Evaluation for admission is based on the student's academic record, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. The Graduate School has minimum requirements for admission as outlined by the Graduate School Bulletin ( i.e., B.S. degree from an accredited institution, a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, and Graduate Record Examination [GRE] scores; Graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).  Individual graduate programs may require a higher grade‐ point average and the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program will reserve the right to enforce more stringent admissions requirements.

The University of Kentucky requires minimum TOEFL scores of 550 (paper‐based), 213 (computer‐based), or 79 (internet‐based) or an IELTS score of 6.5 for all international students whose first language is not English.  International students who receive college degrees from US universities and universities in other designated English‐speaking countries may be exempted from taking the TOEFL test, but this is determined on a case‐by‐case basis by the Graduate School. The Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program will also reserve the right to enforce more stringent English language requirements as part of its admission process.

Individual options in IPSS may require specific academic background that must be met before admission to the program is allowed or that must be satisfied early in the student’s academic career.

This is highly dependent on the student and the type of research conducted. On average, IPSS students take 2.6 years for a MS degree and 4.8 years for PhD.

Yes, please visit the Employee Education Program (EEP) website here: https://hr.uky.edu/insurance-and-retirement/tuition-assistance-programsfor more information. You will work closely with your supervisor and DGS to develop this.

It is not only okay, but it is strongly encouraged.

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. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for typical semester starting dates. 

Graduate School International Applicant Deadlines: 

• Fall semester admission– April 15 
• Spring semester admission- September 15 
• Summer semester - International students are not admitted for summer sessions 

Application forms for Admission can be obtained and completed on‐line from the Graduate School.  Applicants will need to upload the following: 

• Transcripts,  
• TOEFL or IELTS score if necessary, 
• current CV,  
• a personal statement briefly explaining your background, why you want to pursue this degree, your research interests, and your short- and long-term career goals,  
• Three (3) letters of recommendation which will be requested electronically from letter writers who are identified by the applicant in their graduate school application, 
• Application fee. Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. In exceptional cases, the application fee can be paid by the applicant’s advisor. Once paid, these fees are not refundable.” 

Undergraduates wishing to continue their graduate education at UK can enter the Accelerated Masters Pathways. This allows you to count some classes in your senior year towards a graduate degree. It requires a lot of planning, so start this process during your junior year, or earlier. All admissions requirements still apply, including identifying an advisor who will financially support you.