Kannada University was established in the year 1991 through the Kannada University Act 1991. The university came up in the historic site at Hampi which has mythological as well as historical significance. The university has faculties of arts, science, social sciences and language studies.

Apart from offering various regular programs, the university has also started offering few PG diploma and certificate courses through distance mode of education. The main objective of the programs is to help people to get acquainted with knowledge even if they are at home or working somewhere else, the University has started following courses.

Post graduate diplomas

Bashanthara Adhyayayayana (Translation Studies)
Kriyatmaka Kannada (Functional Kannada)
Dalita Adhyayana (Dalit Studies)
Puratatva, Samskriti Mattu Pravasodyama (Archaeology, Culture and Tourism)
Mahila adhyayana (Women’s Studies)
Karnataka Adhyayana (Karnataka Studies)
Dravida Adhyayana (Dravidian Studies)

Post-Matriculation Diplomas

Abhivriddhi Samvahana (Development Communication)
Karakushala Kalegalu (Handicrafts)
Janapada Sangita (Folk-Music)
Naataka Kale (Theatre Arts)
Paaramparika Jnana (Traditional Knowledge)

Certificate Courses

Samshodhana Vidhana (Research Methodology)
Telugu
Tamil
Malayalam