The ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (Icfai), a non-profit educational society established in 1984 under the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) Public Societies Registration Act, 1350 F (Act No.1 of 1350F), with the objective of imparting training in finance and management to students, working executives and professionals in India.

The ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand is included in the list of universities maintained by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, vide their letter No. F.9-26/2003 (CPP-I) dated July 22, 2005. The Distance Education Council (DEC) has approved the programs of the ICFAI University, Dehradun.

The Bar Council of India has accorded its approval for imparting three year and five year Law Courses at ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand and award degrees in law.

The ICFAI University, Dehradun is Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, London and Member of the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

The University has received the approval of NCTE to offer the Bachelors Program in Education through the Faculty of Education. The ICFAI University, Uttarakhand is included in the list of approved institutions maintained by NCTE.