Step 1: Complete the Online Application
- Apply. *Caution: Type your email correctly.
Step 2: Email English Score to esl@uky.edu
For Admissions: (All Students)
- English Score (iTEP, Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS)
- Need a score?
- We recommend: iTEP. Choose "University of Kentucky - Center for English as a Second Language". Pay $24. The results will be sent directly to our office.
- Starting in Level 1?
- Students who plan to start at Level 1 can simply write to ESL@uky.edu "I plan to start in Level 1, so I do not have an English score to share." when they email us the other documents.
- *If you do not take the language placement test, you will have only one week after the program starts to take the test and move to a higher level. We recommend taking the test if you believe you are above Level 1. More information about levels is available here: https://esl.as.uky.edu/curriculum-iep0.
- Need a score?
Staff processes Admission
(1-2 weeks processing time)
- Admissions are reviewed on Thursdays, but not during orientation weeks or the first week of classes (refer to Calendar).
- We do not reply to emails on weekends or holidays.
- We will send an email with the ESL Admission Letter and a list of Next Steps.
Step 3: Review Admission Letter
- Necessary Phone Applications: Apple / Samsung
- Download Duo Mobile, Microsoft Outlook and Canvas Student.
- Student Account Activation
- Instructions: UK Tech Help Center
- Housing
- On Campus: Residence Halls (Boyd & Blazer open during breaks); Prices; Application Process; **Note: Meal plans are required for all on-campus residents. On-campus housing fills fast, so apply as early as possible.
- Off Campus: Search online for prices and availability. (Off-campus housing is independent of UK and the ESL program.)
- Orientation and Arrival Date
- Plan to arrive before In-Person Orientation. **Check details online: Orientation Schedule the week before.
Traveling to Kentucky? Consider Blue Grass Airport (LEX) for free airport pickup!
(5+ days before your flight departure)
- Request transportation from LEX Blue Grass Airport to your Lexington residence.
_________________________________________
Students seeking F/J Student Visas:
Request I-20.
(24 hours after Student Account Activation)
- Log in with your Link Blue information to iCAT (UK International Center portal).
UK International Center processes I-20.
(1-2 weeks processing time)
- Student I-20s are delivered by email from ISSS, the UK International Center.
Make Visa Appointment.
- Find your local U.S. Embassy.
- Bring your Admission Letter and your I-20.
_________________________________________
Questions?
- Review our website for answers to common/general questions.
- Email esl@uky.edu -- Allow 3 business days for a response.
- Request a Zoom appointment for personal attention.