The M.J.P. Rohilkhand University was established in 1975 at Bareilly. The territorial jurisdiction of the University extends over seven districts namely, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Badaun, Rampur, Moradabad, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Nagar and Bijnor districts. The University was created from the then Agra University that is now known as the Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University. It is a state administered University and the University campus is at Bareilly, which is about 7 kilometers from the Bareilly Station.

The University started as an affiliating University. However, in 1985, the status of the University was elevated to an affiliating cum residential University when four teaching departments were established in the campus. In 1987, three new departments were added. Spreading over an area of 206 acres, several degree colleges are affiliated to the University. In August 1997, the name of Rohilkhand University was changed to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University.

The faculties in the University are Advanced Social Sciences, Applied Science, Education, Agriculture, Education and Allied Sciences, Arts, Commerce, Dental Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Law, Management, Sciences. Other than traditional courses, Rohilkhand University offers advance courses like Hotel Management, Library Science etc.

On the basis of excellent research, quality education and good infrastructure the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has awarded a B+ status to the University.