Education shapes how young people see the world and their role in it. A UWC education goes further. It helps students build the courage, skills and idealism they need to imagine new possibilities and take action to make them real.
If you are a parent, teacher, or mentor, you may know a young person who has the drive to create positive change. Perhaps they are already challenging the status quo, asking big questions, or helping their community in small but powerful ways.
Why UWC feels different
At UWC, students learn through a challenging curriculum that develops critical thinking, versatility and resilience. They live in diverse communities that bring together young people from all backgrounds and cultures. This mix of perspectives helps students see people, not just nations and learn to celebrate difference.
Young people gain the tools to thrive and the confidence to improve life for themselves and those around them. UWC’s commitment to diversity has shaped its mission since the Cold War and continues to inspire students, teachers and staff every day.
The power of diversity
At UWC, diversity drives everything we do. Bringing together young people from different backgrounds and cultures broadens perspectives and helps students see the world through a new lens.
Students learn to look beyond nations and focus on people. They grow to value differences and discover how much they can learn from each other. This commitment to diversity has been at the heart of UWC since its founding during the Cold War and remains central to 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.
What we look for
We look for students who show:
- Ambition to change the world for the better
- Tenacity to tackle society’s challenges
- Resilience when things do not go to plan
- Curiosity about people, cultures and ideas
- An idealistic spirit, balanced by openness to listen and learn
They might be passionate about climate solutions, community work or asking bold questions that push others to think differently. If someone comes to mind, encourage them to find out more.
Find out how to applyA life-changing education
Young people at UWC do more than study – they learn, grow and put ideas into action alongside peers from around the world.
Our 18 schools on four continents offer:
Diverse communities: students from over 150 countries live and learn together
Academic excellence: all schools deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), a world-leading pre-university qualification.
Access scholarships: more than 80% of IBDP and IBCP students receive financial support, helping remove financial barriers.
UWC is a launchpad for young people ready to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Living and learning away from home
We know that studying in another country – often far from home – is a big step. UWC schools create safe, supportive environments where students are cared for by experienced staff and surrounded by peers from all over the world. Pastoral care, safeguarding and wellbeing are central to every school community, helping young people thrive as they grow more independent and confident.
How to apply
Students can apply through their UWC national committee in their country of residence or citizenship, via the UWC Global Selection Programme (GSP) or International Application Pathway (IAP).
You can find out more about how it works and decide which path suits them best by visiting our applications page.
Whether it is your child, a student in your school or someone in your community, they could be part of the next generation of changemakers.
The UWC parent experience
What is it really like to support your child through a UWC education?
One parent, Roseanna Redmond, shares her reflections – from the first application steps to seeing her daughter thrive at university and beyond.
