University of Kentucky®
Learn everything you need to know about applying to UK Online programs.
Select the student status that best describes you to get started:
To learn if our online options are available in your location, please check the State Authorization Map if you are located inside the United States, or, check the Global Compliance Map if you are located in another country. Your application cannot be considered for a program that is not offered in your location.
Graduate Students
Apply to a UK Online graduate degree or certificate program. Applicants should already have a bachelor’s degree.
1. Check Your Program Page
View your program-specific information for deadline dates and supplemental materials required for your application. Some programs may require you to submit a separate application in addition to your application to the UK Graduate School. Read your program page carefully.
2. Create An Account
You may apply for as many programs as you wish, but EACH pogram requires a separate application and application fee.
The following information is required to set up an account:
- (i) an email address
- (ii) a username
- (iii) a password
You will use this account information to return to complete an unfinished application or review a completed application’s status.
3. Prepare And Submit Your Application
All materials must be uploaded to the online application system. You can save your progress and return to your application later. Once everything is ready, submit your application.
The fee for domestic applicants is $65.00 per application and $75.00 per application for international applicants. Please note that the application cannot be submitted without payment of this fee. Application fees are non-refundable.
If you have any questions about UK’s online graduate application process, you may either send an email to GSAdmissions@uky.edu or call either (859) 257-9390 or (859) 257-4905.
Many of our graduate programs do not require GRE scores to apply. See a list of all programs that have waived GRE scores.
4. Await Your Application Review And Decision
Students will be contacted with a decision via email and regular mail. You can also view the status of your application by logging into your account.
Undergraduate Students
Apply to a UK Online undergraduate degree or certificate program. Start here if this is your first time enrolling as a college student.
Undergraduate students applying to online programs follow the same application process as in-person students. Get information pertaining to deadlines, application requirements and pre-college curriculum at the Undergraduate Admission page.
1. Gather Required Documents
- High school transcript or GED
- If you earned college-level credit, supply a copy of your college transcript
- Your resume, or a list of activities
- Submit optional test scores
3. Write Your Personal Essay
Share your personal story in 250-650 words.
4. List of Activities
Share what you have been involved with in recent years. This can be school-related, volunteer experience, or work experience.
5. Submit Your Application
When your application is ready, submit it by the deadline. You will have to pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
6. Await Your Application Review And Decision
Students will be contacted with a decision via email and regular mail. You can also view the status of your application by logging into your account.
Transfer Students
Apply as a Transfer Student into an Undergraduate Program.
1. Request Transcripts
If you have 24 or more earned credit hours, we only require a transcript from each college or university you have previously attended. If you have 23 or fewer earned credit hours, we will also need your high school transcript.
2. View Transfer Equivalencies
Use the Transfer Credit Tool to see how to complete your degree at UK.
4. List of Activities
Share what you have been involved with in recent years. This can be school-related, volunteer experience, or work experience.
5. Submit Your Application
When your application is ready, submit it by the deadline. You will have to pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
6. Await Your Application Review And Decision
Students will be contacted with a decision via email and regular mail. You can also view the status of your application by logging into your account.
Transferring Credit to a Graduate Program
If you have earned graduate credit hours that you think should apply to your UK graduate program, you must first be admitted to the program and then work with your program’s Director of Graduate Studies to apply for transfer of credit.
Restrictions on Graduate Transfer Credit
For graduate credit earned at UK, there is no restriction on transfer of credit hours.
For graduate credit earned at another regionally accredited university, a maximum of 9 hours can be transferred (or 25% of the credit hours needed to fulfill either master’s/specialist degree requirements or doctoral pre-qualifying coursework requirements).
Students should review the information on Transfer Credit listed in the Graduate Student Bulletin. (Select the academic year you are accepted from the drop down in the upper right hand corner to view the correct graduate bulletin.)
Readmission
If you were previously enrolled at UK, you can apply for readmission. Please pay special attention to the unique application deadlines for this type of admission, located on the Undergraduate Readmission page. Any holds on your student account must be cleared before readmission can be determined.
1. Gather Required Documents
Official transcript from each college or university attended since enrolled at UK (if applicable)
2. Submit the Undergraduate Admission application
Complete the application and pay the non-refundable application fee.
3. Await Your Application Review And Decision
Students will be contacted with a decision via email and regular mail. You can also view the status of your application by logging into your account.
Have you accumulated 80 or more credit hours and are returning to UK to finish your first bachelor’s degree? You may qualify for the Project Graduate program.
Non-degree Seeking
Non-degree status affords an opportunity for individuals to pursue lifelong learning without the structure of degree-seeking status and is consistent with the educational mission of the University.
- Please visit the Non-degree Undergraduate Admission page to view deadlines and definitions of the different types of non-degree admission.
- Submit an Undergraduate Admission application
Military Students
UK offers unique resources to best support students with military experience. Those with military benefits or experience can start their application following the steps listed above for either undergraduate or graduate applicants.
Additional information and resources unique to those with military experience include:
- Using your VA education benefits
- Receive credit for military training and experience
- Connect with other veterans and active military through our Veteran's Resource Center
