Info for parents, educators and families

Education is not just about learning what has been; it’s about realising what could be. Could the next UWC student be in your classroom, family or community?

UWC schools give young people the tools to thrive in the world – and the confidence and idealism to change it. Do you sometimes worry that current education systems don’t always nurture the spark in our most curious and enthusiastic young people? Or that limited resources prevent the kind of exploration – inside and outside the classroom – that helps them discover solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges?

At UWC, we offer something different:

– A challenging curriculum that develops critical thinking, versatility, and resilience
– A focus on idealism and action that inspires students to tackle issues, build communities and improve lives

By studying at UWC, young people take a big, bold step towards transforming their own lives – and the lives of those around them.

At UWC, diversity isn’t just something we embrace – it’s what drives us. Bringing together young people from different backgrounds and cultures helps them explore new perspectives and develop new ways of understanding the world.

By seeing people, not nations, our students learn to not just accept difference, but to celebrate it. This commitment to diversity was the foundation of UWC when it was established during the Cold War, and it continues to be at the core of our mission today.

The power of a diverse community is transformative – not only for our students but for our teachers and staff, who are constantly inspired by the incredible young people who attend UWC schools around the globe.

We’re searching for students who are:

1. Ambitious: To change the world for the better

2. Tenacious: In tackling society’s challenges

3. Resilient: In the face of setbacks

4. Curious: About cultures, perspectives and the world around them

5. Idealistic: But open to listening and learning

Do you know someone like this? They might be the student who’s passionate about science and climate solutions, a young person already improving their community, or the one constantly asking bold questions and challenging the status quo.

Encourage them to apply to UWC and help turn their aspirations into reality.

At UWC, young people from all walks of life come together to learn, grow and take action. Our 18 schools on four continents provide:

Diverse communities: students from over 150 countries live and learn together, building understanding and celebrating differences.
Academic excellence: UWC schools deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the world’s leading pre-university qualification.
Scholarships for access: more than 80% of IBDP students receive scholarships, ensuring education is not limited by socio-economic background.

UWC is more than an education – it’s a call to action for a better world.

Students can apply either via their UWC national committee in their country of residency or citizenship, or through the UWC Global Selection Programme (GSP). To find out more about the application process and to decide which application route is the right one, take our application questionnaire. Whether it’s your child, a student or someone in your community, they could be part of the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Encourage them to apply and help make their dreams a reality. 

A UWC education may not suit every student. But for many, it’s life-changing. You may already know someone who would benefit.