Tamil Nadu Open University Courses : UG, PG & Certifications 

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Isha

07 November, 2025

Tamil Nadu Open University Courses :  UG, PG & Certifications 

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) is one of those universities that have expanded learning beyond any barriers, allowing learners to continue with their education while managing any other commitments without a break. Tamil Nadu Open University distance education courses are UGC approved. If you are looking to enrol in one of the best distance education universities in India, TNOU courses can be a good option.

The Tamil Nadu Open University distance education courses list is vast and includes programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational diploma, and certification. Generally, Tamil Nadu Open University courses fees structure ranges between INR 12,000 and INR 25,000 for UG courses and INR 8,000 and INR 22,000 for PG courses. TNOU courses fee for diploma and certifications are more affordable. Through this blog, we shall explore the Tamil Nadu Open University courses details, including the fee structure and eligibility. Let’s hop right into it.

Overview of Tamil Nadu Open University: A Legacy of Open Education

Tamil Nadu Open University is recognised by the UGC-DEB (University Grants Commission–Distance Education Bureau) and has been graded with an NAAC A+, showing the high-quality programmes it offers. Established in 2002, TNOU meets the ever-growing demand for flexible higher education for learners from diverse sections of society who wish to pursue self-paced programmes.

Tamil Nadu Open University offers various programmes at an affordable cost. With its open access resources and an academic planner, TNOU offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational diploma, and certificate distance programmes with the help of programme coordinators. The university has twelve regional centres that extend academic assistance to students. Mentioned below are the various benefits of enrolling in a distance programme offered by TNOU.


  • Accessible and affordable education for all

  • Digitalised distance learning to disseminate knowledge

  • Education for everyone at any time

  • Enhancing employability skills according to the latest industry demands

  • Educational access for every learner with appropriate teaching methods

  • Global admission in collaboration with premier foreign institutions

  • Strengthening society via youth development

  • Planned literacy for societal liberation

Tamil Nadu Open University Courses Fees Structure

Tamil Nadu Open University, or TNOU, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational diploma, and certificate courses. The table below mentions all the different TNOU courses offered along with the courses’ fee structure and their duration. Apart from this, the breakdown of the fee is listed below:


  • I Year fee: includes – Registration: INR 300/- and Processing – Postal & ICT Facility Charges: INR 500/- + Alumni Charges INR 500/-

  • II Year fee: includes – Processing Charges: INR 300/- + ICT Charges: INR 300/-

TNOU Courses List with Fees For Undergraduate Programmes

Tamil Nadu Open University distance education courses list includes approximately 15 UG programmes that span a duration of a minimum of three years to a maximum of six years. The medium of the TNOU courses is Tamil and English, and except for BA Tamil, all the remaining 14 undergraduate courses follow a semester-based system.

CourseDurationTotal Fee
B.A. English3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.A. History3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.A. Economics3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.A. Political Science3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.A. Sociology3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.A. Tamil3 YearsINR 11,025/-
B.Com.3 YearsINR 12,900/-
B.B.A.3 YearsINR 16,650/-
B.Sc. Mathematics3 YearsINR 20,400/-
B.C.A.3 YearsINR 30,900/-
B.C.A. Lateral Entry (LE)2 YearsINR 20,600/-
B.Sc. Physics3 YearsINR 23,400/-
B.Sc. Chemistry3 YearsINR 23,400/-
B.Sc. Botany3 YearsINR 23,400/-
B.Sc. Zoology3 YearsINR 23,400/-

TNOU Courses List with Fees For Postgraduate Programmes 

TNOU PG courses are taught in the Tamil and English mediums. However, MA English, MA Criminal Justice Administration, MSc Mathematics, and MSc Zoology do not follow a semester-based system, unlike the rest of the courses. Check out the different postgraduate courses offered and their respective fees.

CourseDurationTotal Fee
MBA (Finance, Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology)2 YearsINR 25,900/-
M.A. History2 YearsINR 9,500/-
M.A. Political Science2 YearsINR 9,500/-
M.A. English2 YearsINR 9,500/-
Master of Social Work2 YearsINR 9,500/-
M.A. Criminology & Criminal Justice Administration2 YearsINR 9,500/-
M.A. Sociology2 YearsINR 9,500/-
M.Sc. Geography2 YearsINR 21,900/-
M.A. Tamil2 YearsINR 8,600/-
M.Com2 YearsINR 10,900/-
M.Sc. Mathematics2 YearsINR 11,900/-
M.Sc. Physics2 YearsINR 21,900/-
M.Sc. Botany2 YearsINR 21,900/-
M.Sc. Zoology2 YearsINR 21,900/-

Tamil Nadu Open University Courses Details: Vocational Diploma and Diploma Programme

Apart from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, TNOU offers advanced vocational and vocational diploma programmes with a minimum duration of one year and a maximum of two years, along with simple diploma programmes. In total, the Tamil Nadu Open University offers nine vocational diploma programmes and eight diploma programmes.

CourseDurationTotal Fee
Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant1 YearINR 16,130/-
Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant (LE)1 YearINR 17,000/-
Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant1–2 YearsINR 8,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Fashion Design and Garment Making1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Technician1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Acupressure Therapy1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Office Automation1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in InDesign1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Beauty Therapy1–2 YearsINR 8,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Vehicle Mechanic1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Industrial Fitter1–2 YearsINR 8,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Welding Technology1–2 YearsINR 5,500/-
Vocational Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (Kindergarten)1–2 YearsINR 8,500/-
Diploma in Archaeology and Epigraphy1–2 YearsINR 4,800/-
Diploma in Wildlife Tourism1–2 YearsINR 4,800/-
Diploma in Tourism and Tour Operations Management1–2 YearsINR 4,800/-
Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education1–2 YearsINR 5,300/-
Diploma in Silambam1–2 YearsINR 1,750/-
Diploma in Journalism1–2 YearsINR 5,300/-
Diploma in Tamil Research and Methodology1–2 YearsINR 5,300/-
Diploma in Media Art1–2 YearsINR 3,300/-

Tamil Nadu Open University Certificate Programmes

Tamil Nadu University also offers 12 certification programmes, each with a duration of at least six months and up to 12 months, primarily taught in English. The university also offers short-term certification courses that span over a duration of 3 to 6 months, taught mainly in Tamil and English.

CourseDurationTotal Fee
Certificate Programme in Modern Techniques and Technology in Teaching3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate in ICT in Functional Tamil3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate Programme on Brain-Based Learning Techniques3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate Programme in Advanced Technological Applications in Teaching Mathematics3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate in Chemical Laboratory Safety Management3–6 MonthsINR 2,800/-
Certificate in Environmental Conservation3–6 MonthsINR 2,800/-
Certificate in Aquaculture3–6 MonthsINR 2,100/-
Certificate in Climate Change3–6 MonthsINR 1,800/-
Certificate in Entrepreneurship Development3–6 MonthsINR 800/-
Certificate Course in Conservation Techniques3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate in BS-VI: Emission Standards3–6 MonthsINR 2,500/-
Certificate in Silambam3–6 MonthsINR 1,000/-
Short-Term Course in Logistics and Supply Chain Management3–6 MonthsINR 1,800/-
Short-Term Course in Tailoring and Dressmaking3–6 MonthsINR 1,800/-
Short-Term Course in Surface Embellishments3–6 MonthsINR 2,000/-
Short-Term Course in Life Skills and Personality Development3–6 MonthsINR 1,550/-
Short-Term Course in Road Safety & First Aid3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short Course in Office Automation3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short-Term Course in Basic Computer Operations3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short-Term Course in Industrial Safety & Security3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short-Term Course in Cold Storage Management3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short-Term Course in Beautician3–6 MonthsINR 1,300/-
Short-Term Course in Social Justice3–6 MonthsINR 800/-
Short-Term Course in Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Thoughts3–6 MonthsINR 800/-
Short-Term Course in Theatre Arts3–6 MonthsINR 1,800/-
Short-Term Course in Gnana Tamil3–6 MonthsINR 800/-

Also Check: Annamalai University Distance Education

Tamil Nadu Open University Courses Eligibility

Check out the eligibility criteria for the various Tamil Nadu Open University distance education courses. 


  • BA: 12th pass or equivalent / 12th from NIOS / 3-year diploma.

  • BSc: 12th pass or equivalent / 12th from NIOS / 3-year diploma with a specialisation in one of the subjects.

  • BCA Lateral Entry: 12th pass and 3-year diploma from a recognised polytechnic college (DOTE) and 2 years of ITI.

  • MBA/MA: Graduate in any stream from a recognised university.

  • MA Tamil: Graduate with Tamil under Part I from a recognised university.

  • M.Com: Graduates in Commerce/Business Administration/Corporate Secretaryship/ACA/AICWA/ACS who have studied at least 2 papers in Commerce in their degree programme.

  • MSc: A BSc degree with a relevant subject as the main subject in Part III of any affiliated institution/university accepted by the Syndicate as equivalent.

  • Advanced Vocational Diploma/Vocational Diploma Programmes: Passed 10th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised board or institution.

  • Voc. Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (Kindergarten): Passed 12th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised board or institution.

  • Diploma programmes: Passed either 10th or 12th grade or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

  • Certificate programmes: Passed 10th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised institution.

  • Certificate programmes in Conservation Techniques, BSVI Emission Standards, and Silambam: Passed 12th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised institution.

  • Short-term courses: Passed 12th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised board or institution.

How to Take Admission at TNOU?

The admission process for enrollment in the TNOU courses is simple and easy to follow by filling out the online admission form at the TNOU portal. Have a look at the general admission process here.

  1. Log in to the official website of the TNOU portal.

  2. Create your student profile and generate your credentials for any future contact.

  3. Fill out the admission form, mention all necessary details, and attach all relevant documents.

  4. Choose the course and pay the programme fee.

  5. Check for any additional formalities that need to be completed.

  6. Upon fee confirmation, wait for the admission confirmation letter that shall be sent to your previously generated credentials.

Summing Up

Through open education, students, professionals and learners have turned their lives around and achieved immense professional success by pursuing flexible and self-paced courses, allowing them to continue learning while managing other commitments. The Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) provides a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, vocational diploma, and certificate courses. These programmes are highly flexible and accessible and offered across various disciplines and specialisations to cater to the varied academic needs and professional aspirations of the learners.

FAQ’s

Q.1: What is the difference between a distance degree and an online course?

Students enrolled in the distance mode of degree study by themselves and need to appear at exam centres allocated in person. However, with an online course, students can take the exams from anywhere in a web-proctored environment.

Q.2: Is a distance degree valid?

Yes, a distance degree is valid. Ensure that the degree is recognised by UGC before enrolling at any institution. Many companies recognise and recruit candidates with distance degrees.

Q.3: Can I pursue distance courses from Tamil Nadu Open University?

Yes, you can pursue distance courses from TNOU. Tamil Nadu Open University, or TNOU, offers various kinds of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, vocational diploma, and certificate courses.

Q.4: Does TNOU have regional centres?

Yes, TNOU has twelve regional centres to offer extensive academic support to the learners and help them in case of any queries or issues.

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Isha - Author

Isha Education Counsellor / Editor

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Isha Jain holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, bringing a strong foundation in communication and content creation. With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the education domain, she has crafted impactful content across various formats - ranging from educational blogs and news articles to video scripts, newsletters, and learner-focused campaigns. As the editorial lead at Learning Routes, Isha plays a key role in shaping content that empowers students and working professionals to make confident choices about online courses and career-building certifications. Her deep understanding of the online education space is reflected in her writing, which aims to simplify complex decisions and provide real-world clarity to learners. Beyond her professional role, Isha has also written extensively on lifestyle and digital learning trends. She is passionate about guiding students and loves engaging in conversations around career development on platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit. Whether it's recommending the right upskilling path or demystifying online education, she has helped countless learners take confident steps toward their goals. In her spare time, you’ll find Isha reading, traveling, or playing sports to stay active and inspired.

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