University of Madras (UOM), Chennai is a public research university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the three oldest universities in India .

The university is modeled after the University of London and was incorporated on 5 September 1857 by an act of the Legislative Council of India, and is regulated by the University Grants Commission of the government of India.

A public petition in 1839 initiated the formation of University of Madras.

The University was in  1840 with Mr.George Norton as its President, that the University Board was constituted. In 1854 after a lapse of 14 years, the Government of India formulated a systematic educational policy for India.

It has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with the highest rating for offering quality education and also recognised as the first centre for potentials of excellence in the Country.

The 68 University Departments of study and research are spread over in 4 Campuses organised into 18 Schools each of which offer Post Graduate Courses in respective specialisation, part time and full time Ph.D. Programmes, Diploma and Certificate Programmes.  

The University imparts both Under Graduate and Post Graduate Education through the Affiliated Institutions which are spread over the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram. Apart from teaching, research activities in Arts, Humanities, Science, Management and Technology shpae the academic tenor of the University. A number of institutions affiliated to Madras University concentrate on research activities offeringe Ph.D., Programmes in their respective field of specialisation.

The University also offers teaching and research programmes in its four campuses. The 68 University Departments of study and research are spread over four campuses organised into 18 Schools each of which offer Post Graduate Courses in respective specialisation, part time and full time Ph.D. Programmes, Diploma and Certificate Programmes.

The University has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with the five star rating first, and later with an A rating.

The UGC has recognised the University as one of the centres for "potential for excellence" in the country.