Applying to Grad School The application for graduate study at the University of Kentucky is fully online.

Guide to Grad School | The Graduate School

For domestic applicants the Graduate School requires applications to be submitted no later than one month prior to the start of the term the applicant intends to begin graduate work. Many Programs have earlier deadlines. Please check the program page for specific deadlines.

Fall 2025

International Applicant Deadlines for Graduate School:

• Fall semester admission– April 15
• Spring semester admission- September 15
• Summer semester - International students are not admitted for summer sessions* (*International students coming to take on campus classes are eligible for summer admission IF the program they are applying to ONLY offers a summer start.)

Please note that some programs have earlier deadlines than those specified above, and some restrict admission to specific semesters. Please refer to your specific program requirements. 

Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a bachelors degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by one of the seven regional academic accrediting associations. A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a post-secondary, academic degree-granting institution.

Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 2.75*

Minimum Graduate GPA: 3.0*

*on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may have higher requirements)

*GPA of at least 2.5 for Graduate Certificate and Post-baccalaureate applicants

Students who wish to calculate their GPAs for self-reporting may wish to use https://www.scholaro.com/premium.

If you are offered admission and decide to enroll you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Official transcripts can be sent the following ways:

Electronic transcripts: Graduate Admissions, University of Kentucky gradtranscripts@uky.edu.
You may also choose to use the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, used by most institutions.
Electronic transcripts must be sent through one of these clearinghouses or directly from your institution.

**Transcripts can be sent in at any point during your application process prior to the submission deadline. 

You can direct hard copy transcript mailings from your institution to:

University of Kentucky

Graduate Admissions

202 Gillis Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0033

Depending on your program of interests and your English Language proficiency, you may be required to provide one or more tests for admissions. 

The GRE Tests GMAT™ Exam 

All applicants must show proof of English language proficiency. This can be accomplished in one of the following ways:

• Official, valid English Language Proficiency Test Score*
• Statement on the official transcript or an attestation letter sent directly from the registrar of the degree-granting institution confirming that English was the language of instruction. This option can only be used when English was the sole language of instruction.
• Awarded bachelors, masters or doctoral degree from a fully accredited U.S. higher education institution.

TOEFL Test Takers IELTS | Welcome to IELTS

Test scores can be self-reported in the application, however official scores should be sent directly from the testing agency.

Programs Requiring GRE Scores for Admission:

As of Fall 2024, 

• Agricultural Economics (MS, PhD)
• Animal and Food Science (MS, PhD)
• Architecture (MAR)
• Business Administration (MBA, PhD)
• Economics (MS, PhD)
• Electrical Engineering (MS, PhD)
• Marketing (MS) (Starting Fall 2025 there will be no GRE required)
• Mining Engineering (MME, PhD)
• Musicology (MA) (Starting Fall 2025 there will be no GRE required)
• Radiation and Radiological Sciences (PhD)
• Radiation Science (MS)
• Urban and Environmental Design (MS)

**For holders of M.D., D.M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc., or Ph.D. degrees, no GRE or GMAT is required for admission to (through Summer 2024): 

 Business Administration (MBA)

• Clinical and Translational Sciences (PhD)
• Dentistry (M.S. for domestic students only)
• Public Administration (for PharmD students applying to this program)
• Toxicology and Cancer Biology (PhD)

**No GRE or GMAT is required for admission in the following categories: Graduate certificate, Professional/Graduate dual degree programs (for example Pharm.D./MPA), Post-baccalaureate, Fifth Year, Rank I, and other certifications. 

This may include a curriculum vita, personal statement, writing sample, letters of recommendation, portfolios and program application deadlines. The documents required by your program of interest must also be uploaded to the application; you can review your program specific requirements on their information page found here. 

All Graduate Degrees, Certificates, and Programs

Letters of recommendation play a key role in your application process. They should be from advisors, professors, or others who can attest to your knowledge, skills, and potential for success.

While most applications utilize an automated system to send recommendation requests, it’s a good idea to reach out to your recommenders beforehand. Aim to give them at least one month’s notice, ensuring they have ample time to craft a strong letter. Share helpful resources like your resume, personal statement, and a list of the programs you’re applying to, along with their specific requirements.

Helpful Links: 

Getting Letters of Rec | Rice University

How To Request a Letter of Recommendation | Northeastern 

How To Format Your Request for a Recommendation 

Domestics Application Fee $65

International Application Fee $75

You may apply for as many programs as you wish, but each application requires completion of a separate application form and fee. The application cannot be submitted without payment of the fee.

The application fee is non-refundable.