The Cochin University of Science and Technology came into being in 1971 in answer to a concerted campaign for quality postgraduate education in the state of Kerala. In February 1986, University of Cochin was reorganized into Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) with the objective "the promotion of graduate and post-graduate studies and advanced research in applied science, technology, industry, commerce, management and social science."

The University is well connected by road, rail and air to all national as well as international destinations. Apart from the main campus at Trikakkara, it has two other campuses, a Lakeside Campus in downtown Kochi facing the Kochi backwaters and another at Pulinkunnu, about 60 km to the south, in Kuttanad, famous for its paddy cultivation below sea-level, which symbolizes Kerala's serene, picturesque backwaters and rolling paddy fields.