiaar Nagar
📅 Established: 1987
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Dental, Pharmacy, Architecture
⭐ Highlights: Strong research culture, innovation hub.
5. Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University
📍 Location: Guindy
📅 Established: 1987
🎓 Courses: MBBS, BDS, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences
⭐ Highlights: Governing medical education across Tamil Nadu.
6. Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University
📍 Location: Karapakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 2008
🎓 Courses: B.Ed, M.Ed, M.Phil, PhD in Education
Teacher Training & Educational Research
⭐ Highlights: India’s first exclusive university dedicated to teacher education, Established by the Government of Tamil Nadu, 600+ affiliated colleges across Tamil Nadu, NAAC accredited with A Grade, Focused on teacher training, educational psychology, and curriculum development
7. Tamil Nadu Open University
📍 Location: Saidapet, Chennai
📅 Established: 2002 (operations started in 2003–04)
🎓 Courses: BA, B.Com, BBA, MA, MCom, MBA, B.Sc., M.Sc., Diploma & Certificate Courses
Vocational and Skill Development Programs
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s leading open and distance learning universities, Offers 200+ courses across UG, PG, diploma, and certificate levels, Flexible learning for working professionals and distance learners
8. Indian Maritime University
📍 Location: Uthandi
📅 Established: 2008
🎓 Courses: Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Logistics
⭐ Highlights: India’s specialized maritime university.
9. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
📍 Location: Porur
📅 Established: 1985
🎓 Courses: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy
⭐ Highlights: Top private medical institution.
10. SSN College of Engineering
📍 Location: Kalavakkam
📅 Established: 1996
🎓 Courses: Engineering, MBA, Research
⭐ Highlights: Excellent placements, strong industry tie-ups.
11. B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Location: Vandalur, Chennai
📅 Established: 1984 (Deemed University in 2008)
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, Law, Management, Arts & Science
⭐ Highlights: NAAC A+ accredited, 57+ programs across 12 schools, Strong placement record and startup incubation support
12. AMET University
📍 Location: Kanathur, Chennai
📅 Established: 1993
🎓 Courses: Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Logistics, Petroleum Engineering
⭐ Highlights: India’s first maritime deemed university, Specialized in shipping and ocean studies, Strong international maritime partnerships
13. Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology
📍 Location: Avadi, Chennai
📅 Established: 1997
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, Management, Media Studies
⭐ Highlights: NAAC A++ accredited, Known for innovation and industry-linked curriculum, Good placement opportunities
14. Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
📍 Location: Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai
📅 Established: 1989
🎓 Courses: Veterinary Science, Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Fisheries
⭐ Highlights: India’s first veterinary university, Specialized in animal sciences and livestock research, Government university
15. Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
📍 Location: Pallavaram, Chennai
📅 Established: 1992
🎓 Courses: Aviation, Engineering, Management, Law, Media, Hotel Management
⭐ Highlights: Popular for aviation and hospitality programs, Good infrastructure and placements, Multi-disciplinary private university
16. Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
📍 Location: Perungudi, Chennai
📅 Established: 1997
🎓 Courses: LLB, LLM, PhD, Legal Studies
⭐ Highlights: India’s first law university named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Governs legal education across Tamil Nadu, Strong academic legal framework
17. Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University
📍 Location: Melakottaiyur, Chennai
📅 Established: 2004
🎓 Courses: B.P.Ed, M.P.Ed, Sports Coaching, Sports Science
⭐ Highlights: India’s first exclusive physical education and sports university, Specialized sports education and training
Government-recognized institution
18. Ethiraj College for Women
📍 Location: Egmore, Chennai
📅 Established: 1948
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Management
⭐ Highlights: One of the top women’s colleges in Chennai with strong academic reputation.
19. Stanley Medical College
📍 Location: George Town, Chennai
📅 Established: 1938
🎓 Courses: MBBS, MD, MS, Super Speciality
⭐ Highlights: One of Tamil Nadu’s leading government medical colleges.
20. Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (SSN College of Engineering)
📍 Location: Kalavakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Chennai
📅 Established: 1996
🎓 Courses: B.E / B.Tech (CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, Mechanical, Civil, Biomedical, Chemical), M.E / M.Tech, MBA, MCA, PhD / Research Programs
⭐ Highlights: One of Tamil Nadu’s top private engineering colleges, Affiliated with Anna University, NAAC A++ accredited and NBA approved
⚠️ Note: From academic year 2026–27, SSN is being merged into Shiv Nadar University Chennai and will stop taking new admissions under the old SSN structure. Future admissions will continue via SNU Chennai.
21. Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering
📍 Location: Sriperumbudur, Chennai
📅 Established: 1985
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, Management
⭐ Highlights: Excellent placement records and industry-oriented curriculum.
22. Jeppiaar Engineering College
📍 Location: Old Mamallapuram Road, Chennai
📅 Established: 2001
🎓 Courses: B.E, B.Tech, MBA, M.E
⭐ Highlights: Popular private engineering college with modern campus facilities.
23. St. Joseph’s College of Engineering
📍 Location: OMR, Chennai
📅 Established: 1994
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, MBA
⭐ Highlights: Good placement opportunities with IT companies.
24. Sri Sai Ram Engineering College
📍 Location: West Tambaram
📅 Established: 1995
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, Management
⭐ Highlights: Known for discipline and strong campus recruitment.
25. Easwari Engineering College
📍 Location: Ramapuram
📅 Established: 1996
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology
⭐ Highlights: Strong placements in IT and core sectors.
26. Saveetha Engineering College
📍 Location: Thandalam
📅 Established: 2001
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, Research
⭐ Highlights: Part of Saveetha group, known for innovation and research.
27. The New College
📍 Location: Royapettah
📅 Established: 1951
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce
⭐ Highlights: Well-known minority institution with diverse programs.
28. Institute of Mathematical Sciences
📍 Location: Taramani, Chennai
📅 Established: 1962
🎓 Courses: PhD in Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, Computational Biology. Theoretical Computer Science
⭐ Highlights: National-level research institute funded by the Department of Atomic Energy, Part of the Homi Bhabha National Institute, One of India’s top institutes for pure science and advanced research, Strong focus on theoretical sciences and super computing research
29. Institute for Financial Management and Research
📍 Location: Sri City (near Chennai)
📅 Established: 1970
🎓 Courses: MBA / PGDM, Finance, Economics, Data Science, Executive Education
⭐ Highlights: Now operates as IFMR Graduate School of Business under Krea University, Highly reputed for finance and management education
30. Women’s Christian College
📍 Location: College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1915
🎓 Courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, BCA, Psychology, English, Commerce
Research Programs
⭐ Highlights: One of South India’s top women’s colleges
31. Chennai Mathematical Institute
📍 Location: Siruseri
📅 Established: 1989
🎓 Courses: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s best institutes for pure sciences and research.
32. Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College
📍 Location: Arumbakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1964
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Computer Applications
⭐ Highlights: Autonomous college affiliated to University of Madras, strong academic record.
33. Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute
📍 Location: Maduravoyal, Chennai
📅 Established: 1988
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Medical, Dental, Nursing, Law, Management
⭐ Highlights: Deemed university with multi-disciplinary programs.
34. Alliance Française of Madras
📍 Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1953
🎓 Courses: French Language, Cultural Studies, Certifications
⭐ Highlights: Official French language and cultural center in Chennai.
35. Apollo Priyadarshanam Institute of Technology
📍 Location: Kanchipuram District (near Chennai)
📅 Established: 2010
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology
⭐ Highlights: Industry-oriented engineering education under Apollo Group.
36. Asian College of Journalism
📍 Location: Teynampet, Chennai
📅 Established: 1994
🎓 Courses: Journalism, Media Studies, Reporting
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s top journalism institutes.
37. Central Polytechnic College
📍 Location: Taramani, Chennai
📅 Established: 1916
🎓 Courses: Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics Engineering
⭐ Highlights: One of the oldest technical colleges in India.
38. Da Vinci School of Design and Architecture
📍 Location: Karapakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 2012
🎓 Courses: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design
⭐ Highlights: Specialized institution for architecture and design studies.
39. Dharmamurthi Rao Bahadur Calavala Cunnan Chetty’s Hindu College
📍 Location: Pattabiram, Chennai
📅 Established: 1969
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce
⭐ Highlights: Popular autonomous college with affordable education.
40. DMI College of Engineering
📍 Location: Palanchur, Chennai
📅 Established: 2001
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Technology, MBA
⭐ Highlights: Focus on technical education and innovation.
41. Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College
📍 Location: Pudupakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1891
🎓 Courses: LLB, LLM
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s oldest law colleges.
42. Dr. Kamakshi Institute of Paramedical Sciences
📍 Location: Pallikaranai, Chennai
📅 Established: 1992
🎓 Courses: Paramedical, Allied Health Sciences
⭐ Highlights: Specialized healthcare training institute.
43. Government Dental College and Hospital
📍 Location: Park Town, Chennai
📅 Established: 1953
🎓 Courses: BDS, MDS
⭐ Highlights: Leading government dental college.
44. Guru Nanak College
📍 Location: Velachery, Chennai
📅 Established: 1971
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce, Management
⭐ Highlights: Reputed autonomous college.
45. Gurukul Lutheran Theological College
📍 Location: Chetpet, Chennai
📅 Established: 1927
🎓 Courses: Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s oldest theological colleges.
46. ICAT Design and Media College
📍 Location: Taramani, Chennai
📅 Established: 2004
🎓 Courses: Animation, VFX, Game Design, Fashion Design
⭐ Highlights: Leading design and media college.
47. Image Creative Education
📍 Location: Vadapalani, Chennai
📅 Established: 1996
🎓 Courses: Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, Film Making
⭐ Highlights: Popular creative and multimedia education institute.
48. Jaya Group of Colleges
📍 Location: Thiruninravur, Chennai
📅 Established: 1992
🎓 Courses: Engineering, Medical, Nursing, Management, Arts
⭐ Highlights: Large educational group with multiple institutions.
49. Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women
📍 Location: Teynampet, Chennai
📅 Established: 1955
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce
⭐ Highlights: Reputed women’s college with academic excellence.
50. Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram
📍 Location: Kelambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 2007
🎓 Courses: B.Tech, M.Tech, PhD
⭐ Highlights: Institute of National Importance; strong research in design and manufacturing.
51. Kilpauk Medical College
📍 Location: Kilpauk, Chennai
📅 Established: 1960
🎓 Courses: MBBS, MD, MS
⭐ Highlights: Prestigious government medical institution.
52. KM Music Conservatory
📍 Location: Kodambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 2008
🎓 Courses: Music Performance, Audio Engineering, Composition
⭐ Highlights: Founded by A. R. Rahman; globally recognized music institute.
53. Loyola College of Education
📍 Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 2007
🎓 Courses: B.Ed, M.Ed, Teacher Training
⭐ Highlights: Strong reputation in teacher education.
54. Loyola Institute of Business Administration
📍 Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1979
🎓 Courses: PGDM, Executive MBA, PhD
⭐ Highlights: One of South India’s top business schools.
55. Stella Maris College
📍 Location: Cathedral Road
📅 Established: 1947
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce, Management
⭐ Highlights: Leading women’s college in South India.
56. Madras Christian College
📍 Location: Tambaram
📅 Established: 1837
🎓 Courses: Arts, Science, Commerce
⭐ Highlights: Historic and prestigious autonomous college.
57. Madras Medical College
📍 Location: Park Town, Chennai
📅 Established: 1835
🎓 Courses: MBBS, MD, MS, Super Speciality
⭐ Highlights: One of Asia’s oldest medical colleges.
58. Madras School of Economics
📍 Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Chennai
📅 Established: 1993
🎓 Courses: Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Data Science
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s leading economics institutes.
59. Madras School of Social Work
📍 Location: Egmore, Chennai
📅 Established: 1952
🎓 Courses: Social Work, Human Resource Management, Psychology
⭐ Highlights: Pioneer in social work education in India.
60. Madras Veterinary College
📍 Location: Vepery, Chennai
📅 Established: 1903
🎓 Courses: Veterinary Science, Animal Husbandry, Research
⭐ Highlights: India’s first veterinary college.
61. Murugappa Polytechnic College
📍 Location: Avadi, Chennai
📅 Established: 1957
🎓 Courses: Diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering
⭐ Highlights: Strong technical training and practical education.
62. Nehru School of Architecture
📍 Location: Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
📅 Established: 2009
🎓 Courses: B.Arch, M.Arch
⭐ Highlights: Specialized architecture and design education.
63. Patrician College of Arts and Science
📍 Location: Adyar, Chennai
📅 Established: 2001
🎓 Courses: Arts, Commerce, Computer Science, Visual Communication
⭐ Highlights: Popular for arts and media-related studies.
64. Ragas Dental College and Hospital
📍 Location: Uthandi, Chennai
📅 Established: 1988
🎓 Courses: BDS, MDS
⭐ Highlights: Well-known private dental institution.
65. Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital
📍 Location: Egmore, Chennai
📅 Established: 1819
🎓 Courses: Ophthalmology, Eye Research, Medical Training
⭐ Highlights: One of the oldest eye hospitals in Asia.
66. SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre
📍 Location: Kattankulathur, Chennai
📅 Established: 2005
🎓 Courses: MBBS, MD, MS, Allied Health Sciences
⭐ Highlights: Advanced healthcare and research infrastructure.
67. SRM Polytechnic College
📍 Location: Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu (near Chennai)
📅 Established: 1996
🎓 Courses: Diploma in Mechanical , Civil , Computer , Electronics & Communication ,Electrical & Electronics Engineering
⭐ Highlights: Part of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology campus, AICTE approved
68. V. Ramakrishna Polytechnic College
📍 Location: Thiruvottiyur, Chennai
📅 Established: 1982
🎓 Courses: Diploma in Mechanical, Automobile, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Computer Engineering
⭐ Highlights: First self-financing polytechnic in Tamil Nadu, 14-acre campus with technical labs, AICTE approved and affiliated to DOTE, Strong industrial belt exposure for practical learning
69. Victoria Technical Institute
📍 Location: Mount Road, Chennai
📅 Established: 1889
🎓 Courses: Traditional handicrafts, Design promotion, Craft exhibitions and artisan support
⭐ Highlights: Historic institution established during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, Promotes South Indian handicrafts and artisan development, More focused on craft preservation than regular diploma education
70. YMCA College of Physical Education
📍 Location: Nandanam, Chennai
📅 Established: 1920
🎓 Courses: Physical Education, Sports Science, Fitness Training
⭐ Highlights: One of India’s oldest sports education institutions.
Chennai is home to a wide range of universities, colleges, and research institutions offering programs in engineering, medicine, law, management, arts, science, commerce, design, and technology. The city provides students with excellent academic infrastructure, experienced faculty, strong placement opportunities, and a vibrant learning environment, making it one of the best destinations for higher education in South India.
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