FAQ

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the UWC movement and the application process and selection camp:

What is a UWC?

A United World College is a 2-year high school that aims to create transformational leaders for the greater good of the world. Every UWC is strengthened by the challenging IB diploma curriculum, its unique mission and values, student centered experiential education and 55,000 Alumni worldwide.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two year high school diploma, that is recognised by universities in more than 100 countries! It involves a number of components including a 4000 word long Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and 6 groups of subjects.

How many UWCs are there in the world?

As of 2017, there are 17 United World Colleges worldwide. They are all situated in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, USA and Wales.

How to apply to a UWC?

Admissions in a UWC are run by national committees in 152 countries. For more information click here

Can an applicant directly apply to a UWC?

Applicants are recommended to apply to UWCs ONLY through your national committee. Direct applications are possible only in extreme situations where the applicant's country doesn't have a national committee or if he/she is a refugee. 

However, some UWCs such as UWCSEA and UWC Pearson College accept direct applications, but generally direct applicants are not applicable to apply for financial aid, unless he/she is a refugee.

What is the UWC application process?

UWC application processes differ from country to country; the general application process is to fill in an application, submit it, and if you are selected for the next stage you will be asked to attend an interview. Some countries also have overnight selection camps organised which include a series of activities and team games and two interview panels.

Can you give some general advice for the UWC selection process?

General and common tips include:

1. Be yourself
2. Be honest
3. Be confident
4. Socialise with all applicants
5. Read.Read.Read
6. Participate extensively in all activities
7. Complete the application by yourself and be truthful in what you're writing
8. Submit the complete application form as soon as possible! The earlier you submit an application, the better for you.
9. Be ready to answer uncomfortable questions on sex and homosexuality.

For more tips, click here

Can I visit a UWC campus and meet current students and teachers?

Yes you can! Just check onto one of the UWC school's websites and visit their campus by registering for the open day.

What is the age requirement for UWC Students?

The general age requirement for UWC students is 16-19 years. This can depend largely on the national committee and the applicant's performance at the interview. 

Generally UWC schools and colleges require that you need to be at least 16 years of age on 30th September of the year you shall be applying. However, if you were born in the months after September, it is still safe to contact your national committee and ask them about your eligibility. There are cases where a student is 15 years of age and gets accepted to a UWC. (Note: age is not considered as a factor in the admission decision).

What is the selection criteria for a UWC?

UWC interview panels look for applicants with the following qualities:

1. Intellectual curiosity
2. Active commitment
3. Social competence
4. Resilience, personal responsibility and integrity
5. Motivation for the UWC Movement

For detailed descriptions of each quality and more FAQs, please click here

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