Madurai Kamaraj University is a Statutory University, established in 1965 by Govt. of Tamilnadu. It is recognized and funded by UGC and is a member of Association of Indian Universities. It has been reaccredited by NAAC with grade A. The Directorate of Distance Education of this university was established in 1971 and has a student strength of about 1.20 lakhs. The University is accorded with the status of " University with Potential for Excellence " - A status conferred by the University Grants Commission. So far 9 such Universities in the Country were awarded this status.