University of Kentucky: Excellence Top-Tier Research in Education and Campus Life
University of Kentucky (UK), offers international students an exceptional blend of affordability, academic excellence, and campus life.

University of Kentucky (UK) is the flagship university of the state of Kentucky. A leading public research university that is nationally and internationally ranked in a number of programs. The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). UK is on an exciting path—one that’s conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as energy, the environment, and cancer—yet remains one of the most affordable major universities in the United States.
University of Kentucky (UK), offers international students an exceptional blend of affordability, academic excellence, and campus life. With multiple scholarship opportunities that can be combined, UK ensures that studying at one of the top public research universities in the U.S. is within reach. Beyond academics, UK’s lively campus boasts over 500 student clubs and organizations, including the country’s most renowned basketball program.
Situated in Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World," students also have the chance to explore the famous Keeneland racetrack and immerse themselves in a thriving horse industry. With its academic prestige, vibrant community, and unique location, the University of Kentucky is an ideal destination for international students.
Excellence Academics and Programs
University of Kentucky offers outstanding academics and lively campus meaning that the students experience the very best of college life, both in their coursework and beyond, in a city that has been named in the Top 15 Safest Large Cities in the country by US News & World Report in 2024.
Your Future Starts at University of Kentucky
With over 200 academic programs across various colleges, University of Kentucky provides majors to fit any interest. Highly-rated programs include Engineering, Healthcare Professions, Business/Management, and Psychology. The UK Gatton College of Business has many popular majors, such as management, marketing, accounting, finance, and economics.
Some of the high ranked majors are:
- #6 in Pharmacy
- #16 in Nursing
- Researchers in the College of Engineering ranked in the top 2% in the US.
Students engage in research at the University of Kentucky.
Han Tran, a graduate who majored in Marketing, explains that “UK has brought me more than I ever expected: practical knowledge and skills, rich work experiences, strong professional connections, and lifetime friendships.”
Scholarship Opportunities up to full-tuition
Scholarship opportunities play an important role in college decisions, and in UK, there are several scholarship opportunities for both incoming freshmen and transfer students.
And yes, it is possible to receive more than one scholarship; all scholarship opportunities can, in fact, add up to a full-tuition scholarship! The International Ambassador Scholarship is a program that is very unique to UK; The International Ambassadors work with the International Center and are available to answer any questions prospective students may have about life as a UK student, academics, housing, etc. as well as share what it’s like to live in the welcoming city of Lexington, KY. This scholarship alone can be up to 50% of tuition.
University of Kentucky offers many scholarships for international students
Scholarship funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so early applications are most encouraged. All qualified applicants who meet the December 1 deadline will be considered for scholarships.
Extracurriculars and School Spirit
UK offers over 500 student clubs, giving you the chance to join one (or more!) to pursue your passions or discover new interests. Being a student in the UK also gives you the chance to experience the strongest basketball tradition in the nation. In fact, the UK leads the country in NBA players! UK’s men’s basketball program, winner of 8 NCAA National Championships, means former Kentucky players, like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Tyler Herro, are some of the most recognized players in the league. It also means that UK students get to see NBA-level games right on campus at discounted student prices and experience a one-of-a-kind school spirit!
Students participate in extracurricular activities on campus.
From academics to career opportunities to campus life, students at University of Kentucky will receive a world-class education and university experience in a safe environment and develop academically, professionally, and personally in ways that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Vibrant Campus Life
Kentucky is more than just a university with stellar academics, campus life is vibrant and active. With 18 new residence halls, living on campus is a great way to find community, meet new people, and integrate into the U.S. culture. It’s where you’ll make most of your friends and memories. You’ll stay close to your classmates, professors, and the fun stuff happening on campus, while living within walking distance of downtown Lexington! You can also join one of UK’s many Living Learning Programs (LLPs), which offer students an opportunity to live and learn together in an integrated academic residential environment.
Campus life is vibrant and active
This dynamic residential experience has specialized programming, interactions with UK faculty and staff; and a supportive community that focuses on student success. This includes the International Village LLP, where international students are paired with U.S. students.
Support and Services
The goal at the UK International Center is to support all future Wildcats through every stage of the application process, from document requirements and admissions to academic programs and visa issues. This support continues after arrival on campus, with International Center staff and fellow international students ready to help with adjusting to life in Lexington. Students can get answers to questions about schedules, housing, transportation, dining, and extracurricular involvement. The International Student Services also organize activities to help students integrate into campus life.
Students receive comprehensive support from the UK International Center
Stuckert Career Center provides opportunities for career discovery and achievement for all students through programs, resources, and services designed to support personal and professional development.
Students have the opportunity to receive assistance in various aspects of their academic and career journey, such as choosing a major, crafting a career path, devising effective job-search methods, and more. UK’s dedicated team is eager to engage with classes and student groups to discuss topics like career readiness, planning for professional education, and the range of services we provide. Career advisors are available to evaluate how personal factors can shape one's career decisions.
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