Apply for the IBDP or IBCP at UWC
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) are both two-year pre-university curricula offered to students aged between 16 and 19.
While all UWC schools and colleges teach the IBDP, since August 2022 students can take the IBCP at Pearson College UWC and UWC Maastricht.
Choosing which curriculum is best for you really comes down to your interests, future plans and personal excitement for either pathway.
During the application process, you will have the opportunity to express your preference for the IBDP or IBCP, if you want to. But if you are unsure, that is OK too. If you are offered a place at UWC, our expert selectors and admissions teams will be able to advise which route might be best for you.
How to apply to study the IBDP or the IBCP at UWC
Whether you want to take the IBDP or the IBCP, there are two ways to apply to study at UWC:
1. Through a UWC national committee
Our national committees represent UWC in over 150 countries and territories around the world. They select students with potential from all backgrounds, including those who would not otherwise receive a high-quality education.
If you require a scholarship, this is the right route for you. Over 80% of students selected through the UWC national committee system are offered some level of financial assistance, on the basis of each individual's financial needs.
Applications for Entry 2024 (January 2025 for Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa) are open in some countries, or will be opening soon.
To apply, contact the national committee in your country of residence or citizenship.
2. Through the UWC Global Selection Programme (GSP)
Currently, 15 UWC schools* also offer admission through the UWC Global Selection Programme (GSP).
No scholarships are available through this route and places are limited. You might want to apply via the GSP if you are not eligible for financial assistance or do not wish to be offered a scholarship.
Through the GSP, you can apply for entry to a single school or up to five schools. This might be the right route for you if you are looking to attend specific UWC schools only.
Applications for Entry 2024 (January 2025 for Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa) will be made available in September.
* UWC Adriatic, UWC Robert Bosch College and UWC South East Asia are not participating in the GSP.
Which application route is best for you?
You are only allowed to submit one application per academic year to study at UWC. Therefore, you will need to select just one route per year. So which should you choose?
| UWC Global Selection Programme | National committee selections | |
|---|---|---|
| Is entry guaranteed? | No | No |
| When are places offered to successful applicants? | Selections are happening on a rolling basis. Candidates will be informed about their results within two weeks after attending an Online Selection Day. |
January - April 2024, depending on the national committee
Selections are happening on a rolling basis |
| Are the number of places available limited? | Yes | Yes |
| Are scholarships available? | No | Yes, on the basis of demonstrated need |
| Am I able to apply for a specific UWC school or college? |
Yes, you can apply to: 1) One specific school |
No, but you can list your preferences |
| Can I apply in a language other than English? | No | In most cases, yes (contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on the application process) |
| How can I apply? |
Register on the application platform here | Contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on application procedures |
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at info@uwcio.uwc.org.
Still unsure which route you should select? Have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions video playlist: