FAQ

1. What is United World Colleges (UWC)?

UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Currently, there are 18 UWC schools in operation.

To learn more about the program and schools, please visit www.uwc.org.

2. Is UWC a student-exchange program?

No. UWC is a program to continue your high school education in one of UWC schools to obtain an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma that is recognized worldwide. All UWC students are required to finish a two-year study program in order to receive the IB diploma, regardless of your current grade.

3. Where can I see the list of UWC schools?

To see the updated list of UWC schools, please visit www.uwc.org/schools

4. Which UWC schools are offered to Indonesian students this year?

The list of schools differs every year. The list of schools and scholarship amount will NOT be published. However, you will still be able to rank your school preferences when you apply. Please note that the final decision may or may not reflect your preferences.

1. What is UWC Indonesia?

UWC Indonesia is the National Committee (NC) that is 100% volunteer-run panels which:

• Promote UWC schools
• Select and prepare students for their UWC experience
• Some National Committees run short programmes.

National Committee members includes UWC alumni, education professionals, community leaders, and experts in various fields.

2. What is “Info Session”?

Info session is a sharing session held by UWC Indonesia, where applicants and parents can ask questions directly. Info Session is NOT part of the selection. There is no fee to attend the Info Session unless it is held in a café, for example, where you will be responsible for your own drinks or food.

This year’s Info Sessions will be done online throughout the application period. We will publish the dates and registration link on our social media accounts.

3. If I am applying to UWC, must I attend this info session?

You are not required to attend the Info Sessions to apply, it is not mandatory. As applicants come from all over Indonesia, you can always submit questions through our email or social media. Please be aware that we will only respond to questions where the answers cannot be found in this FAQ. All relevant information is available online here on this website.

4. Can my parents/guardian/teacher attend Info Session?

Yes, they can. Please follow instructions to confirm your attendance at each info session.

1. Is it possible to choose the UWC School that I wish to enroll in?

You may indicate and rank your school preferences on the application form. However, NC has the right to make the final placement decision according to your application and assessment results.

2. What are the steps in selection process?

• Stage 1: Online application
• Stage 2: Selection (Assessment)
• Stage 3: Review and Nomination

3. Do I have to come to Jakarta to join Stage 2?

Last year, the selection process was done online. We are planning for a face-to-face selection this year.

4. Can I have someone else to proofread my essays for Stage 1?

We do not recommend doing that, we would like to see your original work.

5. Who can give Recommendation?

A recommender should be a non-acquaintance adult such as a person of authority in your school, activity, or community (for example: teacher, community leader or facilitator, and extracurricular coaches). They should not be a friend, someone around your age, or a family member. The recommender should know you well and can speak of your qualities.

6. Do I have to submit my TOEFL result?

No, however, you may submit the result if you have taken the test.

7. Do I have to already own many achievement certificates to apply?

No, you don’t have to, but you are welcomed to submit proof of achievements if you have them.

8. Which year duration of school transcript (semester result) that I have to submit to apply?

Please submit transcripts of the latest four semesters.You must submit even if this includes the semester transcript from your Junior High School.

1. Are there any fees to apply this year?

Yes, but you may apply for a waiver if you are not able to pay (please see point no.2). The non-refundable fee is IDR 50,000. You must pay this amount to receive your login credentials. Details of the payment process will be available when you register online. This fee will be fully used to support our scholars and selection process. 

2. What if I am not able to pay the application fee?

UWC Indonesia is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive community of students from every financial background. If the application fee is an issue to you and your family, there will be an option for requesting a “Fee Waiver” once you start your application. Please note that we may request additional information or documentation.

Requesting a fee waiver will NOT affect your application in any way. 

3. Does UWC provide a scholarship?

UWC is not a scholarship program and the selection is a merit-based process. However, scholarships may be available to applicants depending on offers from UWC schools. They may include all-inclusive scholarship, full scholarship (exclude extra costs), partial scholarship, or no scholarship. Financial assistance (partial or full) will be granted to an applicant based on the parents’ financial capability and the offers from the UWC schools.

4. Is there a specific form provided to apply for the scholarship?

No. As mentioned previously, UWC selection is a merit-based process. All applicants will automatically be eligible and be considered for a scholarship.

5. How much does UWC education cost?

The fees to attend UWC vary from one UWC school to another. You may check the details on the respective UWC school websites or here.

6. What does the cost/scholarship cover?

It is different for each UWC school, but it usually covers but not limited to: 

• Boarding houses/dormitory/halls,
• Room and its interior (wardrobe/closet, bed, etc)
• Meals
• Books

We recommend to check on respective UWC school website for more details. 

7.Are there other extra costs not covered by the school fee/scholarship?

The following extra costs are usually not covered:

• Visa and travel expenses
• Pocket money
• Other reasonable extra costs incurred by the student

Please note that occasionally, the NC may receive an offer of an all-inclusive scholarship which cover these extra costs that may cover all the costs above. However, this offer is quite rare.

8. What kind of accommodation is provided at UWC schools? Do students have to find or rent a house or apartment for themselves?

At all UWC schools, students live together in a dormitory. The dorms can be located within the school premises, or within the town nearby. Each room is usually occupied by 2-4 students.

1. Can Non-Indonesian citizens apply?

Students must contact the National Committee representative of their country of citizenship. Only Indonesian citizens are eligible to apply through UWC Indonesia. If you are holding dual citizenship, one of them must be Indonesian.

2. I am an Indonesian citizen, but currently studying outside Indonesia. Can I apply?

Yes, you can. However, we prefer that you have lived a minimum of 8 years in Indonesia. 

3. I am currently enrolling in a National curriculum outside of Merdeka Belajar. May I apply?

Yes, you may.

4. Do I have to be fluent in English to apply?

No, you do not have to be fluent in English at the time of application. However, basic to intermediate understanding of English will be helpful during selection and the first months at UWC.

5. Are SMK/MAN/MA students eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as you are fulfilling other eligibility requirements. 

6. I am in grade 10. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

7. I am grade 10, but studying the National Curriculum. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can.

8. I am in grade 10, but I am still 15 and will not be 16 by 1 July 2025. Can I still apply?

Not yet. The age restriction (16-19) must be followed strictly.

9. Can I apply now if I’m still 15 years old, but will be 16 years old on 1 July 2025?

Yes, you can as long as you are at least 16 years old by 1 July 2025. 

10. I have graduated from high school; can I still apply to UWC?

Unfortunately, no. UWC is open to current high school students only.

11. I applied last year but was not selected. Can I apply for UWC again this year?

As long as you still fulfil the eligibility criteria, yes you can apply.

1. Which Curriculum is offered by UWC schools?

All UWC schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. To learn more about our curriculum, please visit www.ibo.org

2. Does UWC offer University programs?

No, UWC only offers a two-year, pre-university program, equivalent to grade 11 and 12.

3. What is after UWC?

Typically, UWC alumni go straight to undergraduate programs with popular study destinations around the world, such as the US, the UK, and Australia. For UWC alumni who seek financial assistance, UWC-Davis Scholarship program provides some scholarships in selected university. Additionally, students can apply for need-based scholarships to respective colleges on top of the Davis scholarship. For more information regarding Davis Scholarship and its partner institutions visit the link: davisuwcscholars.org/partners.

Some UWC alumni also chose to do a gap year, which is typically a year break program filled with development and educational activities before university.

4. Do I have to return home after UWC and redo my high school years?

No, you do not have to. Students who graduate from UWC will receive an IB diploma which can be used to continue their studies at universities anywhere in the world. However, if you are applying through us, you are expected to contribute to the long-term development of UWC Indonesia.

5. Can students continue their education (University) after UWC in Indonesia?

Yes, there is a diploma legalization process that students must do after obtaining their UWC IB Diploma. Please check this link. However, do keep in mind that certain universities in Indonesia require the completion of Ujian Nasional (UN).

6. Can students continue their education (University) after UWC in other countries?

Yes, IB diplomas can be used to continue their study at universities anywhere in the world. UWC students will consult with University counselors in their last year of UWC. Most of our alumni continued their education abroad.