We are looking for motivated and passionate young individuals who are eager to contribute to a diverse and dynamic learning environment.
To apply through our UWC national committee, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Age requirement
You are 16 or 17 years old on September 1st of the year you start at a college. This also applies to UWC Waterford Kamhlaba in eSwatini, where the school year begins in January; in that case, September 1st of the year prior to starting at the college is used.
To apply for the school years 2026–2028, you must be born between August 1, 2008 and September 30, 2010!
2. Educational background
Eligibility
Students currently in 4 and 5 VWO/Gymnasium, 5 HAVO, MYP 5, DP1, or equivalent school systems and/or levels can apply for the two-year IBDP programme at a UWC.
In general, suitable candidates perform well in school, are enthusiastic about helping others, have broad interests, and are eager to contribute to the social environment at school and in society. At UWC, it is important that you have reflected on what you can contribute to society, rather than focusing only on the opportunities it may offer you personally.
Students in 5 VWO/Gymnasium, 5 HAVO, and DP1 who meet the age criteria and are selected will follow the full two-year UWC programme, and as a result, will spend one additional year in secondary education.
Academic Requirements
Your grades must meet the following criteria:
- – You may not have any failing grades in English, Mathematics, and Dutch (core subjects).
- A minimum average grade of (rounded): 6.5/10 for VWO/Gymnasium, 7.0/10 for HAVO, 5/8 or 4/7 for MYP/DP on both your last year-end report (summer report) and your most recent report.
- English, Mathematics, and Dutch are mandatory subjects for applying to UWC (except for international schools where Dutch is not taught). These subjects help us assess general academic aptitude and reading comprehension in your native language.
* 6.5/10 means a score of 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest and 1 the lowest. The same applies to 7.0/10. Grades are measured using rounded scores, for all candidates.
** If you have a failing grade in any subject, please explain and justify this. Describe the impact on your academic efforts and how you intend to manage this within a UWC setting.
3. Residency and nationality
Candidates applying through UWC [NC Name] must have:
A clear connection to the Netherlands (the Caribbean part of the Kingdom also falls under the Dutch National Committee). This means you must meet the following criteria:
1. Dutch nationality
or a. have lived in Dutch territory for the past 3 years
or b. have recently been granted political asylum in the Netherlands
2. AND have command of the Dutch language
(a. with exceptions if you have recently been granted political asylum
or b. are a resident of Curaçao, Bonaire, Aruba, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, or Saba)
3. If you have Dutch nationality and speak Dutch, but currently live and attend school abroad, you must have lived in the Netherlands for at least 3 years to be eligible for UWC selection via the Dutch Committee.
During the selection process, communication will be in Dutch, and interviews and any assignments will be conducted in Dutch—except in the cases mentioned above (see points 1a and 1b).
4. Personal qualities and values
While academic excellence is important, UWC seeks students who exhibit:
- A strong commitment to UWC’s values, including intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and sustainability.
- A desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
The resilience and adaptability needed for an international and rigorous residential educational experience.
5. Language requirements
UWC schools and colleges primarily use English as the language of instruction. While fluency is not required at the time of application, applicants are advised to attain a basic proficiency in English and demonstrate a willingness to improve their language skills. During the selection process, communication will be in Dutch, and interviews and any assignments will be conducted in Dutch—except in the cases mentioned above (see points 1a and 1b).
Ready to Apply? If you meet the above criteria and are excited about the UWC experience, we encourage you to begin your application process. For more details, please visit our application page or contact us at [email protected]
Please note that you are only allowed to submit one application per academic year to study at UWC, even if you are eligible to apply via more than one UWC national committee.
We look forward to receiving your application and helping you embark on this life-changing journey!
If you don’t meet the criteria above, have a look at the UWC International site and find out more about other ways to apply to UWC.