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One of the top 100 public research universities in the USA, the University of Kentucky (UK) has more than 25 programs ranked among the top 20 in the country. With more than 200 majors available at the institution, students have no shortage of options to choose from.
UK is a dynamic institution that, together with its 55 research centers, works on a variety of real-life issues – such as beating cancer or investigating renewable energy sources. The university has a huge library with over 4.6 million books and a world-class teaching faculty who make it their mission to support students in every way from the first day to graduation and beyond.
Proud of its diverse international student population, the University of Kentucky is home to more than 2,000 international students, from over 90 different countries.
A wide range of services are offered to international students to help them succeed in and outside of the classroom. Whether students are looking for immigration advice, answers about healthcare services, internship opportunities and career support, or even general counseling, they can turn to the International Student & Scholar Services. The ISSS team helps international students develop a sense of belonging, succeed academically, and remain engaged throughout their time at the university.
The University of Kentucky has world-class sports facilities, and there are many clubs and activities that promote student involvement. The university recently opened its USD 200 million state-of-the-art Student Center and has 14, new modern residence halls with 13 Living Learning Programs.
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, a vibrant city that is ranked #3 Safest Metro City in the U.S. (safewise.com), #2 Best Midsized City for New Grads (OnlineDegrees) and #3 Best City with the Highest Salaries and Lowest Costs of Living (GoBankingRates). Lexington and the surrounding areas are home to many international businesses and it welcomes everyone with its warm southern hospitality.
Hotcourses Diversity Index What is this?
2021 301
2020 301
2019 301
2022 651 50
2021 601
2020 601
2022 501 100
2021 401
2020 401
The University of Kentucky is one of only eight universities in America with the liberal arts, sciences, humanities, professional schools and medical colleges on one contiguous campus. Such depth and breadth provide extraordinary opportunities for interdisciplinary research and learning.
The 17 Colleges of the university include, among others:
The college offers rigorous programs and enriching experiences encouraging collaboration and creativity. It partners with industry through co-ops and internships, giving students real-world experiences that lead to meaningful careers.
The college is home to 19 academic departments that offer major degrees in 29 disciplines and 37 minors. The faculty of the college are among UK’s most celebrated for their teaching and research, and the students often win the most prestigious scholarships and awards.
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is an academic medical institution dedicated to providing superior education and training to produce highly qualified, caring physicians.
The college and its programs enjoy remarkable leadership at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the fields of communication, journalism, integrated strategic communication, media arts and studies, information communication technology, and library and information science.
For more than 80 years, students at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics have learned key business strategies from both market-leading executives and world-renowned faculty. Gatton prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to compete globally with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
The Lewis Honors College provides an alternative course of instruction for outstanding, highly motivated students from all programs of study. Honors students are diverse, innovative, intellectually engaged, and interested in creative thought.
UK offers numerous programs for undergraduate students, including:
This degree combines critical thinking and hands-on learning with instruction in genetics, molecular biology, genetic engineering, chemistry, and biology, to train students in the scientific investigation process.
Civil engineering emphasizes infrastructure—geotechnical, water resources, environmental, transportation, construction and structural engineering, as well as other related fields. This program allows students to discover which area (or combination of areas) of civil engineering is right for them.
Computer scientists identify and solve computational problems in all areas of modern life. They use a combination of technical skills and creativity to design and build software, formulate solutions to computing problems and invent new and better ways of using computers. The discipline of computer science has many challenging, interesting and socially important careers that appeal to a diverse range of people. Computers are continually changing, so those who choose a career in computer science will become life-long learners and will always be on the cutting edge of new trends in technology.
This degree enables students to build the expertise to forecast economic conditions, estimate trends, and use economic theory, helping understand the behavior of consumers, firms, and governments. Students will develop a unique mix of analytical and applied business skills to prepare them for upper level management, research and public service careers.
Develop the tools to succeed in today's fast-moving, data-driven, increasingly digital markets. You'll build strong communication skills, an understanding of consumer psychology, and expertise in research and market analysis, preparing you for careers in product management, advertising and sales, marketing research, and more.
Psychology is the scientific study of all aspects of human behavior. Topics studied by psychologists include brain function, moods and feelings, normal and abnormal thought processes, personality, interactions among people, and many more. Training in psychology emphasizes research skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills. Because these competencies are relevant to many domains, training in psychology provides a good foundation for many different careers.
A top university for International Students according to 2018 U.S. News & World Report, the University of Kentucky is regularly listed in many "top" or "best of" categories by national publications and organizations, including 25 programs ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. The following list includes some of the national rankings the university has received:
General Ranking
Best Global University Ranking for
Best Undergraduate Programs
Best Graduate Programs
Freshman (first-year) applicants must submit the following:
NOTE: Conditional admission may be offered to students who do not meet the English proficiency requirement. Students can also complete this requirement at UK Center for ESL.
Kentucky has been chosen as one of the nine regional members in the sixth cohort of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (MIT REAP). MIT REAP, an initiative of MIT Sloan Global Programs, is an intensive process designed to engage partners from throughout the state in developing a plan to support entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to have been selected,” said Luke Ramsay, economic development extension specialist with the University of Kentucky’s Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky and REAP team leader. “The fact that we are the first region from the United States selected for this program is a great signal that Kentucky is serious about entrepreneurship and finding the best ways to support our local innovators.”
The other regional teams selected for Cohort 6 are from Italy, Denmark, China, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Norway and Australia. Each team comprises members who share a vision for their regional ecosystem for innovative start-ups and represent government, risk capital, academia, corporate and entrepreneurial communities.
“Being the first regional team selected from the U.S. signifies that MIT REAP recognizes the University of Kentucky’s central role in the entrepreneurial landscape of the Commonwealth,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “UK’s role on this team is another example of our growing research enterprise and a shared commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant Kentucky economy.”
The multidisciplinary Kentucky REAP team will commit significant time working with MIT faculty and staff as well as other global representatives to put into effect a strategy for developing and enhancing innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region.
US$31,600 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$15,500 Living costs
US$9,804 To live on campus
The university offers various scholarships for international students including:
This is a competitive and renewable scholarship ranging from USD 3,000 to 50% of tuition. It requires a separate application including a letter of recommendation and a one-page essay describing how you could serve as a student ambassador to the university, as well as any experiences you have in leadership and volunteerism. Deadline to apply: February 15th.
This academic scholarship is provided to first-year undergraduate students who have secured 25 ACT or 1200 SAT and 3.00 unweighted GPA. Students will receive an amount starting at USD 8,000, with additional funding up to USD 12,500 available for meritorious students with higher GPAs and ACT/SAT scores. Students are automatically considered when they check the academic scholarship box in the application (no separate application is required). Deadline to apply: December 1st.
The William C. Parker Diversity scholarship is a competitive one and may be combined with other scholarships. A separate application is required for this scholarship. The criteria includes a score of 2.50 unweighted GPA, an essay, and contribution to diversity. The award values vary based on the meritorious criteria starting at USD 5,000. Deadline to apply: December 1st.