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University of Kentucky

Lexington, 🇺🇸 United States Public
#152 National #781 QS World #401 THE #301 ARWU
University of Kentucky campus
35,952 students 11% international Urban $19.2k - $36.5k/yr

About University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK), located in Lexington, USA, is a prominent public research institution offering a diverse range of academic programs. With a student body exceeding 30,000, UK is committed to fostering academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production," highlighting its dedication to cutting-edge research.

Academics


The University of Kentucky comprises 16 colleges, providing over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. Notable programs include those in Health Sciences (with highly-ranked Colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing), Business, Engineering (Pigman College of Engineering), and Agriculture. The university emphasizes a research-intensive approach, offering numerous opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research across fields. The Lewis Honors College also provides interdisciplinary, seminar-style classes for high-achieving students.

International Students


The University of Kentucky actively supports its international student community, which comprises approximately 11% of the total student population. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides crucial support, including immigration advising, assistance with student employment, and health coverage information. The university fosters cultural integration through various student organizations, such as the Society of International Studies and the International Student Leadership Team, which organize cultural, academic, and social events. While specific English-taught program lists were not detailed, English proficiency is a standard admission requirement, with accepted tests including TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo.

Campus & Location


The University of Kentucky's 784-acre campus in Lexington offers a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. Key landmarks include Memorial Hall, the William T. Young Library, and the Gatton Student Center, which serves as a central hub for student life with dining options, meeting rooms, and recreational spaces. Lexington, known for its horse farms and Southern charm, provides a vibrant city life with attractions like The Arboretum, Keeneland (horse racing), and numerous local restaurants and shops. On-campus transportation includes a bus system, with the official bus tracking app being Transit, and bike-sharing programs are also available.

Career Outcomes


The University of Kentucky demonstrates strong career outcomes for its graduates, with a high employment rate of 91% one year after graduation and 89% five years after graduation. The Stuckert Career Center offers comprehensive services, including career advising, job search strategies, resume and cover letter assistance, and connects students with employers through career fairs and the Handshake platform. Graduates in engineering disciplines, such as electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, generally report high early career salaries. The university also has industry connections, and its research initiatives often involve partnerships with industries and government organizations, providing students with real-world project experience.

Highlights

  • R1: Very high research activity
  • Diverse academic programs, 16 colleges
  • Strong international student support
  • Vibrant campus life, Lexington location
  • Top-ranked Health Sciences programs

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at University of Kentucky (28)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (9)

Bachelor of Science in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology & Life Sciences
babachelorbachelor's degreebiologybs
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
bachelor in civil engineeringbachelor of civil engineeringstudy civil engineering in united statescivil engineering program in lexingtoncivil engineering bachelor united states
48 months English Full-time

$13,104/yr

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
Computer Sciencebachelor Computer Sciencebachelor of Computer ScienceBSc Computer ScienceBA Computer Science
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Arts in English

English

English Studies
BA Bachelor of Arts in EnglishBA EnglishBEng Bachelor of Arts in EnglishBEng EnglishBS Bachelor of Arts in English
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Arts in History

History

History
babachelorbachelorsbschistory
48 months English Full-time

$13,104/yr

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Journalism

Journalism
mass communication programBSc journalismjournalism degreebest bachelor journalism programsstudy journalism in united states
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
english-taught bachelor mechanical engineeringenglish bsc mechanical engineering in united statesbsc mechanical engineering in united statesstudy mechanical engineering in lexingtoninternational bachelor program mechanical engineering
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

STEM

Nursing

Nursing
bachelorclinicalhealthcarekentuckynursing
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
government policy degreepolitical scientist careerpolitical science degreebapsbachelor in political science
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Master Programs (11)

Master of Science in Agricultural Economics

STEM

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics
masters in agricultural economicsstudy agricultural economics in united statesagricultural economics mscuniversity of kentucky agricultural economicsagricultural economics degree in united states
24 months English Full-time

$16,000/yr

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
msc business administrationmasters business administration programmasters business administration in united statesbusiness administration degreemaster of business administration (mba)
21 months English Full-time

$30,000/yr

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
masters in Civil EngineeringCivil Engineering mastersmaster's degree in Civil Engineeringstudy Civil Engineering in United StatesCivil Engineering program in United States
24 months English Full-time

$18,000/yr

Master of Arts in Communication

Communication

Communication
masters in communicationmaster's communicationstudy communication in United Statescommunication program in United Statescommunication in Lexington
24 months English Full-time

$12,600/yr

Master of Science in Data Science

STEM

Data Science

Data Science
analyticsbig datadata analyticsdata sciencegraduate
24 months English Full-time

$20,000/yr

Master of Arts in Education

Education

Education
education program United StatesUniversity of Kentucky educationstudy education in United Statesuniversity in Lexingtonmaster of arts in education
24 months English Full-time

$16,000/yr

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
electricalelectrical engineeringengineeringmasterscience
24 months English Full-time

$18,000/yr

Master of Science in Finance

STEM

Finance

Finance
master in financemaster of financemsc financestudy finance in united statesfinance program in lexington
12 months English Full-time

$25,000/yr

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
mechanical engineering masters programmechanical engineering program in united statesmechanical engineering in lexingtonMS in mechanical engineeringstudy mechanical engineering in united states
24 months English Full-time

$12,600/yr

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
master in psychologymaster psychologymaster's in psychologymaster's psychologystudy psychology in united states
24 months English Full-time

$14,000/yr

Master of Public Health (MPH)

STEM

Public Health

Public Health
masters in public healthmaster's degree public healthstudy public health in united statesmasters public health in united statespublic health program in lexington
24 months English Full-time

$18,000/yr

PhD Programs (8)

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

STEM

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering
biomedicalengineeringphdstatesunited
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
phd in chemistryphd chemistrydoctorate chemistrydoctorate chemistry in united statesstudy chemistry
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
economicskentuckyphdunited statesuniversity
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Education Sciences

Education

Education
doctoraldoctorateeducationphdresearch
60 months English Full-time

$12,600/yr

PhD in History

History

Humanities
doctordoctoraldoctoratehistoryphd
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Pharmacy

STEM

Pharmacy

Pharmacy
phd in pharmacypharmacy phddoctorate in pharmacypharmacy doctoratestudy pharmacy in united states
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
Physics PhDPhysics PhD programPhysics at University of KentuckyPhysics doctoral programPhysics doctorate
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
behavioralcognitivecounselingmental healthphd
60 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

University of Kentucky Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
71+ TOEFL
105+ Duolingo
2.5+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes January, August
Application Deadline February 15
Tuition (per year) $19.2k - $36.5k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$825
Application Fee $60
Teaching Language English
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kentucky

Common questions from international students considering University of Kentucky.

What is the acceptance rate at University of Kentucky?

University of Kentucky is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of Kentucky cost for international students?

Tuition at University of Kentucky ranges from $19.2k - $36.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $825/month), books, and living expenses.

What is University of Kentucky ranked globally?

University of Kentucky holds the following rankings: QS World #781, Times Higher Education #401, ARWU #301, #152 in United States. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of Kentucky have?

University of Kentucky typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 71+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of Kentucky?

Yes, University of Kentucky offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of Kentucky start its semesters?

University of Kentucky has intakes starting in January, August. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of Kentucky offer?

University of Kentucky offers 28+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of Kentucky located?

University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, United States 🇺🇸. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for University of Kentucky?

For specific details about University of Kentucky, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does University of Kentucky offer?

For specific details about University of Kentucky, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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