Who can apply?
Students living in Switzerland who are at least 16 and not yet 18 years old on June 30th of the planned year of entry and who are familiar with the Swiss way of life are eligible. Exceptions may be made in selected cases involving hardship.

What are the requirements?
The Swiss Association for the UWC is looking for talented personalities worthy of support. It is important to have a good, balanced academic transcript because the UWC requirements are slightly higher than those of Swiss secondary schools. Instruction takes place in English and students will need to adjust to a new school system and be able to participate freely in college activities without being limited by academic stress. However, the candidate’s personality and sense of responsibility, a commitment to UWC ideals and general interests are as important as good grades. The family financial situation is not taken into consideration. Only personal aptitude and abilities are decisive.

Is there a registration deadline?
The deadline is November 30th. Later applications will only be considered in hardship cases.

Where do candidates from abroad apply?

In order to apply via the Swiss National Committee, a clear personal connection to Switzerland and life in Switzerland must be demonstrated. It generally implies having gone to school in a Swiss school; in some cases, having lived in Switzerland for a long time or playing an active part in social activities may establish this connection. Swiss candidates who have lived all their life or most of it abroad will apply through the national committee of the country they live in or via the UWC Global Selection Programme.

Can I apply for only one year?
Receiving an UWC education always requires two years. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications for a one-year college visit.

At which grade level can I be admitted to a UWC?
In general, students who are 15 or 16 years old and attend a Swiss high school are eligible for admission.

How high are the school fees?
The school fees for a UWC vary from school to school but on average CHF 50'000-60'000 covers the two-year program. The costs include lessons, accommodation in a shared room, all meals, educational support, sports and other leisure and weekend activities. It does not include travel expenses and pocket money.

Who is eligible for a scholarship?
Selection depends exclusively on personal fit and ability. Once the selection has taken place, the financial aspect is examined, i.e. whether financial support is necessary due to the family’s economic situation.
Since the scholarship fund is fed by private donations, financial need determines the awarding of scholarships. In most cases a scholarship partially covering school expenses is awarded.

Is the selection process very difficult, and how can I prepare for it?
Personal motivation and fit are examined orally and in writing on the selection day. The essay on a general topic enables us to see how the candidate develops thoughts on a specific topic and forms an opinion. We do not ask for any school knowledge in the traditional sense because we already have the candidate’s academic transcript. The best prerequisite for a good performance in the selection process is an interest in public and international events and an open mind.