Welcome, future graduate student! At the University of Kentucky Graduate School, we’re excited to partner with you as you take the next step toward achieving your academic and professional goals. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge research, advancing your expertise, or building new skills for your career, our diverse and supportive community is here to help you thrive. Discover master's and doctoral programs that inspire, resources that empower, and opportunities that open doors to your future. Let’s shape your success together!
GO BEYOND YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE The Graduate School
Your Graduate Journey Starts Here Get Your Master's Degree or Ph.D.!
About the University of Kentucky
1 of 7
Universities
In the U.S. that have Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy on a single campus
8
Research Centers
At UK awarded over $300 million annually in federal, state, and industry research grants and contracts
$58
Million
William T. Young Library is among the world’s leading research libraries; its book endowment is the largest among public universities
55
Doctoral Degrees
85
Master's Degree Fields
52
Graduate Certificates
Key Dates: Admission and Registration Deadlines
Application Deadlines
| Spring 2026 |
International Deadline - September 15, 2025 Domestic Deadline - December 12, 2025 (Programs may have earlier deadlines) Applicants for Readmission - December 12, 2025 Postbaccalaureate Student Application Deadline - December 15, 2025 Many programs have earlier deadlines. |
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| Fall 2026 |
International Deadline - April 15, 2026 (Programs may have earlier deadlines) Domestic Deadline - July 24, 2026 (Programs may have earlier deadlines) Applicants for Readmission - July 24, 2026 Postbaccalaureate Student Application Deadline - August 3, 2026 |
Registration Deadlines
| August 25 - 29, 2025 |
Late registration begins for returning students and applicants cleared for late admission for the Fall 2025 semester. A late fee is assessed for students who register late.
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| October 13 - November 25, 2025 |
Spring 2025 registration opens for new students in the following categories: online certificate, non-degree, certificate non-degree, visiting, and online degree seeking.
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| November 3 - November 25, 2025 |
Priority registration for the Winter 2025 intersession and Spring 2026 semester.
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| December 1, 2025 - January 11, 2026 | Registration continues for Winter 2025 for currently enrolled students. Winter 2025 intersession and Spring 2026 registration for newly admitted students opens. |
| December 8, 2025 - January 11, 2026 | New post-baccalaureate student registration for the Spring 2026 semester. |
| January 12 - January 16, 2026 |
Late registration begins for returning students and applicants cleared for late admission for the Spring 2026 semester.
A late fee is assessed for students who register late.
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| March 9 - April 21, 2026 |
Fall 2026 and Summer 2026 registration for new students in the following categories: Online Certificate, Non-Degree, Certificate Non-Degree, Visiting, and Online Degree Seeking. Please make sure to meet with your advisor to remove your advisor hold before priority registration begins. Check the registration webpage for more information about steps you should take to ensure a smooth registration process. |
| May 18 - 19, 2026 |
Late registration begins for returning students and applicants cleared for late admission for the Summer 2025 term. A late fee is assessed for students who register late. |
Prepare for Graduate School
Applying to graduate school can feel complex, but early preparation makes all the difference. Start by researching programs, understanding prerequisites, and gathering key materials like transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement. Stay organized, meet deadlines, and follow up on required documents to ensure a complete application. The effort you invest now sets the stage for your future success as a graduate student.
Have questions about starting your Graduate School journey?
Contact the Director of Graduate Studies or Director of Graduate Certificates for the program you are interested in.
Follow Us!
@UKYGradSchool on all social media platforms!
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Graduate, Master's, and PhD Programs
All graduate programs can be found in the University of Kentucky database found here.
If you have any questions specifically about a program, please refer to the Director of Graduate Studies for that program.
Professional Enhancement
All UK graduate students have access to The Office of Graduate Student Professional Enhancement (GSPE), which supports your academic, professional, and personal growth. We offer expert-led programs, both online and in-person, to enhance your research, career success, teaching skills, and overall wellbeing. Beyond academics, GSPE provides a welcoming space for networking, collaboration, and exploring diverse career paths.
International Students
Visit the UK International Center for more information.
All International students should check in with this office upon arriving in Lexington
International Student & Scholar Services | International Center
