Nitte (Deemed-to-be University) stands as a prestigious institution with a legacy rooted in the Nitte Education Trust, established in 1979 by the visionary leader, Justice K. S. Hegde, former Supreme Court Judge and Speaker of the Lok Sabha. With a mission to empower rural youth through quality education and healthcare, the university has grown into a multidisciplinary center of excellence, offering education across a wide range of disciplines.

Spanning three campuses in Nitte, Mangalore, and Bangalore, the institution houses 36 distinguished colleges, delivering programs in health sciences, engineering, management, humanities, general education, vocational training, and pre-university education. The university's journey towards academic eminence began when AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS) was conferred Deemed-to-be University status by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2008. Subsequently, KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte Gulabi Shetty Memorial Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences (NUINS), and Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy (NIPT) became part of the university in 2009. Expanding its academic reach, Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) was established in 2012, followed by Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) in 2013, Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) in 2015, and Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) in 2021.

Offering over 160 programs across various disciplines, the university is home to 27,000 students, supported by 5,500+ faculty members and a strong alumni network of over one lakh graduates. The 52-acre campus, located in the serene Deralakatte-Paneer region of Mangalore, provides an ideal setting for academic pursuits.

Recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, the university holds an A+ Grade accreditation from NAAC (2021) and ranks within the 501-550 band in the QS Asia Region Rankings 2024. The institution has also been awarded a Diamond rating in the QS I-Gauge India Ratings. With a strong standing in NIRF rankings, Nitte University secured the 66th position overall in 2024, with the dental college ranking 6th and the pharmacy college at 41st. The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) program is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and the university’s teaching hospital is accredited by both NABH and NABL, ensuring world-class healthcare training and services.

By fostering an ecosystem of academic rigor, research excellence, and holistic development, Nitte University continues to shape future leaders and professionals, contributing meaningfully to society while upholding the highest standards of education and healthcare.