Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 4th-best city for "Businesses and Careers" the University of Kentucky (UK) is a public co-educational university in Lexington, Kentucky and is one of the state's two land-grant universities. The institution offers seven main dining facilities, 23 residence halls, and numerous recreation facilities spread between three distinct campuses: north, south, and central. It is also home to more than 250 student-run organizations, including a highly respected opera program. The Kentucky Wildcats, the athletic program of the University of Kentucky, are Lexington's most popular sports entity so there will be plenty of events to participate in or watch. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington is in the heart of the state's Bluegrass region, playing a major role in the development of champion horses; it is associated with the area's natural beauty of the landscape. Numerous small creeks rise and flow into the Kentucky River. Lexington is home to many thriving arts organizations, including a professional orchestra, two ballet companies, a professional theatre, several museums, and choral organizations. Enjoy the Mayfest Arts Fair, Bluegrass and Broadway music festivals, the Artists Market, the Midsummer Night’s Run, The Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, The Kentucky Women Writers Conference and the Beaux Arts Masquerade Ball. Lexington experiences hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recognize it as a high allergy area.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Students from the following subject areas may have the opportunity to study at this university on exchange: American Studies, Biomedical sciences*, Biosciences*, Business*, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering*, English Literature, Geography*, History & Classics, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Sociology and Sports Science.
*Biomedical sciences: includes those studying Applied Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Medical Pharmacology, Medical Sciences & Population health, Microbiology & Immunology
*Biosciences: for students studying Biosciences degrees (Biological Sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology)
*Business: for all School of Management students
*Engineering: for all Engineering students
*Geography: includes Environmental Sciences
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in Lexington will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle.
VISA: You will need a J-1 exchange visa to study at the University of Kentucky and will be required to provide financial evidence which meets the requirements of at least $19,322 based on the 2025/26 academic year (subject to change). After admission to UK and enrolling in the required insurance, the university will review the student’s financial documentation submitted with application and will issue the immigration document required for the J-1 visa application (DS-2019).
To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an application fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on our visa and study permit webpage.
You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it.
ACCOMMODATION: Undergraduate exchange students have the option to apply to live on campus, however, must be aware that many of these close over holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year, Spring Break) and residents are required to move out and find alternative accommodation at their own cost. For this reason, the UK Education Abroad office recommends students on exchange for the academic year apply for accommodation in one of the 9 month housing options – Blazer, Smith, Woodland Glen 4 - as these remain open during the holidays. More information can be found on the UK accommodation webpage. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they receive their official acceptance letter from UK as this accommodation is not guaranteed.
All students living on campus must purchase a meal plan. More information can be found on UK's webpage.
HEALTH INSURANCE: All exchange students are required to enroll in the University of Kentucky Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) when they enrol in classes. Information on this the policy and its requirements are available here.
IMMUNISATIONS: All students are required to complete a health information form and an immunization record after arriving on campus. More information can be found on UK's vaccination webpage.
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