International Applicants

Let us help you through the process with the following international admissions requirements, funding options, services and alumni success stories. Please me mindful of the international application deadlines for each MBA program.

International Admissions Process:

Start/Submit your Application along with the international application fee of $75.
GMAT or GRE Score sent to the University of Kentucky (School code = 1837). Admission decisions may be based, in part, on unofficial scores, but official scores are required prior to full admitted status. The GRE or GMAT exam may be waived by the MBA Admission Committee if the applicant meets certain criteria outlined in the GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy. All waivers must be approved by the Graduate School at the University of Kentucky.
- New! GRE and GMAT exams both currently offer an online, at home option in response to COVID-19 called the GMAT Online Exam and the GRE General Test at Home.
International Transcripts are evaluated in-house by the Graduate School at the University of Kentucky to determine equivalency to a US bachelor's degree along with cumulative UGPA. Applicants should possess a four-year undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75/4.0. Make sure to upload all of the necessary documents when submitting the MBA application. All transcripts and documentation must be approved by the Graduate School at the University of Kentucky. Graduate School also requires transcript(s) in both languages, if applicable, as well as the diploma and degree certificate. Official transcripts, hard copies, need to be mailed to the University of Kentucky Graduate School, 202 Gillis Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0033. For more information on sending/mailing transcripts, please refer to the Graduate School's Transcripts.
English Proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo is required to be sent to the University of Kentucky (School code = 1837), except for those who hold a degree from a U.S. institution of higher education or whose native language is English. International candidates must submit the official results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with an overall minimum score of 550 (written exam) or 213 (computer exam), and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a score of 4.5 or higher. International students can also submit the official results of the IBT (Internet Based Test) for the TOEFL with a minimum score of 79 or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum total score of 6.5.
- New! The University of Kentucky Senate has approved Duolingo scores to meet the English language requirement for admission to graduate school for the 2021-2022 academic year. Only Duolingo English Test scores, with sub scores, taken after July 15, 2019 with a minimum 115 score will be considered. Students recommended for admission may also be ask to interview with a CESL evaluator or take additional ESL courses.
One Letter of Recommendation from an individual (e.g., professors, current or former supervisors, etc.) who can objectively assess the quality of your character, capabilities and accomplishments as well as your overall potential as an MBA student and future business leader.
Professional Resume/CV highlighting professional experience, educational history, and accomplishments. Cover letters are not required.
Personal Statement. Write a personal statement (500 words or less) about your career goals and servant leadership. Include how you anticipate you will grow and change as a person, a professional and a leader in your time as an MBA student in order to help you achieve your career and personal goals. What mindset will you need to succeed during your MBA experience? How will you contribute to the Gatton College as a student and alumni? How will you lead and contribute to your future employer, community and society?
Preparatory Courses or "Prerequisites" are required for candidates that haven't completed coursework in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Financial Accounting and/or Managerial Accounting in their undergraduate studies.

Scholarships and Funding:

Scholarships: Scholarships are only available for the One Year MBA and applicable dual degree programs. All applications received by the designated deadlines are automatically considered for general scholarship awards. Candidates who apply after the scholarship deadlines will be considered, as funds are available. All scholarships will be based on information collected through the admissions application. No separate scholarship application is required.
Distinguished Chinese Student Scholarship: This scholarship is for incoming Chinese students who have been admitted to the MBA, MSF, or undergraduate programs in business at the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky. The application deadline each year for consideration is May 1. Click Here To Apply.

International Student Services:

The University of Kentucky, the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the Graduate School offers several campus wide/college specific student organizations and engagement groups along with other ways to get connected on campus for our international students:

MBA International Alumni Spotlight:

Imane Sari Hohmann
Global Channel Capability Manager at Cummins, Inc.

Tiffany Larsh
Sales Operations Project Manager at GE Lighting

Saman Rahimi
Senior Global Supply Chain Specialist at Alltech

Domingo Solis Hernandez
Managing Director at Macquarie Group

Emmanuelle Barralis
Manager in FS Transaction Services at EY

Yiting Jian
Enterprise Sourcing Category Management Analyst at Kroger

Shota Joel Kisuule Yamashita
Technical Trainer/Course Developer at UD Trucks Japan Sales Division

Deepmala Jha-Hogue
Global Promotions Lead, Marketing at Amazon

Contact Us

For any questions or additional information, please contact:

Yingnan Song
International Recruiter
Gatton College of Business and Economics
University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
yingnan.song@uky.edu

John Peloza
Associate Dean of Research and International and Carol Martin Gatton Professor
Gatton College of Business and Economics
University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
john.peloza@uky.edu