Students who choose to study in Louisville, Kentucky enjoy the state’s beautiful agrarian countryside and historic urban centers. Listed among one of the best small cities in the US, Louisville offers a vibrant urban vibe while still staying grounded by a small-town feel. The city hosts several top-notch universities ready to welcome students from around the globe, including the decorated University of Louisville (UofL).
Why study in Louisville, Kentucky
Studying in Louisville, Kentucky is ideal for international students who want to experience a high-quality American education, backdropped by a distinct local environment. Here’s a quick overview of why the city is a great base.
Vibrant recreational scene
There’s always something going on in and around Louisville—it’s a hub that has it all. Students can enjoy theatre, music and visual arts exhibits, along with various sports events, including the world-famous Kentucky Derby.
Breathtaking natural beauty
People in Louisville get to revel in the natural beauty of Kentucky’s natural beauty, from its sparkling lakes to its majestic mountains to its serene forests. It’s home to several parks in a system designed by the “Father of American Landscape Design” Frederick Law Olmstead.
Affordable cost of living
Louisville is an incredibly affordable city, with the cost of living 5% lower than the national average. In 2023, it was named 4th most beautiful and affordable place to live. Housing is accessible, plus utilities are easy to put in a budget. Groceries are a hit-or-miss but are still generally more cost-effective than in other major cities.
Welcoming community
Locals in Louisville are known to be friendly. Students often remark that everyone is always in a good mood, making foreigners feel even more comfortable. The city is reminiscent of the energy of being home, where everyone is welcome and accepted.
Student-friendly activities
Louisville offers plenty of free activities and student discounts. For example, museums and theatres have discounted tickets, while some restaurants, especially those near schools, give students 15% to 20% off food if they show their student ID.
Where to study in Louisville, Kentucky
There are several great places to study in Louisville, Kentucky, but at the top of the list is the University of Louisville. With a mission to be Kentucky’s premier, nationally recognised metropolitan research university, UofL stands as one of only 84 universities in the US to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a community-engaged university. The University of Louisville ranking also places it among the top 100 best public schools in the country. UofL is an anchor institution for the city and state, one of Louisville’s largest employers and contributes significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the community.
UofL fosters a student population of over 23,000 students enrolled in undergraduate degrees in more than 60 fields, master’s degrees in over 75 areas, and doctoral and professional degrees in more than 35 disciplines. The university constantly pushes boundaries in research, scholarship and creative activity.
University of Louisville for international students
The University of Louisville is a diverse institution that supports, encourages and nurtures international students to reach new heights in their professional and personal growth. Its International Center connects UofL to the world, with resources that allow students to get guidance for international admissions or education abroad.
UofL’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), in particular, is every foreigner’s first point of contact with the university and contains everything a student needs to enter the university and assimilate into the Kentucky environment.
The University of Louisville offers competitive scholarships for international students, which include:
- Global Cardinal Scholarship for First-time Freshmen
- Global Transfer Scholarship
- Study Abroad @ The ‘Ville
- Resident Tuition for Engineering M.S. Programs
- International Graduate Assistantships.
Learn more about the University of Louisville
upGrad GSP is a proud partner of UofL. To learn more about studying in Kentucky or to know how to apply to the University of Louisville, get in touch with our business development experts today.
