All 17 UWC schools and colleges provide a two-year pre-university education for students aged between 16 and 19 years. In these final two years of secondary school, the academic curriculum is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). At most UWC schools and colleges, students in the IBDP years are boarding students, learning and living on campus in a diverse UWC community (several UWC schools also enrol day students, based on their suitability according to UWC criteria).

There are two main ways that you can apply to study for the IB Diploma Programme at a UWC boarding school:

• Through the UWC national committee in your country of residence or citizenship
• Through the UWC Global Selection Programme (GSP)

UWC SEA and WK UWC of Southern Africa also welcome applications from boarding students for the IBDP.
Here we explain the difference between the two routes to apply to join our IB Diploma Programme.

UWC national committees (including scholarships)

Most students in the IBDP years at UWC are selected through one of UWC's national committees. Representing UWC in over 155 countries and territories, UWC national committees form a global network which seeks and selects students with great potential from around the world, often in the most unlikely places. 

If you require a grant or scholarship, you should apply using this application process. Over 65% of students selected through the UWC national committee system are also offered financial assistance. Scholarships are granted on the basis of each individual's need and means.

The application process is guided by the individual national committee. For more information on how to apply, find yours on our UWC national committees page.

UWC Global Selection Programme (Fee-paying route)

The UWC Global Selection Programme is designed for those:

• who wish to apply 9-12 months before the beginning of the school year, and
• who are able to pay the full fee for the UWC school or college to which they are successful in applying
• who are looking to attend a specific school or college.

A limited number of full-fee paying places are available at 15 UWC schools and colleges.

The UWC Global Selection Programme is coordinated by UWC International in close cooperation with UWC schools, colleges and the national committees. Selections are carried out by experienced UWC selection volunteers. 

Which Application Route is Best for You?

Whichever route a candidate chooses, the application will be assessed against UWC’s core selection criteria. Please note that a candidate may only submit one application per year to study the IB Diploma Programme at UWC. You may not apply through two different UWC national committees or through a UWC national committee and the UWC Global Selection Programme concurrently.

Choosing your application route to study the IBDP at UWC for 2019-2021:

	UWC Global Selection Programme	National committee selections
Is entry guaranteed?	No	No
When are places offered to successful applicants?	February 2019	January - April 2019
Are the number of places available limited?	Yes	Yes
Are scholarships available?	No	Yes, on the basis of demonstrated need
Am I able to apply for a specific UWC school or college?	Yes (most applicants choose at least four campuses)	No (applicants may, however, list their preferences)
Can I apply in a language other than English?	No	In most cases, yes (contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on application procedures)
How can I apply?	Apply here! (places at selection days are strictly limited and awarded on an ongoing basis)	Contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on application procedures
I want to stay informed about the application process.	To receive information about the UWC Global Selection Programme: Students - click  here! Parents - click here!	Contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on application procedures