UWC depends on the dedication and expertise of a network of more than 4,000 volunteers to find and select students in over 150 countries worldwide.

One of the most important things about a UWC education is our community. No matter which school you attend, you’ll be part of a diverse group of people that will encourage you to challenge and expand your perspective.

Building that community is so important. And that’s the role of our national committee system.

The UWC national committees (NC) are groups of people - mostly volunteers - who are responsible for finding and selecting students with potential in over 150 countries and territories. Most students apply to UWC via their UWC national committee: this way, they are assessed within their own national context by people from their own country, and, if they are offered a place, they will usually receive financial support based on their needs. 

These committees are made up of a wide variety of individuals, including:

• UWC alumni
• Parents of UWC alumni
• Education professionals, and
• Community leaders who have embraced UWC’s mission and values

All of them have a deep understanding of the local context where the applicants come from, and are in the best place to understand your story and your potential. 

Make sure UWC national committees are the best route to apply to UWC for you. And if they are, find your UWC national committee of citizenship or residence and apply through them! 

How UWC national committees help us build great school communities 

• Your application will be received by people who understand where you are coming from and how you compare to other students from the same country, territory or context.
• National committees understand how different the socio-economic backgrounds of students can be within a specific country or territory, and ensure that all applicants go through a fair and equitable selection process. 
• They also know what groups are underrepresented in their country or territory, and are best placed to reach out to potential applicants from those groups as well, ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion.
• As many UWC national committee members are UWC alumni themselves, they will understand what it is like to adapt to life at a certain UWC school, and can help you settle in and receive support. 
• A UWC national committee is a contact point for parents, too. It recognises that remaining home sometimes is harder than leaving, and offers information and support to families as well as students. 
• National committees understand how to translate a global idea like UWC into something that works locally. 

Chances are that wherever you are in the world there will be a UWC national committee. Our national committees are mostly volunteer-based, built on the generosity and passion of our over 4,000 volunteers. They’re made up of people who believe in UWC’s mission, and want to see as many young people as possible learn about UWC and embark on the chance of a lifetime.