We are United World Colleges (UWC), a global education movement of schools across four continents. And we are passionate about creating and educating changemakers. For more than 60 years, our students have become leaders and agents of positive change, creating a more peaceful and sustainable world.

UWC was founded during the Cold War with the vision of bringing together young people from opposite sides to study and live together, inspiring them to become champions of peace. Today, our mission is more important than ever. From climate and ecological breakdown to social injustice and global conflict, our world is facing urgent challenges. UWC education focuses on peace and sustainability so that our students can explore these crucial concepts. Whether as part of our curriculum or through participation on a school council or a student-led community project, you will learn to understand these challenges and act to make a difference. 

UWC leads the way in global education innovation and we were one of the pioneers behind the creation of the International Baccalaureate (IB). Using our unique approach to education, we continue to work with the IB and others to evolve, ensuring our educational model prepares students in the best possible way for the future.

No matter which school you select, you’ll receive a challenging and exciting IB education. However, each UWC school has its own unique location and character, influenced by its host country, cultural context, local history and community. As a result, experiential and co-curricular activities might differ from school to school, as they make the most of their local environment.

Before starting your application, make sure you learn about our schools, and pick the destination – or destinations – that suit you most. We also encourage you to contact them directly to find out more about the campus, curriculum, extracurricular activities or available support. 

We follow a rigorous academic curriculum, balanced with a rich and varied co-curricular programme in which students engage in creative, physical and service learning. While some schools offer the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP)*, most 16–19-year-old students at UWC schools study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a globally recognised, multi-disciplinary diploma. Made up of three core components and six subject groups, the curriculum aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

*The IBCP, like the IBDP, is a challenging education programme and is also highly respected by universities worldwide. What makes the IBCP different is that it offers students the opportunity to specialise in a specific field. So, if you know that you want to pursue a particular career path or gain hands-on experience in a particular area, the IBCP could be the right pathway for you.