University of Kentucky: what international applicants need

What are University of Kentucky's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Kentucky has one application deadline for 2026–27: Early Action on December 1, 2026. It also admits on a rolling basis.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is University of Kentucky's acceptance rate?

92.9% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Kentucky admitted 29,293 of its 31,517 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of Kentucky require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. University of Kentucky requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (December 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is November 7, 2026: scores on November 20, 2026, registration by October 23, 2026 (late registration October 27, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for University of Kentucky?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 530–640 in Math and 540–650 in Reading and Writing (7% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 21–28.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of Kentucky's application fee for international students?

University of Kentucky's application fee is $60 for international applicants: $10 more than the $50 US applicants pay.

Does University of Kentucky accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of Kentucky accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does University of Kentucky accept?

University of Kentucky lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does University of Kentucky accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests University of Kentucky accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does University of Kentucky require?

University of Kentucky doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of Kentucky require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of Kentucky requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does University of Kentucky have?

358 of University of Kentucky's 25,534 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 1.4%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of Kentucky cost for international students?

University of Kentucky is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $34,140 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $13,502). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $16,016. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $57,196 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does University of Kentucky give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, University of Kentucky gave institutional scholarships or grants to 254 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source