The University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad was established on October 1, 1986.

The University has 4 Colleges, 25 Research Stations, 6 Extension Education Units, 5 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ATIC. The University has its jurisdiction over 7 districts namely Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, and Uttar Kannada in northern Karnataka. Greater diversity exists in soil types, climate, topography cropping and farming situations. The jurisdiction includes dry-farming to heavy rainfall and irrigated area. Important crops of the region include sorghum, cotton, rice, pulses, chilli, sugarcane, groundnut, sunflower, wheat, safflower etc. The region is also known for many horticultural crops.

The main campus is located on the Pune-Bangalore National Highway No.4 at an altitude of 678 meters with mild summers and winters, and receives an annual rainfall of 880 mm rainfall. The University encompasses an area of about 542 hectares on its main campus and about 1,700 hectares at the outstations.

The mandate of the University is to perform integrated functions of teaching, research and extension in agriculture and allied disciplines. The University has carved a niche for itself on the national and international scene. Among the Agricultural Universities in the country, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad is well known by virtue of its high academic standards, research achievements and effective transfer of technology. In addition, the students of this University have made impact at the national level through academic and cultural activities.

Considerable progress has been registered in the field of education, research and extension from this University.