If you are eligible to apply through this National Committee then your first step is to obtain an application form. Initial application is via this form only, and the application deadline for 2010/2011 is January 13th, 2012. Here you can read about how to get the application pack and how the application procedure works. The deadline for this year has now passed. Please note that you will receive a confirmation once you have signed up, and the application form will be sent 24 hours after this.

So, you want to apply for a place at a United World College - great! Please read all of this information carefully, along with the eligibility criteria and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before writing your application.

You can obtain an application pack by filling in our online form. A confirmation email will be sent to you immediately where you will be asked to confirm subscription to our mailing list. Once you have confirmed, an application will be emailed to you within 24 hours. Please note that you will need to have read the FAQs in order to fill in the application form.

Due to large numbers of applications, forms that are received late cannot be considered. Please note that we need the fully completed application form by this date, including references. References which arrive after the application deadline will discount the application.

Two references are required, and these should be completed by a teacher, and someone you have worked/volunteered for in your community. Both should be able to speak of your abilities and interests. The references are an important part of the application process. To help your referees please direct them to the FAQs. If you are home schooled or for some reason it is impossible to obtain a teacher reference, we will accept a "Community Reference" from someone (who is not related to you) who can speak to your abilities. If this is the case please include a short statement explaining why you are unable to provide a teacher reference.

All application forms are carefully read by a team of objective reviewers - they are all intimately familiar with the UWC movement and are looking for candidates with the potential to thrive in the unique environment of a United World College. Each application form is read by at least three reviewers and between them they draw up a short-list of candidate to interview. Short-listed candidates will usually demonstrate a commitment to community service, personal initiative and academic ability. Please do note that because of the high quality of applications we receive, some strong applications will not be able to be short-listed.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview that will consist of an overnight stay at Atlantic College prior to their interview so that each student can get a feel for the UWC school system. During their stay applicants will have opportunity to talk with ex-students from all the colleges, ask questions and generally get a feel for whether they would enjoy studying at a United World College. Interviews will be held over a four day-period, in March 2012 (the date of your interview will be confirmed with your letter of invitation). Those applying must be able to attend an interview on one of these days. Decisions on entry are usually taken within two-three weeks of the interviews.

At the interview you will meet graduates from a number of UWCs who can answer many of the questions you may have and who will facilitate a series of activities in order for us to get to know you better. These activities should also stimulate a lot of discussion between you and your fellow interviewees. You will also be interviewed by a panel of three people who will ask you questions about your application, your interests and what you hope to gain from a UWC experience. While the interview can feel nerve-wracking, we try to make it as informal and friendly as possible. Remeber, we want to interview you, not your nerves, so do try to relax and enjoy the experience for what it is - a chance to meet lots of really interesting people from all over the country and find out more about the UWC movement.

Places are awarded at a UWC on the basis of merit and potential, and the initial selection is a ‘need blind’ process. The Colleges do have access to limited funds that can support students who might otherwise not be able to take up their places. Such assistance varies across the Colleges, and is normally distributed following a means-testing process. Please note:

• Not all applicants will receive financial assistance, and that any assistance that is given will vary, depending upon both the family circumstances and the amount of available funds in any given year.
• The allocation of funds is calculated through a means testing procedure, which is administered by Atlantic College. Financial support is calculated as a percentage of the applicant's needs in relation to the needs of others.
• A number of places each year will be offered to successful applications who are able to pay full fees.

Further information on the selection process is detailed in our FAQs and in the Selection Timetable. Further details on all the colleges can also be obtained on their individual websites. More information about the history of UWC and the international movement can be found by visiting the main UWC site.

Please examine this information fully before completing and returning the application form to applications@uwcgb.org with the your name and D.O.B in the subject header.

If you have any questions that are not answered in the FAQs then please do not hesitate to get in contact with the National Committee's Selection Officer, Scott McKenzie by emailing selections@uwcgb.org.