About UWC
Q: What is UWC?
A: UWC stands for United World College. There are 18 UWC schools and colleges throughout the world, including UWC Changshu China. All UWC schools are united by the same mission statement - "UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future".
Q: Where are the UWC schools and colleges located?
A: In addition to the UWC Changshu China campus in China, there are UWC schools and colleges in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong China, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, USA, Tanzania and UK.
Q: Where do students at UWC schools and colleges come from?
A: UWC students come from more than 155 different countries. About 80 to 100 different countries may be represented at a UWC school. At UWC Changshu China, students come from nearly 100 countries and regions.
Q: What is the staff at UWC like?
A: The staff at UWC Changshu China and all UWCs are a highly professional team of committed educators from diverse backgrounds and committed to the UWC values and mission. Teachers are much more than classroom teachers. At UWC, they act as student advisors and house mentors and provide guidance and support to the students in general. They are often deeply involved in students’ services and activities, and contribute to the co-curricular programmes as organizers and supervisors.
Q: Does each UWC offer a specialty or focus area?
A: Yes, each UWC is unique. For example, UWC Changshu China will focus on Chinese language and culture, youth leadership and environmental stewardship.
About Applications
Q: What kind of students does UWC look for?
A: UWC schools look for students who believe that peace and sustainability are worth striving for and who are prepared to work to become the change they want to see in the world. We welcome students from a deliberately diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. At UWC, diversity extends to differences in socio-economic background, culture as well as nationality. UWC students are united in their commitment to positive social action to build a more equitable and fairer world.
Q: Who is eligible to apply to UWC?
A: The UWC National Committee in each country sets their own eligibility criteria for application. Please check with the National Committee in your country.
If you want to submit an application to the UWC Student Joint Selection Committee of China(JSC), please read more here:
http://www.uwcchina.org/en/Admissions/single/38.
Q: How do I apply to UWC?
A: How you apply will depend on (1) your country of citizenship, and (2) your eligibility to apply through your country's UWC National Committee. If you are eligible to apply to JSC, please read more about application process here:
http://www.uwcchina.org/en/Admissions/single/42.
About applying through the UWC Student Joint Selection Committee of China (JSC)
Q: When can I apply to the JSC?
A: For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application dates are available on our website. Application dates are likely to shift every year, so please contact our Admission Office at info.admissions@uwcchina.org if you are not applying for the 2024-2025 intake.
Q: When is the deadline for application to the JSC?
A: For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application deadline for the Early Admission stream is at 17:00, October 30, 2023. Application deadline for the Regular Admission stream is at 17:00, December 25, 2023(We occasionally consider applications after the deadline on a rolling basis should a space unexpectedly open up and the applicant meets our strict admission criteria).
Q: I really want to attend a UWC, but my family cannot afford the fees. Are scholarships difficult to obtain?
A: Most students admitted through the UWC National Committee’s Regular Admission Stream will receive scholarship assistance according to their family’s financial situation. As far as possible, we try to ensure that no student is prevented from attending a UWC for financial reasons. All scholarships are granted on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Please see our website (http://www.uwcchina.org//en/Admissions/single/40)for more details (Note: Students applying to the JSC through the Early Admission stream are not eligible for scholarships).
Q: Where does the Selection Day take place?
A: Interviews will be held on campus in Changshu, Suzhou (Jiangsu Province).
Q: (For Regular Admission students) Can I apply to a particular UWC school?
A: If you apply through the Regular Admission stream, you are applying to the UWC movement as a whole. You will be able to indicate your top preferences for UWC schools or colleges, but the JSC will make the final decision as to where to nominate selected students. This is to ensure a good mix of students at every UWC.
Q: (For Regular Admission students) Can I ask to switch to another UWC if I'm not offered my preferred UWC?
A: No. When you apply to UWC through Regular Admission, you are applying to the UWC movement as a whole, not to a specific UWC.
Q: Can I transfer from one UWC to another?
A: FP students who are Chinese citizens admitted through Regular Admission (RA) may be eligible to be nominated by the JSC to another UWC for their IBDP years. IBDP students are not eligible for a transfer, although some UWC schools might offer an exchange programme in the future.
Q: How easy is it to get into a UWC school?
A: We are highly selective in admitting students. We select well-rounded students who believe in the UWC mission and have high potential for making positive changes happen. Our selection criteria not only include high academic performance but also excellence in areas aligned with UWC mission and values.
About UWC Changshu China
Q: What is the curriculum used at UWC Changshu China?
A: UWC Changshu China is based on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grade 11 - 12 students and Foundation Programme (FP) for Grade 10 students.
Q: What is the IB Diploma Programme?
A: The IB Diploma is a two-year advanced secondary school diploma that is recognised by more than 100 countries as a university entrance certificate. The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is regarded by colleges and universities as one of the best for college preparation.
For more information, visit the IBO website:
Q: Can we visit your campus?
A: Yes. Please log in to our online application system （http://apply.uwcchina.org/website/website/#/schedule ）to arrange a visit.
Q: What grades will be offered at UWC Changshu China?
A: Grades 10-12 (FP and IBDP)
Q: Where will the students at UWC Changshu China come from?
A: At UWC Changshu China, students come from nearly 100 countries and regions.
Q: Can I be a day student at UWC Changshu China?
A: In principle, it is not allowed. UWC Changshu China is a boarding school, and the boarding life is an important component of UWC education. The school will make appropriate arrangements based on the students' situation.
