Initial Preparation
Collect material that you will need in order to submit your application
Documents and Information
To apply you will require the following documents:
- Recent photograph of yourself
- Indian citizens living in India must upload their Aadhaar card as proof of identity. Indian citizens living abroad may upload Aadhaar, passport, or OCI card. Overseas citizens residing in India at the time of application may upload passport or Aadhaar card.
- Grade 9 marksheet
- Grade 10 marksheet (if available; mandatory for those currently in Grade 11)
You should be prepared with the following information:
- Your top 3 preferences for UWC colleges
- Information about the school you attend
For a step-by-step walkthrough on how to fill your UWC application form, please review the How to Apply section.
People
Parent / Guardian
Speak to your parents/guardian about your application process.
- You will need to provide details of your parents/guardian
- An email with a link will be sent to them
- They will need to follow the link in a web browser and provide the requisite information
Principal / Teacher
Speak to your school principal/teacher about giving you a recommendation. If you are currently in Grade 11, you should speak to your Grade 10 teacher or previous school principal.
- You will need to provide an email address for the principal or teacher you nominate
- An email with a link will be sent to them
- They will need to follow the link in a web browser and provide the requisite information, including a written recommendation
Application Process & Selection Criteria
We're looking for students who want to contribute to a better world, whatever their background
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfil all the following conditions:
- Indian Nationals or PIO/OCI Cardholders or residents in India at the time of application
- Born between 01 June 2009 and 01 September 2011 — applicants slightly outside this age range with exceptional applications may be considered", "Currently in Grade 10 or 11 (home school or alternatively schooled equivalents acceptable)
Application Process
You are applying to study at one of 18 United World Colleges for two years, which will see you gain an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
The Application
This is the first of two stages of the selections process. You will be asked to complete an application form. As part of the online application form you will be required to answer a number of questions about yourself, write seven short essays, submit your school marksheets, and provide references from your school principal or teacher. These will then be assessed by us.
Selection Activities
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to interview with us. Typically the selections interview takes place at the UWC Mahindra College Campus.
Submit your Financial Assessment Form
Shortlisted applicants will also go through a financial assessment to determine their family's ability to contribute to their education. All students attending a UWC are selected on demonstrated academic promise and potential. The financial situation of a family comes into play only after candidates have been shortlisted. Scholarships are offered to students by merit rank with demonstrated need.
Selection Criteria
Our students are selected based on their potential to build a better world. We look for merit-based achievements in the context of "How has this applicant best made use of the opportunities available to them?" Each year, we look for applicants who bring the following:
Intellectual Curiosity
You love learning about the world around you — both inside and outside the classroom. You have at least one academic area you're passionate about and would like to explore further. You can recognise global and local issues and analyse them critically.
Commitment to UWC's Values
You share UWC's values and show a commitment to follow UWC's code of conduct. You have humility and the ability to listen to and value other people's opinions, and you promote UWC's values in your daily life as a global citizen.
Social Competence
You interact respectfully with others, understanding and appreciating their viewpoints, and you are able to work within a team to find solutions. You know how to express yourself appropriately in different situations.
Resilience & Independence
You can look after yourself physically and emotionally during challenging situations, such as in a boarding school environment. You have developed good coping strategies and know when to ask for help — for yourself and for others.
Personal Responsibility & Integrity
You can express and examine your own values, and contrast them with the values of others. The way you behave within your family and community reflects your values and beliefs, demonstrating a sense of communal responsibility.
Academic Robustness
You have the potential to meet the rigorous demands of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
How to Apply
A step-by-step guide to the application process
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet the nationality, age, and grade-level requirements. If you need clarification, email uwcindia@in.uwc.org before you proceed.
Create an Account
Sign up using a valid personal email address. This will be your login and the address we use for all communication.
Click here to create your accountPay the Application Fee
Initiate your application by paying via credit/debit card, netbanking, wallet, or mobile payment. All payments must be made by an adult with the cardholder/account holder's consent.
Personal & Academic Details
Keep address, proof of identity, photograph, and Grade 9/10 marksheets ready. Read about UWC campuses and finalize your top preferences. Have your school details handy.
Parent Consent & School Recommendation
Speak to your parents about the section they need to fill, and ask one faculty member if they'll write your recommendation. You can nominate only one parent/guardian and one teacher.
Plan Your Essays
Review the essay questions and plan your responses. You can save your application in progress, prepare your responses, and resume when ready.
Trigger Recommendations
The teacher recommendation request goes out after you submit the 'Academics' section. The parent consent form is sent after you submit the 'Family' section. Complete these sections early so they have enough time.
Submit Your Application
Read through every detail, confirm documents are correct and legible, review your essay responses, and click 'Submit'. Your application is not complete until we receive the parent consent and school recommendation.
Follow Up
Track your nominees' progress from your dashboard. Once they submit, your application is automatically finalised and you'll receive a confirmation email at your registered address.
Important Information
Here are a few things that are good to know about
Financial Requirements
You and your family's financial situation will not affect the selection process. We do have some financial aid available, to qualify for which, shortlisted candidates will need to fill in a financial assessment form that helps us assess the financial aid requirement.
Eligibility Requirements
- Indian Nationals or PIO/OCI Cardholders or residents in India at the time of application
- Born between 01 June 2009 and 01 September 2011 — applicants slightly outside this age range with exceptional applications may be considered", "Currently in Grade 10 or 11 (home school or alternatively schooled equivalents acceptable)
Parental Consent
We will need one of your parents or guardians to fill out the parental consent form, which is part of the application process.
Application Fee
- The applicable fee is determined by the payment date, not the final submission date.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is not successful.
- Please review the eligibility criteria and detailed instructions before making the payment.
- Once payment is made, it cannot be refunded or transferred.
Deadline & Completion Checklist
We will only assess your application if all of the following are complete:
- You have filled out all sections of the application
- You have submitted your marksheet(s)
- Your parents/guardians have sent in their consent form
- Your school principal/teacher has sent in their recommendation
- You have clicked 'Submit application' and received a confirmation email from us