The University Grants Commission, New Delhi has accorded its approval for getting financial assistance since 29 March 1994.

Its main campus is a 520 acres (2.1 km2) site in Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli where the majority of the university departments function.

Another 120 acres (0.49 km2) campus at Alwarkurichi houses the Sri Parama Kalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences department and a 70 acres (280,000 m2) campus at Rajakkamangalam houses the Centre for Marine Sciences and Technology.

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.