We believe that everyone can play a role in making the world a better place, whichever path they choose.
So we offer a challenging and broad education that will help you get the qualifications you need, to get the life you want for yourself and make the changes you want to see for others.
Every year, students apply to UWC because they want a challenge that takes them out of their comfort zone. To open their minds to new perspectives, and discover new skills and talents.
It’s a rigorous experience, but it’s one that could change how you see the world.
Read on to find out how you can take on this experience through either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (16-19 year-olds), International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (16-19 year olds) or Younger Years programme (2-15 year-olds).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (16-19 year-olds)
Academic achievement is important, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous and demanding curriculum. But we understand there’s more to your potential than that. You’ll explore community engagement projects, trips, physical activities, dialogues and discussions, and personal projects, and find out more about who you really are.
Most students attending UWC between the ages of 16 and 19 take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is offered at all UWC schools and colleges. It’s a challenging curriculum that allows students to explore a range of subjects and ideas, while learning about the importance of activity and service in the community.
In fact, UWC played a key role in crafting the IBDP back in the 1960s, and the ties between the IB Organisation and UWC remain close decades later.
The IBDP aims to “encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” It’s respected in the best universities worldwide for its focus on service, communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking
“No two days at UWC are the same. You could be spending a day working in the art studio with friends and the next going on a challenging hike only to return to a lab experiment in the science block followed by a game of ultimate frisbee. The next day you could then be heading to a school in the neighbouring community to teach and learn from their students.”
-Sanyum (UWC Mahindra College, 2018-2020)
Which subjects can students take for the IBDP?
IBDP students choose a course from each of the following six subject areas:
1. Studies in Language and Literature
2. Language Acquisition
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The Arts (instead of a course in the arts, students can opt to study another science, individuals and societies, or a language acquisition subject)
Students generally study three subjects at standard level and three subjects at a higher level. At a higher level they are expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills. Subjects may vary between UWC schools, often reflecting their geographic location and focus areas.
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As well as the six subject areas, students complete three core parts of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which are central to the philosophy of the programme. These are:
Download our “Getting more out of the IB” Guide How to apply to the IBDPInternational Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (16-19 year-olds)
Alongside the IBDP, some UWC schools and colleges also offer students aged 16 to 19 the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Like the IBDP, the IBCP is a rigorous educational programme that prepares students with the skills and knowledge to make a difference now and in their future, whatever they choose to do next. And just like the IBDP, it is a curriculum that is highly valued by universities worldwide.
What makes the IBCP unique is that – unlike the IBDP – it offers students the opportunity to specialise in a specific field. If you have a desire to pursue a certain career or gain skills and hands-on experience in a particular area, this might be the right path for you.
IBDP courses provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigour of the programme. IBCP students take a minimum of two IBDP courses, chosen from six main subject areas: Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; and The Arts.
The career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning. It prepares students for higher education, internships or an apprenticeship, or a position in a particular field of interest. This is going to look different at each individual school, which creates its own distinctive version of the curriculum in line with its local context and the needs of its students.
The IBCP core is designed to create a bridge that connects each student’s chosen IBDP courses and career-related study. It includes four components: personal and professional skills, service learning, language development and a reflective project.