If a deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time the following Monday.
Freshman Admission
Application for Fall 2026 First-Year Students Remains Open
Updated Thursday, May 14, 2026
The University of Kentucky is continuing to accept applications for first-time, first-year students for Fall 2026. Interested students are encouraged to complete the application for undergraduate admission as soon as possible using the UK or Common App. Students who apply by June 1 will automatically receive strongest consideration for any available scholarships.
Applications are still being accepted for transfer, readmit, non-degree and international students.
Confirmations Currently Being Accepted
Updated Thursday, May 14, 2026
The University of Kentucky is currently not on a waitlist and is continuing to accept confirmations for the UK Class of 2030. Students who have been admitted to UK but have not confirmed should register for Big Blue Nation Orientation at go.uky.edu/uk30. We encourage students to register for orientation and accept any scholarship awards as soon as possible. Big Blue Nation Orientations for first-year students begin on June 15, 2026. The deadline to apply for on-campus housing is June 1.
The confirmation deadline for transfer, readmit, non-degree and international students remain unchanged.
Dec. 1
Early Action Deadline
The Early Action Track is encouraged for all freshmen – especially if you wish to be considered for the Lewis Honors College, competitive and academic scholarships or if you plan to live on campus.
Feb. 15
Regular Decision Deadline
This is our Regular Decision Track, which allows you to be considered for admission to UK but you may not be considered for Lewis Honors College or Competitive and Academic Scholarships if applying after December 1.
Join the Wildcat Community
Welcome, future Wildcat, to the University of Kentucky. Below you will find helpful information pertaining to deadlines, application requirements and pre-college curriculum.
Admission Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and official ACT/SAT score (optional – the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Visit UK
Our community is eager to show you where a UK education can take you. Visit campus. While you’re here, talk to the team behind the academic program you plan to pursue. Head to the Visitor Center website, and with a few clicks, you’ll have crafted a visit that will help you explore your individual interests.
You can also consider our upcoming Open Houses and Events!
Apply for Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2026-27 is expected to open October 1; visit fafsa.gov to complete the form. All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. Use UK's school code - 001989 - on the form. Learn more about financing college and other opportunities for grants, loans and Federal Work Study at financialaid.uky.edu.
Find Your Home
Your success at UK starts every single day – beginning the moment you get up. When you start your day in our residence halls, you’re already a part of a creative, connected, active campus community. Take your experience one step further and join a Living Learning Program. An LLP will help you form connections through specialized programs and intentional interactions with UK faculty and staff – all focused on your success.