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Formal criteria

I have Russian citizenship but reside in another country of which I am not a citizen. Which national committee should I contact if I want to apply to UWC? 

As a Russian citizen, you can apply through UWC Russia. We also recommend that you contact the selection committee of the country where you currently reside permanently and find out whether they accept applications from non-citizens of that country and how their selection process is going. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which committee is best for you.

I have dual citizenship (Russian and another country). Which selection committee should I apply to? 

You may only apply to UWC through one selection committee, regardless of the number of citizenships you hold.  We recommend that you contact the selection committee of the country where you currently reside permanently and find out whether they accept applications from non-citizens of that country and how their selection process is going. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which committee is best for you.

I do not have Russian citizenship, but I reside in Russia. How should I go about applying to UWC? 

You can apply through the Russian Selection Committee if you have continuously resided in Russia for more than five years and you attend a school in Russia. You must also speak fluent Russian and meet the remaining selection criteria.

I am an expatriate living in Russia. How should I go about applying to UWC? 

If you have continuously resided in Russia for at least five years, attend a school in Russia and meet our other selection criteria you can apply through UWC Russia. Otherwise, please contact the UWC International office

I am a refugee or stateless person living in Russia. How should I go about applying to UWC? 

Please contact the Selection Committee of your country of origin. If you are ineligible to apply through the Selection Committee of your country of origin and you are a refugee or stateless person living in Russia, you are allowed to apply through the Selection Committee of Russia.

I am a Russian citizen, but I am in my exchange year abroad. Can I apply through the Selection Committee of Russia? 

Yes, you can, but if you are shortlisted for the final selection step, you will need to be present in person for the interview in Moscow. It is not possible to participate in the final selections remotely.

What should be my GPA in order to apply to UWC? 

There are no specific levels, but candidates must have a strong academic record and possess the personal maturity and shared values expected of UWC students. 

I am unsure about my eligibility based on my age. Can you help me? 

We hope this table will make it easier.

What level of English language knowledge is required in order to apply to UWC? 

The UWC movement seeks to select students based upon their suitability for the programme, irrespective of their native language or competence in the language of instruction (English). However, students and their parents are advised that attempting the IB Diploma Programme with little or no command of English will prove very burdensome for the student. While it is true that many students who enter the programme with  limited English go on to do very well, it is also true that many struggle and it takes them sometime to get used to carrying all school subjects in English, rather than in their native language. If you are accepted, we recommend you to spend some time on improving your language skills before college starts.

Are there any preparatory courses that will improve my entry chances? 

No. The best way to show that you are able to gain from, and contribute to, the UWC experience is to demonstrate motivation, involvement and an understanding of the UWC philosophy, as well as working to improve your English. For more information about admissions requirements, please see the question about the admissions process.

If I don’t get accepted can I reapply next year? 

You can reapply next year but only once. But remember that there is an age limit on applicants.

I am in my first year of university, and I am less than 18 years old. Am I eligible to apply? 

Unfortunately, you cannot apply.

I am in my last year of school in Russia and I am going to be 18 years old in August 2018. Am I eligible to apply? 

Unfortunately, you cannot apply. In order to be eligible to apply you need to be 16 or 17 years old on 1 September 2018.

My birthday is in October, so by 1 September 2018 I will be 15 years and 11 months old. Can I apply? 

We recommend that you apply next year. In order to apply to UWC for 2018-20 entry, you need to be 16 or 17 years old by 1 September 2018.

Can I apply to a specific school or college? 

No. You may express preferences for a particular college during the selection process, but the selection committee decides who to send to each college. When you are offered a place in a college, it is up to you to decide whether to accept it or not. If you decide not to accept the place, you will not be offered one at an alternative college.

Keep in mind that candidates do not apply directly to the school; they are selected for the UWC movement as a whole. All colleges share the same ethos, and each one gives you a privileged experience of the culture of its location.

I am currently a college student. The section “Selection Criteria” indicates that students in Russian secondary schools or post-secondary educational institutions are eligible to apply. May I submit an application if I am of the right age? 

Yes. At the time of applying, you must be studying in a school or college, but not yet be a university student.

I am currently studying under the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme at another college (not UWC). May I submit an application to UWC? 

Yes, you may. But please note, if your application is successful then you will have to recommence your studies under the IB Diploma programme from the very beginning.

I am currently studying under the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme at another college (not UWC). Can I transfer to UWC for the second year only? 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer from an IB School to UWC for only a year. You may only apply to UWC for the two-year IB Diploma Programme.