University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) was established in 2003 by the UPES Act of the State Legislature of Uttarakhand. It is ranked 9th under the University Overall category by QS Asia University Rankings 2023. Petroleum University is accredited by IACBE, NBA, and with an A Grade by NAAC, and approved by UGC, Bar Council of India, and Pharmacy Council of India. The university is recognised as a Scientific and Research Organisation by DISR, the Ministry of Science Technology, and the Government of India.

It is a member of the Association of Indian Universities, the International Association of Universities, the World Design Organisation, CII, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The university has two campuses in Dehradun, namely UPES Bidholi and UPES Kandoli. Through nine schools of study, UPES Dehradun offers UG, PG, PhD, and other courses to students across the Management, Engineering, and Science streams. Through CCE, the university offers distance learning courses to students. The Distance Education Council approves the distance education courses.