Students from different countries are selected for UWC colleges by the National Committees of their countries. Currently, there are National Committees in over 150 countries across the world. The National Committee system operates under the support and guidance of the UWC International, located in London. Its tasks are to determine the development strategy of the UWC movement, to monitor educational standards in the colleges and the operations of the National Committee network, and to coordinate UWC international operations.

The UWC Russia is part of the UWC international community. The first students from Russia were selected to study in UWC colleges in 1994. The main goals of the UWC Russia are to represent the UWC movement in Russia, to maintain ties with alumni of UWC schools and colleges, and to select and nominate candidates from Russia for UWC educational programs. 

A wide variety of individuals make up UWC national committees including UWC alumni and teachers, education professionals and community leaders. 

Since 2013 Charity Foundation "Scholae Mundi" has actively supported the operations of the UWC Russia.