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.
We are a truly global movement
Today, UWC is made up of 18 schools and colleges on four continents. The majority of them focus on the 16-19 age group, with some also catering to younger students. Each school has its own unique location and character and is dedicated to nurturing young people’s energy and idealism into empathy, responsibility and lifelong action.
We are selective, but not exclusive
UWC seeks compassionate, idealistic students who are driven to make the world better. We believe that money should not be a barrier to a good 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 has also been funding full scholarships to displaced young people from conflict hotspots for many years. Outside formal education, we also offer shorter educational programmes on subjects such as leadership, equality and sustainability, giving more people access to a UWC education.
We are deliberately diverse.
UWC national committees in over 150 countries and territories are able to reach and select young people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Students at every school make friends from all over the world, and gain a deeper understanding of different ways of thinking.
We are selective, but not exclusive
UWC seeks compassionate, idealistic students who are driven to make the world better. We believe that money should not be a barrier to a good 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 has also been funding full scholarships to displaced young people from conflict hotspots for many years. Outside formal education, we also offer shorter educational programmes on subjects such as leadership, equality and sustainability, giving more people access to a UWC education.
We build a community of role models.
The UWC alumni network is almost 60,000 strong, and our alumni can be found in every corner of the world. Each graduate follows a different path, based on their interests and talents. But each carries the UWC ethos with them, making large and small changes through courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership.