Annamalai University for Distance Education was established in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, in 1929. AU is acknowledged by the AICTE, UGC, MCI, DCI, and NCTE and received an "A" rating from NAAC in 2014. Additionally, it provides DEC-approved remote learning programs (Distance Education Council). More than 500 courses are available through Annamalai University's distance learning program.
It is also the first institution in India to provide postgraduate (PG) degree programs in law, biotechnology, zoology, chemistry, and physics via remote learning or online. Programs in management, hotel management, fashion design, textile design, retail management, and many more are among the numerous alternative options.