The University of Calicut came into existence in 1968 for the purpose to provide higher education to people of northern district of Kerala. The university has given the task by the government to conduct research in all areas and to give emphasis on technology and art and culture of Kerala.  The university started functioning with four post graduate departments set up by the University of Kerala at Calicut and 54 constituent colleges functioning across seven northern districts. Now with 25 teaching departments and 275 affiliated colleges the university has become the largest residential and affiliating university in Kerala.

The University has restructured the graduate and postgraduate courses and introduced Integrated M.Phil. / Ph.D. programs from academic season 2004 – 05. In order to meet the social challenges and newest industrial requirements the university has started new programmes in computer application & information technology, health sciences, fashion design, social work, printing technology, computer hardware and automobile engineering. Establishment of University Institute of Engineering and Technology is another effort in the area of development. The institute offers B.Tech. Degree programs in different branches of engineering sciences.

University of Calicut has many number of colleges affiliated with it. Following is given district which have UOC affiliated colleges

• Wayanad
• Kozhikode
• Malappuram
• Palakkad
• hrissur