University spotlightExplore programmes and application deadlines
Major Intakes
Plan your application according to these cycles.
Fall (Primary)
August
Spring
January
Summer
May/June
Academic Programs & Deadlines
Browse the programme options listed for University of Kentucky (UK). Select a category to view relevant courses and use the deadline planner to organise your application.
PROGRAMME OPTIONS
BS
Offered programmes and specialization options for University of Kentucky (UK).
more than 90 undergraduate programs
(Fall Semester Regular: February 15 and Spring Semester: October 15)
PROGRAMME OPTIONS
MS
Offered programmes and specialization options for University of Kentucky (UK).
more than 90 master's programs
(Program-Specific: Varies by department)
PROGRAMME OPTIONS
Ph.D.
Offered programmes and specialization options for University of Kentucky (UK).
60 doctoral programs
(between December 1 and January 15)
2026 COURSE GUIDE
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University of Kentucky (UK) Overview
Explore University of Kentucky (UK)'s background, campus setting, academic environment, and student life.
University Overview / History
Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky is the state's premier public flagship institution, educating over 38,000 students. As one of only a few universities in America to house a comprehensive spectrum of agricultural, engineering, law, and medical academic structures on a single, centralized 800-acre campus, UK serves an expansive international community representing more than 100 countries
Foundation & Key Facts
- Maintains a 16:1 student-to-faculty teaching structure.
- Designated an elite Carnegie R1 Research Hub with substantial external grant funding.
- More than 50% of undergraduate in-state students graduate completely debt-free due to robust institutional funding models.
Location Insights (City / State)
Lexington, Kentucky – Known globally as the "Horse Capital of the World," it is a vibrant, highly educated metropolitan center nestled right in the scenic Bluegrass region.
About Lexington, KY
Regularly ranked among America's top city environments for young professionals, Lexington blends a booming tech and healthcare corporate core with a warm, hospitable, and safe college-town environment.
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate | MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $35,846 | $34,156 | $39,224 |
| Health Insurance | $3,290 | $3,290 | $3,290 |
| Books | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Living | $16,696 | $13,766 | $13,766 |
| Total | $57,032 | $52,412 | $57,480 |
Career Opportunities
| Companies & Industry Exposure | Job & Employability |
|---|---|
| Direct engineering, tech, and administrative recruitment pipelines with major regional anchors: Lexmark International Headquarters, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Lockheed Martin, and UK HealthCare. | Highly regarded corporate readiness footprint; features structural career placement acceleration via specialized co-op tracks, target mock interview pipelines, and major semester career fairs. |
Admission Procedure
| Admissions & Test Prep Admission Requirements | Language Requirements |
|---|---|
| International Application via UK Portal or Common App | Undergraduate: TOEFL iBT: 71 |
| $60 Undergraduate / $75 Graduate Non-Refundable Application Fee | IELTS: 6.0 |
| Official Secondary School Transcripts or University Marksheets (translated to English) | PTE: 50 |
| Passport Photo Page Copy. | Duolingo: 105 |
| Graduate: TOEFL iBT: 79 | |
| IELTS: 6.5 | |
| PTE: 53 | |
| Duolingo: 115 |
Funding & International Student Support
| Scholarships & Financial Aid | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Incoming freshman international applicants are automatically evaluated for premier merit awards. | International candidates must submit a formal financial sponsor guarantee statement paired with an official bank statement showing sufficient liquid funds. |
| Outstanding applicants can secure the Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship ($8,000 to $12,500 per year) or apply for the competitive International Ambassador Scholarship (up to $10,000 per year) by showcasing deep personal leadership and community involvement. | Post-secondary transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. undergo deep internal academic evaluations to establish absolute degree and cumulative GPA equivalency. |
Student Testimonials
Real journeys, new possibilities. Discover how students take confident steps toward their study-abroad dreams.
I stayed on campus for three weeks for a high school summer program and I loved it there. Although it is a large school,...
Sawyer
USA
There is an abundance and variety of programs. My dad has gone there for years and he absolutely loves and support it's ...
Elli
USA
It has truly been the best campus I have been on. Everybody on campus was so friendly and spoke so highly of it. There w...
Sophia
USA
I am entering the University of Kentucky as a freshman this year, so I cannot yet speak extensively about the school. Ho...
Isabella
USA
My overall impression of the University of Kentucky is very positive. It seems like a welcoming campus with a strong sen...
Rachel
USA
QUICK FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning to study at University of Kentucky (UK)? Here are answers to some of the questions students ask us most often.
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01What are the requirements to be admitted to UK?
As a transfer student, with a 2.0 GPA and 24 earned credit hours, you can be admitted into the majority of UK's programs of study. However, there are a number of majors that are considered selective, which have slightly higher GPA requirements. Please note, UK has adopted a test-optional policy through the 2028-29 academic year. This means students who have earned less than 24 hours can be considered for admission without standardized test scores.
02What majors are selective?
Majors in the Colleges of Business and Economics, Communication and Information, Design, Engineering, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health are considered selective.
03How is KY residency determined?
Kentucky residency is evaluated by the residency team in the Office of the Registrar. Read more about residency here or email your questions to residency@uky.edu.
04Where do I send my transcript? Does it need to be a hard copy?
We will accept both hard-copy official transcripts as well as digital copies, provided that they are sent to us by the institution that you previously attended and are indeed official copies. Have digital transcripts sent to documents@uky.edu and hard-copy transcripts can be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 100 Funkhouser Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0054.
Gallery Highlights
Explore campus settings, student experiences and the places that make education at University of Kentucky (UK) memorable.
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