Scholarships and Selection

How to become a UWC Student

Entry to United World Colleges is competitive by selection.  In the year of taking up the scholarship, students should be in Grade 11 or 12 and aged 16 to 18 years old.

Selection of South African students for entry to the Colleges is the responsibility of the UWC Scholarship Trust of South Africa. The timing of the selection process varies, but it is necessary to apply no later than January in the year of entry. Most Colleges’ academic years commence in August or September; Waterford KaMhlaba follows the Southern Hemisphere pattern of entry in January.

Selection is solely on the basis of merit. Scholarship support means that students can be selected regardless of their financial means. Colleges, National Committees and the International Organisation raise scholarship funds from UWC graduates, friends, foundations, non-governmental organisations, companies, individual benefactors and governments. The number of places available to the UWC Scholarship Trust of South Africa in any year depends on the allocation by each College and the scholarship funds available.

The selection processes include written applications and subsequent regional and national selection days for selected candidates. Successful applicants must have the potential to excel academically, but of equal importance is a commitment to community service, enthusiasm for UWC’s ideals and, in Kurt Hahn’s words, a ‘grand passion’ such a music, drama or sport. The selection process looks for students with an open mind and the personal qualities which will enable them to live and study for two years in an intensive multicultural environment.

The language of teaching at the Colleges is English, and Spanish in the case of Simon Bolivar UWC.  Students are expected to learn Italian at UWC Adriatic and Spanish at UWC Costa Rica.  Applicants should not be discouraged by the lack of knowledge, but an enthusiasm for languages is an advantage for learning the language of instruction and the other languages encountered in daily life.

Application Process:

The United World Colleges is an international organisation dedicated to providing a superior education in an environment which promotes international co-operation and community service.  Schools are based in Southern Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

A limited number of full scholarships include the full cost of 2 years of tuition, accommodation, meals and may include travel/pocket money. Partial scholarships may include up to 75% of school fees where the remainder will have to be funded by the applicant. Applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• South African citizens who will be 16 or 17 years old and in Grade 11 (preferably) or 12 in 2011.

• Achieve at least a B aggregate in their most recent exams.

• Have an active commitment to the community in which they live.

• Display enthusiasm and the ability to interact with people from different cultures while representing South Africa abroad.

The two year course of study is the International Baccalaureate which is recognised for entry into tertiary institutions around the world, including South Africa.

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the above criteria, please send a brief letter together with your personal particulars (full name, address, telephone number and e-mail) and most recent school report to the contact person in region that you reside in:

The closing date for final applications is 13 March 2010.

Only candidates who meet the preliminary qualification criteria will be contacted.