University of Kentucky Admissions

The University of Kentucky is a public land-grant university renowned for its commitment to research, education, and service. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, UK offers a wide range of academic programs, a thriving campus community, and a dedication to fostering intellectual growth and discovery.

Undergraduate Admissions

While there is no minimum GPA requirement, a competitive GPA is expected.
The UK is test-optional for undergraduate programs.
A personal essay is required to provide insights into your academic and personal goals.
Official transcripts from all high schools attended are required.
Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors are recommended.

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the UK requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A competitive undergraduate GPA is expected.
Some graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.
Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities are required.
Letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals are required.
A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, academic goals, and career aspirations is essential.

Application Fee	UG: 60 USD PG: 75 USD
ELP Tests Accepted	TOEFL IELTS PTE
Standardized Test Scores (PG)	GMAT, GRE
International Application Deadlines	UG: Feb 15, 2025 (Regular Fall) PG: closed

University of Kentucky Graduate Admissions Requirements

The University of Kentucky offers over 90 graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates. International students seeking admission at the University of Kentucky will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

Undergraduate degree
GPA or aggregate: 2.75 GPA on undergraduate work and 3.0 GPA on graduate work on a 4.0 scale (or 85% aggregate score)
English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT – 79
- IELTS – 6.5
- Duolingo – 115

Documents Checklist

Test Scores: GRE and GMAT scores are based on program-specific requirements
Letters of recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume or CV

University of Kentucky Admission Requirements for Top Graduate Programs

Following are the specific admission requirements for the top graduate programs at the University of Kentucky:

Programs	Degree Requirements and Aggregate	ELP Scores	Documents Checklist
M.S. Finance	Bachelor’s degree GPA: 3.0	TOEFL – 79 IELTS – 6.5 Duolingo – 115	CV, LOR, Statement of Purpose
M.S. Agricultural Economics	Bachelor’s degree GPA: 3.0	TOEFL – 79 IELTS – 6.5 Duolingo – 115	CV, 3 LORs, Statement of Purpose
M.S. Accounting	Bachelor’s degree GPA: 3.2	TOEFL – 90 IELTS – 7 Duolingo – 115	CV, 3 LORs, Statement of Purpose
M.S. Civil Engineering	Bachelor’s degree GPA: 2.8	TOEFL – 80 IELTS – 6.5 Duolingo – 115	CV, 3 LORs, Statement of Purpose
Master of Health Administration	Bachelor’s degree GPA: 3.0	TOEFL – 79 IELTS – 6.5 Duolingo – 115	CV, 3 LORs, Statement of Purpose

University of Kentucky Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The University of Kentucky (UK) has over 90 undergraduate programs. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

High school transcripts
GPA or aggregate: 3.0/4.0 or 85%
English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT – 71
- IELTS – 6.0
Test Scores: SAT and ACT tests are optional, though some programs require the given minimum scores:
- SAT – 590
- ACT – Math- 25, Reading- 20, English-18

Documents Checklist

Letters of reference
Statement of Purpose
Official Transcripts

The University of Kentucky Admission Deadlines for UG

International students have to fill out and submit their application before the following University of Kentucky admission deadline:

Admission Type	Application Deadline
Early Action	December 01
Regular Decision	February 15

The University of Kentucky Selection Criteria

The University of Kentucky (UK) uses a selective admission policy to consider applicants for admission. The selection criteria include academic performance, test scores, and other factors.

Academic performance

GPA: The university considers an applicant’s cumulative high school GPA a very important factor.
Pre-college curriculum: The university considers whether the applicant has completed the required curriculum.
Class rank: The university considers an applicant’s high school class rank when available.

Test scores

SAT or ACT: The university considers an applicant’s ACT or SAT score results.
English proficiency: International students must submit test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Other factors

Special talents: The university considers an applicant’s special talents and abilities.
Supporting documentation: The university considers supporting documentation such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, and original transcripts.

Admission process

The university receives many more applications than it can accommodate.
Applicants are offered admission on a competitive basis.
The university considers an applicant’s potential for academic success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the English language requirements at the University of Kentucky?

The University of Kentucky accepts several English proficiency tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo. A minimum score of 79 (iBT) is generally required for TOEFL. For IELTS, the minimum score is typically 6.5. For Duolingo, a minimum score of 120 is required.

Does the University of Kentucky require students to submit SAT or ACT scores?

The University of Kentucky is test-optional for undergraduate programs. This means you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you choose to submit them, the middle 50% range for admitted students is generally between 1100-1300 for the SAT and 22-28 for the ACT.

Can I work part-time on campus as an international student at the University of Kentucky?

F-1 visa students can work part-time on campus (up to 20 hours per week during academic terms). On-campus jobs may include positions in the library, dining halls, or administrative offices.

What visa do I need to study at the University of Kentucky?

Most international students studying at the University of Kentucky need an F-1 visa. After you are admitted, the university will issue you an I-20 form, which you will need to apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

How does the University of Kentucky evaluate international transcripts from different grading systems?

The University of Kentucky’s admissions office is experienced in evaluating international transcripts. They consider:

Grading scales: Understanding how grades translate in different systems (e.g., percentage vs. letter grades).
Course content: Assessing the rigor and relevance of completed coursework.
Credential evaluations: These may require a professional evaluation from organizations like WES for some transcripts.