University of Madras
Chennai, India • Founded 1857 • World Rank #3506
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1857, the University of Madras is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Chennai (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Tamil Nadu.
Officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, University of Madras (Umadras) is a small-sized coeducational Indian higher education institution. University of Madras (Umadras) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 167-year-old Indian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Umadras also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for University of Madras are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
University of Madras's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Degrees
Also Certificate courses
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under University Grants Commission of India.
Basic Medical Science (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Toxicology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Management (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemical Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earth and Atmospheric Science (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Meteorology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earth and Atmospheric Science (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Meteorology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Econometrics
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
English and Foreign Language (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Modern Languages
Fine and Performing Arts (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Performing Arts
Historical Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
Information and Communication Studies (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Information Sciences
- Mass Communication
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nanoscience and Photonics (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Religious Thought (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Physical Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biophysics
- Crystallography
- Nuclear Physics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Political and International Studies (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Military Science
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
Sanskrit and other Indian Languages (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Hindi
- Persian
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Adult Education
- Anthropology
- Continuing Education
- Criminology
- Education
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Tamil and other Dravidian Languages (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Indic Languages
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Each programme at University of Madras is grouped by the degree it leads to. New programmes can take 6–12 months to propagate through search engines, so the live catalogue here is the authoritative list.
26 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in India
Bachelor's Degree 9 programmes
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to University of Madras
Practical steps to apply to University of Madras, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse University of Madras's 26 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at University of Madras typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
University of Madras processes applications through www.unom.ac.in. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +91 (44) 2536 1074. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Madras
The questions below summarise University of Madras's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did University of Madras open?
University of Madras traces its founding to 1857 (approximately 169 years ago).
Where is University of Madras located?
University of Madras is located in Chennai, India.
Is University of Madras a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of Madras?
Student enrolment at University of Madras is around 4,000-4,999.
Where does University of Madras stand in university rankings?
University of Madras holds rank #3506 globally and #160 in India.
What degrees does University of Madras offer?
Programmes at University of Madras cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is University of Madras accredited?
The institution holds recognition from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). University Grants Commission.
What is University of Madras's official website?
University of Madras's official website is www.unom.ac.in.
Top-Ranked Universities in India
Alumni network strength of India's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Coordination on academic calendars among Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between University of Madras and other members.
Faculties at nearby universities
Geographic neighbours to University of Madras appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Liberal Arts programmes affects what you graduate with. Some India institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Compared with University of Madras
Faculty mobility between University of Madras and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
Studying in India: guides and resources
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