The Karnataka State Open University established on 1st June 1996 and is considered to be a reputed Open University amongst the open learning institutions in the country. 

All Academic Programmes such as degree, diploma, certificate etc of Karnataka State Open University are recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC), Ministry of Human Resource & Development (MHRD), New Delhi, vide decision of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Delhi, permanent member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), London, UK, Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), Beijing, China, and also has association with Commonwealth of Learning (COL). As of now KSOU assumes third position in the ODL system of the country.

KSOU has launched certificate Programs in collaboration with F-TEC Skill Development. F-TEC through its Face to Face network of company owned and authorized training centers will deliver these training programs.

F-TEC Skill Development works closely with several corporate, government, semi-government and industry associations. In particular, F-TEC works with the Ministry of Human Resources Development and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. F-TEC is also associated with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and Council of Advancement of People Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), an autonomous body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Rural Development. In addition to the local tie-ups, F-TEC has also partnered with an International Agency – United Nation Development Program (UNDP).