TERI University was established on 19 August 1998 and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a deemed to be University in 1999. Set-up as the TERI School of Advanced Studies in 1998, the institution was subsequently renamed the TERI University. In the period since its inception, the University has developed and evolved as a research university exploring the frontiers of knowledge in areas of major significance to human endeavour.. TERI University is the first of its kind in India to dedicate itself to the study of environment, energy and natural sciences for sustainable development.

The University offers Ph D programmes in Biotechnology, Regulatory & Policy aspects, Energy & Environment and Natural Resources. Masters programmes are offered in Public Policy & Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Resource and developemtal economics, Climate change science and policy, Renewable energy technologies and management, Water Resources Management, Geoinformatics, Plant Biotechnology, Business Sustainability and in Infrastructure Management.The university transcends the traditional teaching and its courses attract students from various fields like economics, geography, engineering that has allowed a concoction of various perspectives into the curriculum, which provides a holistic approach to their study.

The foundation of TERI University came about as an extension to the research, consultancy and environment-related activities that were carried out by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), its parent body, which happens to be a prominent nonprofit organisation devoted to environmental causes.