Kannur University is a multi-campus public university established in 1996 to provide development of higher education in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad districts of Kerala, India.

A university by the name of "Malabar University" had come into existence even earlier by the passing of an ordinance by the Governor of Kerala, on 9 November 1995.

The university was inaugurated on 2 March 1996 by E. K Nayanar, then Chief Minister of Kerala.

The objective of the Kannur University Act, 1996 was to establish in the state of Kerala a teaching, residential and affiliating university to provide for the development of higher education in Kasaragod and Kannur revenue Districts and the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District.

Kannur University is a multi-campus university, at Kannur, Kasaragod, Mananthavady, Payyannur, Mangattuparamba, Thalassery, Nileshwaram and Manjeshwaram.