Donovan Scholars
Learn about applying to and attending UofL as a Kentucky resident aged 65 years or older.
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The state of Kentucky offers a unique opportunity for students who are 65 years or older to take a select number of classes for free at any state-supported institution within the Commonwealth. Commonly known as the Donovan Fellowship, students interested in attending UofL can take classes that may count towards a degree or simply be for fun.
Eligibility
There are a few requirements for this program that you must meet before you can take advantage of the program:
- You must be 65 years or older on or before the first day of classes of the semester.
- You must be a resident of Kentucky and be able to present a valid state photo ID (this does not cover Indiana reciprocity).
- You must be admitted to UofL before you can start taking classes.
How to Apply to UofL as a Senior Citizen
The first step is to apply to UofL, which requires an application and a non-refundable $30 application fee.
There are two ways we categorize students: degree-seeking and non-degree seeking.
Based on your goals and reasons for returning to school, we will first want you to decide if you are seeking a degree.
If you have decided to pursue a degree, your first route may be to apply as a transfer student. This means you have never attended UofL, but have previous college work.
- Transfer student: you will need to complete a transfer student application and request all official transcripts from every institution you have attended. For directions on how to request your transcripts, please see our Senior Citizen FAQs.
- Once admitted, you will be required to complete orientation and academic advising before you can register for classes.
If you previously attended UofL, you will want to apply as a returning student.
- Returning student: as a returning student, you will not need to request your UofL transcript. There are two applications for returning students:
- If you last attended courses within less than 2 years, you will want to complete a request to reenroll.
- If you have previously attended courses as a senior citizen and sat out a semester, please complete a request to reenroll as well.
- If you last attended courses 2+ years ago, you will need to complete a new application for undergraduate admission.
- If you last attended courses within less than 2 years, you will want to complete a request to reenroll.
If you have decided not to pursue a degree, you will want to complete one of the two applications:
- Continuing Studies: this only requires an application (no transcripts needed). While the admissions process is much quicker, you will be restricted to registering for 100-level courses only. If you decide to pursue higher level courses, you will need to seek the permission of your professor and the department before you can register.
- To apply, start your application as a visiting student.
- Post-baccalaureate: Students who are looking to take higher-level courses (200+) may want to apply this route. We require an application as well as your official transcript showing your bachelor’s degree. It could take 7+ business days before you are admitted. Providing your transcript allows UofL to show you have completed the pre-requisites for your courses. Students who don't submit a transcript will be charged an additional Arts & Sciences fee each semester.
- To apply, start your application as a post-baccalaureate student.
- For directions on how to request your transcripts, please see our Senior Citizen FAQs.
*If you are UofL alum, you will not need to request your transcript.
Next Steps After Being Admitted
Here is a general overview of the steps you will need to take in order to register for classes here at UofL. We recommend you look at the additional links on this page for more detailed information on each of these steps as well.
Activate Your Student Accounts
- ULink: You will use ULink to view your class schedule, and view your balance to see what fees you may owe.
- Blackboard: You will use Blackboard to view course materials, complete assignments, view course announcements, and collaborate with your classmates.
- UofL Student Email on Outlook: You will use Outlook to access your student email, where you will receive University updates, instructor updates, classmate communication and information about your bill.
- Cardsmart: You will use your Cardsmart student account if you are degree-seeking in order to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
- To view what classes are offered each semester, please view our Course Catalog.
- Complete Pre-Registration Questions on ULink under the Tasks tile. You will need to complete this task every semester prior to registration.
- If you are auditing, you will complete an Add/Drop form. These can be picked up in the Transfer & Adult Student Services office. You will need to obtain an instructor's signature as permission to enroll as an auditor. Once it is complete, you will drop the form off with the Registrar’s office.
- If you are enrolling for credit, you can register for classes using your ULink student account.
- You can show your driver’s license to the Bursar’s office in order to waive your tuition charges.
- You can pay your fees at the Bursar’s office or using your ULink student account.
- Pick up your student ID in the Cardinal Card office, located on the lower level of the Houchens Building.
- To park on campus, you will require a UofL parking permit. There are several options; please review our university parking permits.
- If you need accessible parking, please complete an accessible parking form.
- Purchase books (if necessary) using the university bookstore website.