The Open University in Chennai are TNOU, IGNOU regional centre and University of Madras Institute of Distance Education, they use a combination of online resources, printed materials, and periodic in-campus practical sessions, making education accessible from a physical distance.
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Open University in Chennai: The top open universities in Chennai include Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (Regional Centre), and the University of Madras Institute of Distance Education.
As a significant development in the education sector, open university has emerged as a significant development for a lot of people who want to pursue their further education and have some obligations.
Chennai, a well-known educational hub, is home to various open universities that provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education for students from diverse backgrounds.
By allowing students to pursue their studies with minimal restrictions on age, place, or timing, these institutions meet the needs of working professionals, homemakers, and those looking to enhance their qualifications or skills.
Top Open University in Chennai Overview
Chennai provides options for various open universities catering to various demands of students from diverse backgrounds and unlike traditional universities, they are built on the foundation of flexibility in education, allowing students to study at their own pace.
The prominent open universities in Chennai include Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (Regional Centre), and the University of Madras Institute of Distance Education.
| University | Courses Offered | Average Fees | Institute Type |
| Tamil Nadu Open University | Diploma, Undergraduate,Postgraduate and Doctorate | INR 5 lakh -INR 10 lakh | Public |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU, Regional Centre) | Diploma, Undergraduate,Postgraduate and Certificate courses | INR 30,000 -INR 50,000 | Public |
| University of Madras Institute of Distance Education | Diploma, Undergraduate,Postgraduate and Certificate courses | INR 10,000-INR 80,000 | Public (State University) |
Tamil Nadu Open University
The TNOU is the oldest and prominent open university in Chennai. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs in fields such as humanities, science, technology, and management, TNOU emphasises inclusive education, providing courses in both Tamil and English.
| Parameters | Details |
| Establishment Year | 2003-04 |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Recognised by | UGC, DEC, NCTE, and RCI |
| Campus Size | 1.94 acres |
| Courses | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Certificate programs |
| Official Website | tnou.ac.in |
Read More: TNOU Admission
Tamil Nadu Open University: Courses Offered
The courses offered by Tamil Nadu Open University are tabulated below with fee structure and course eligibility:
| Course | Average Fees | Eligibility |
| MBA3 courses | INR 11,500 - 25000 (1st year fees) | Graduation |
| PHD 14 courses | INR 21,700 (1st year fees) | Post Graduation |
| B.COM 5 courses | INR 2,750 (1st year fees) | 10+2 |
| BBA2 courses | INR 3,850 (1st year fees) | 10+2 |
| Diploma 4 courses | INR 4,050 - 7,750 (Total fees) | Graduation |
| BA 12 courses | INR 2,200 - 3,060 (1st year fees) | 10+2 |
| PG Diploma | INR 10,450 (Total Fees) | Graduation |
| B.lit | INR 2,200 (1st year fees) | 10+2 |
| BSW | INR 8,950 (1st year fees) | 10+2 |
| MSW | INR 7,300 (1st year fees) | Graduation |
Also Read: Education System in India
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): Chennai Regional Center
IGNOU, a leading open university in India, has a strong presence in Chennai through its regional centre. IGNOU offers a wide range of programs, from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to diplomas and certification courses across numerous disciplines.
IGNOU’s flexible learning schedule and course materials in both online and offline formats make it a popular choice among Chennai’s students.
| Parameters | Details |
| Establishment Year | 1988 |
| Location | Chennai |
| Recognised by | UGC |
| Courses | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate programs |
| Official Website (Regional) | rcchennai.ignou.ac.in |
Also Check: IGNOU Admission
IGNOU Chennai Regional Center: Courses Offered
The IGNOU courses and respective degrees available at IGNOU Chennai regional centre are tabulated below:
| Program | Degrees Available |
| Master's Degree | Master of Arts (Economics), Master of Arts (English), Master of Arts (Hindi), Master of Arts (History), Master of Arts (Political Science), Master of Arts (Public Administration), Master of Arts (Rural Development), Master of Arts (Sociology), Master of Arts (Tourism Management), Master of Arts (Education), Master of Commerce, Master of Computer Applications, Master of Education, Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Dietetics and Food Service Management |
| PG and Advanced Diploma | PG Diploma in Translation, PG Diploma in Disability Management, PG Diploma in Disaster Management, PG Diploma in International Business Operations, PG Diploma in Adult Education, PG Diploma in Audio Programme Production, PG Diploma in Distance Education, PG Diploma in District Health Management, PG Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development, PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management, PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine, PG Diploma in Higher Education, PG Diploma in Hospital and Health Management, PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health, PG Diploma in Radio Programme Production, PG Diploma in Rural Development, PG Diploma in Social Work, PG Diploma in Acupuncture |
| Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor of Arts (Tourism Studies), Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Computer Applications, Bachelor of English, Bachelor of Library and Information Science, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor Preparatory Programme, BSc Nursing (Post Basic) |
| Advanced Diploma | Advanced Diploma in Construction Management |
| Diploma | Diploma in Creative Writing in English, Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Diploma in HIV and Family Education, Diploma in Meat Technology, Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education, Diploma in Retailing, Diploma in Tourism Studies, Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables, Diploma in Women's Empowerment & Development |
| Certificate | Certificate in Business Skills, Certificate in Community Radio, Certificate in Computing, Certificate in Consumer Protection, Certificate in Disaster Management, Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education, Certificate in Environmental Studies, Certificate in Food and Nutrition, Certificate in Food Safety, Certificate in German Language, Certificate in Guidance, Certificate in Health Care Waste Management, Certificate in HIV and Family Education, Certificate in Information Technology, Certificate in Labour Development, Certificate in Literacy Programme, Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Care, Certificate in Newborn and Infant Care, Certificate in Nutrition and Childcare, Certificate in Participatory Forest Management, Certificate in Sericulture, Certificate in Tourism Studies, Certificate in Visual Arts - Applied Arts, Certificate in Visual Arts - Painting, Certificate in Functional English, Certificate in Laboratory Techniques, Certificate in Teaching of Primary School Mathematics |
| Non-Credit Programs | Certificate in Motorcycle Service and Repair, Foundation Course on Education of Children with Disabilities |
Also Check: IGNOU cutoff 2024
University of Madras Institute of Distance Education (IDE)
The University of Madras, one of India’s oldest universities, provides distance education through its Institute of Distance Education (IDE).
IDE offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses in arts, science, commerce, and professional studies. IDE allows students to engage in self-paced learning while still accessing the resources of a traditional university.
| Parameters | Details |
| Establishment Year | 1981 |
| Location | Chennai |
| Recognised by | UGC, DEB |
| Courses | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Certificate Courses |
| Official Website | ideunom.ac.in |
Read More: Madras University Distance Education Admission
University of Madras Institute of Distance Education: Courses
The courses available at University of Madras Institute of Distance Education are tabulated with their respective eligibility and the average fees in INR:
| Course | Fees | Eligibility |
| M.Sc5 Courses | INR 8,400 - 16,150 (1st Year Fees) | Graduation |
| MBA7 Courses | INR 20,150 (1st Year Fees) | Graduation |
| B.Ed1 Course | INR 29,350 (1st Year Fees) | Graduation |
| Certification8 Courses | INR 5,550 - 8,750 (Total Fees) | 10+2 |
| BA8 Courses | INR 6,470 - 9,370 (1st Year Fees) | 10+2 |
Read More: Madras University Distance Education Courses
Open University in Chennai Admission Process
Follow the process to get registered in an open university in Chennai are listed down below for candidate:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the preferred open university
Step 2: Fill out the application process by providing all the personal details, academic qualifications, address both permanent and correspondence, contact details to complete the application submission process so that there is no chance of any application rejection.
Documents Required:
- Completed application form
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Academic Qualification certificate (Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets)
- ID Proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Work experience certificates.
- Category certificate
Step 3: Confirm the details and make the payment for the application fees and also download the application in PDF format for future use.
Step 4: Once the application is reviewed the eligible candidates will receive the confirmation through email or post.
Step 5: Program Fee payment after enrollment process is done by paying the tuition fees for the program.
Also Check: Difference Between Correspondence and Distance Education
Factors To be Considered While choosing Open University in Chennai
The important factors that need to be considered before choosing an open University are Recognition and Accreditation, fee structure, curriculum and faculty evaluation method, student support, and placement assistance as they determine the future course of higher education and career paths.
These important factors a listed down below for candidates in detail to understand the crucial parameters:
- Recognition And Accreditation: An essential component to verifying an Institute is providing a valid degree is to check the university's recognition and accreditation as it impacts the authenticity of the program and also helps in analysing the return on investment, so it is also a very important parameter to check before in rolling in any program of preferred University.
- Fee Structure: The fee structure gives a composite idea of the upcoming financial responsibility that needs to be paid to complete the course. Most of the courses in an open University are very reasonable and flexible offering instalment options.
- Curriculum And Faculty Evaluation Method: University providing distance education must provide a proper evaluation method for students to understand the syllabus part by part and to determine the important topics that need to be understood to perform well, as most of the programs are self-paced learning programs, so the effective distance education will be delivered when the marking system or the evaluation method is provided to the candidates.
- Student Support: The student support system must be robust, which enables students to have a hassle-free academic experience that will add an easier and more convenient ecosystem to build the academic foundation. In addition, the student support system must be available who are sufficient enough to solve the queries and concerns raised by the candidates.
- Placement Assistance: The placement assistance of the open University must have a dedicated placement cell alliance for students to develop their professional communication skills and ability to become an asset to the country and easily grab employment opportunities in the future courses of time.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right College for Higher Education?
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