Application Deadline: 12 February 2024, 11:59pm SAST
United World Colleges (UWC) is unique. It is the only global educational movement that attempts to bring together students from all over the world – regardless of their ability to pay – with the aim of fostering international understanding, peace and justice. A UWC education features high academic standards, a strong emphasis on community service and a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities.
The colleges are all co-educational and residential. 17 of the 18 colleges follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum which blends the specialisation preferred in some national education systems with the breadth of others. The IB course covers the last two years of secondary high school education in European or similar systems of education while the IB Diploma also qualifies students for entrance into most universities internationally including South Africa. In all colleges the main language of instruction is English. At Pearson College, Canada, some subjects are also taught in French and at the College of the Adriatic some may be taught in Italian. This form is for students applying for scholarship places on the IB course. At UWC South East Asia, Waterford Kamhlabla, Swaziland and UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands, these courses are offered within schools offering a full secondary education to children aged 11-19. At the other colleges, all students are aged approximately 16-19 and are prepared exclusively for the IB Diploma.
National Selections Committees in over 155 countries worldwide are tasked with selecting a diverse pool of talented students from their countries to attend one of the UWC schools and colleges. Each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Full scholarship, partially funded and unpaid places are made available to South Africans every year so that we can send students of a broad socio-economic mix to the schools.
It is important that you understand the aims of the organisation and the commitments that the offered programme entails. Information about UWC programmes, selection criteria and general conditions of entry can be found in Section F. Further information can be found in the UWC general leaflet and on the UWC South Africa website: www.za.uwc.org
The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a university entrance examination with international validity. It is administered from Geneva under an International Council with wide governmental participation. The curriculum, which is used by hundreds of schools throughout the world, is internationally examined and specifically designed for international use. The course requires candidates for the full Diploma to study a range of six subjects; three at higher level and three at subsidiary level. All candidates must study their own and one other language chosen from the wide range available. In addition, they study mathematics, one science and one humanities subject. For their sixth subject students have a free choice, which includes music and arts. They are also required to follow a course in Theory of Knowledge, which is designed to lead to reflection on the nature of the disciplines studied, and they have to devote time to creative aesthetic activities and social service. Since 1969, students holding Diplomas have been accepted at many universities around the world. The IB cannot directly be compared to the South African Matriculation Exemption. However, students with the IB do obtain matriculation exemption for university study. Further information about the IB can be obtained at the website www.ibo.org.
The Services and Activities
The Social and Community Services are of fundamental importance. UWC students learn through the shared experience of facing challenges and difficulties in the service of others. All the colleges work with the elderly, the physically and mentally disabled, the socially disadvantaged and other community groups as needs arise. In addition, some of the colleges have sea and land rescue teams. During their time at the colleges the students render genuine services to their local communities, in the process learning much about themselves and each other and developing a concern for their fellow human beings. The encouragement of craftsmanship and creative arts also plays a large part in life at the colleges and all students are given opportunities to explore their creative talents.
Important Information for applicants through the South African National Committee
Although strong academic achievement is valued highly at UWC, academic achievements are put into perspective with a demanding mix of community engagement, international affairs, physical activities and creative pursuits.
Criteria for Selection
The age of entry into the colleges is normally between 16 and 17 years. Our founder, Kurt Hahn coined the phrase “grand passion” and we look for that in applicants. We require students to identify with the philosophy of the UWC movement. It is important that students have a strong academic ability, as the academic course, activities and college life are demanding. We look for students who have been actively involved in their communities and who will be able to share their cultural experience and represent their community/identity/values. We welcome applicants from diverse background of all those who live and school in South Africa, whether South African or not, and in particular refugees. Please contact us should you have a query on your particular eligibility.
We also look for maturity and a sense of responsibility, and a tolerance and openness towards different attitudes and customs. Students are expected to have some knowledge of international and national affairs. The personal qualities of enthusiasm, motivation, and perseverance in the face of difficulties are of crucial importance. Successful UWC applicants also pledge to participate in and contribute to the day-to-day activities of the National Committee including by sharing information, helping outreach activities, and supporting marketing efforts.
By applying to United World Colleges, I understand that,
If I am selected to attend a UWC for 2 years, I will not write my South African Matriculation Examination and will instead complete the examination for the International Baccalaureate (IB). I understand that UWC is not a tertiary institution or institution of higher learning I am open to encounters and exchanges with new people and places. I reject intolerance and prejudice and recognize the need for international and intercultural cooperation in all communities. I celebrate difference and diversity in opinion, experience, social circumstances and interest. I am accountable for my actions and conduct myself with integrity. I believe in the value of collaboration and take it as a universal responsibility to be respectful. I practice compassion and do what I can to serve those around me in need. I respect the environment and am aware of how my actions can contribute to creating a sustainable future. I believe that is it possible to make a difference and that I can affect change. I take initiative and learn through doing. I act on my beliefs in aspire to provide a good example of that for which I stand.
UWC South Africa - Candidate Application Forms 2024/2025
Application Deadline: 12 February 2024, 11:59pm SAST
United World Colleges (UWC) is unique. It is the only global educational movement that attempts to bring together students from all over the world – regardless of their ability to pay – with the aim of fostering international understanding, peace and justice. A UWC education features high academic standards, a strong emphasis on community service and a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities.
The colleges are all co-educational and residential. 17 of the 18 colleges follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum which blends the specialisation preferred in some national education systems with the breadth of others. The IB course covers the last two years of secondary high school education in European or similar systems of education while the IB Diploma also qualifies students for entrance into most universities internationally including South Africa. In all colleges the main language of instruction is English. At Pearson College, Canada, some subjects are also taught in French and at the College of the Adriatic some may be taught in Italian. This form is for students applying for scholarship places on the IB course. At UWC South East Asia, Waterford Kamhlabla, Swaziland and UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands, these courses are offered within schools offering a full secondary education to children aged 11-19. At the other colleges, all students are aged approximately 16-19 and are prepared exclusively for the IB Diploma.
National Selections Committees in over 155 countries worldwide are tasked with selecting a diverse pool of talented students from their countries to attend one of the UWC schools and colleges. Each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Full scholarship, partially funded and unpaid places are made available to South Africans every year so that we can send students of a broad socio-economic mix to the schools.
It is important that you understand the aims of the organisation and the commitments that the offered programme entails. Information about UWC programmes, selection criteria and general conditions of entry can be found in Section F. Further information can be found in the UWC general leaflet and on the UWC South Africa website: www.za.uwc.org
The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a university entrance examination with international validity. It is administered from Geneva under an International Council with wide governmental participation. The curriculum, which is used by hundreds of schools throughout the world, is internationally examined and specifically designed for international use. The course requires candidates for the full Diploma to study a range of six subjects; three at higher level and three at subsidiary level. All candidates must study their own and one other language chosen from the wide range available. In addition, they study mathematics, one science and one humanities subject. For their sixth subject students have a free choice, which includes music and arts. They are also required to follow a course in Theory of Knowledge, which is designed to lead to reflection on the nature of the disciplines studied, and they have to devote time to creative aesthetic activities and social service. Since 1969, students holding Diplomas have been accepted at many universities around the world. The IB cannot directly be compared to the South African Matriculation Exemption. However, students with the IB do obtain matriculation exemption for university study. Further information about the IB can be obtained at the website www.ibo.org.
The Services and Activities
The Social and Community Services are of fundamental importance. UWC students learn through the shared experience of facing challenges and difficulties in the service of others. All the colleges work with the elderly, the physically and mentally disabled, the socially disadvantaged and other community groups as needs arise. In addition, some of the colleges have sea and land rescue teams. During their time at the colleges the students render genuine services to their local communities, in the process learning much about themselves and each other and developing a concern for their fellow human beings. The encouragement of craftsmanship and creative arts also plays a large part in life at the colleges and all students are given opportunities to explore their creative talents.
Important Information for applicants through the South African National Committee
Although strong academic achievement is valued highly at UWC, academic achievements are put into perspective with a demanding mix of community engagement, international affairs, physical activities and creative pursuits.
Criteria for Selection
The age of entry into the colleges is normally between 16 and 17 years. Our founder, Kurt Hahn coined the phrase “grand passion” and we look for that in applicants. We require students to identify with the philosophy of the UWC movement. It is important that students have a strong academic ability, as the academic course, activities and college life are demanding. We look for students who have been actively involved in their communities and who will be able to share their cultural experience and represent their community/identity/values. We welcome applicants from diverse background of all those who live and school in South Africa, whether South African or not, and in particular refugees. Please contact us should you have a query on your particular eligibility.
We also look for maturity and a sense of responsibility, and a tolerance and openness towards different attitudes and customs. Students are expected to have some knowledge of international and national affairs. The personal qualities of enthusiasm, motivation, and perseverance in the face of difficulties are of crucial importance. Successful UWC applicants also pledge to participate in and contribute to the day-to-day activities of the National Committee including by sharing information, helping outreach activities, and supporting marketing efforts.
By applying to United World Colleges, I understand that,
If I am selected to attend a UWC for 2 years, I will not write my South African Matriculation Examination and will instead complete the examination for the International Baccalaureate (IB). I understand that UWC is not a tertiary institution or institution of higher learning I am open to encounters and exchanges with new people and places. I reject intolerance and prejudice and recognize the need for international and intercultural cooperation in all communities. I celebrate difference and diversity in opinion, experience, social circumstances and interest. I am accountable for my actions and conduct myself with integrity. I believe in the value of collaboration and take it as a universal responsibility to be respectful. I practice compassion and do what I can to serve those around me in need. I respect the environment and am aware of how my actions can contribute to creating a sustainable future. I believe that is it possible to make a difference and that I can affect change. I take initiative and learn through doing. I act on my beliefs in aspire to provide a good example of that for which I stand.