United World Colleges (UWC) is a global movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Our mission is to inspire young people to use their talents and energy to create positive change, no matter what paths they choose in life.
A UWC education
UWC is made up of 18 schools and colleges on four continents. Most of them focus on students aged 16 to 19, but some also cater to younger learners. Each school has its own unique character and setting, dedicated to turning young people’s idealism and energy into lifelong action, empathy and responsibility
Embracing diversity
At UWC, we are proud of our diversity. Our UWC national committees in over 150 countries and territories select students from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. This allows students to make friends from around the world and understand different ways of thinking
Inclusive admissions
While we are selective, we are not exclusive. We look for compassionate and idealistic students who want to make the world a better place. We believe that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from accessing quality education. More than 80% of students selected by UWC national committees receive full or partial financial assistance, funded by our generous supporters. Our Refugee Initiative provides full scholarships for young people displaced by conflict. We also offer shorter educational programmes on topics such as leadership, equality and sustainability, giving more people access to a UWC education.
Knowledge and service
At UWC, we value both service and knowledge. Students aged 16 to 19 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a world-respected curriculum that UWC helped develop. The IBDP prepares students for universities around the world while encouraging them to:
-Support their communities
-Develop initiatives that foster leadership, teamwork, creativity and self-confidence
Building a community of role models
Our alumni network is over 70,000 strong and stretches across the globe. Each graduate follows a unique path based on their interests and talents, but they all share the UWC spirit. They inspire change in their communities through:
- Courageous actions
– Personal example
– Selfless leadership
UWC empowers young people to become compassionate leaders, ready to create a better world for all.