Anna University of Technology Tirunelveli was established on 17 sep 2007 from the splitting of Anna University into six universities, namely, Anna University, Chennai, Anna University of Technology, Chennai, Anna University of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore, Anna University of Technology Tirunelveli and Anna University of Technology, Madurai.Anna University Tirunelveli is bestowed with powers to grant affiliations to colleges and universities conducting graduate and post graduate courses related to engineering, technology and management.
In September 14, 2011 a bill was passed to merge back the universities.
The university is functioning from the campus of the Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli, which is located 3 km. from Palayamkottai on NH 7 towards Kanyakumari, and about 8 km. from the Tirunelveli Railway Station bus stand. Additional campuses are in Thoothukudi and Nagercoil.