Each year some 3000 students aged 16 to 19, from different cultures and backgrounds, take part in a UWC programme.

UWC College students attend the final two years of secondary school. Staff and students live together in vibrant and enthusiastic communities committed to the ideals of international understanding, peace and justice. High academic standards, a strong emphasis on community service and sustainable development, combined with a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities are all part of the challenge and the excitement of an UWC education.

To date, some 35,000 students worldwide including almost 150 Belgians, have benefited from the UWC approach. Every Autumn, several Belgians leave for a unique adventure at one of the 12 UWC Colleges. Others are given the opportunity to participate in a summer Short Course. The selection of students for both the colleges and short courses is based on merit only and scholarships are available to most participants.

All United World Colleges teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), a challenging two-year curriculum that is widely recognised by leading universities across the world, including those in Belgium. (*Except the Simon Bolivar UWC of Agriculture in Venezuela.)

Thanks to its unique vision and achievements, UWC has captured the imagination and support of many global leaders, including Nelson Mandela who is UWC’s Honorary President.