UWC Uganda follows a thorough and well-rounded selection process to identify motivated and talented young individuals who align with UWC’s values and mission.

Before starting your application, we suggest you:

Check our eligibility criteria to determine if this is the correct route for you to apply.
Check the UWC selection criteria to determine if you are a good fit for a UWC experience.

You’ll then be ready to start your UWC journey!

1. Application stage

The UWC is an education movement comprising international schools and colleges teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Students are selected from around the globe based on their merit and potential. School locations: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, and Wales.

20 scholarship opportunities (including full and partial scholarships, as well as unfunded places) are available for Uganda nationals and refugee students who completed S4 or equivalent examinations.

Candidates born between 1 November 2007 and 16 August 2011 are encouraged to apply. Girl students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications, typed or in the student’s own handwriting, should include the following six components:

Copy of a valid photo ID (e.g. National ID / Passport bio page / Refugee ID / Student ID);
Short essay “The 3 AM Rabbit Hole” (300 words): What topic, question, or idea keeps you up at night – not because you have to think about it, but because you can’t stop thinking about it? Take us down that rabbit hole with you.
Short essay “The Dinner Party Conspiracy” (350 words): You can invite any three people to dinner. Who’s coming, what’s the vibe, and what conversation do you want to spark? Bonus: What’s one question you’re dying to ask that you think will make things beautifully awkward?
Short essays “The Algorithm Knows” (250 words): Your phone’s algorithm has been watching you closely. What does your algorithm know about yourself that you do not like to admit? And what does it think you’ll be doing in 10 years? Is it right? Where is it hilariously wrong, and what does that gap tell you about yourself?
At least one (preferably 2) personal reference(s) from the school head teacher/principal, and/or a school teacher well acquainted with the student;
The following most recent, and clearly labelled, official (school stamped) report cards all combined as a single PDF file:
1. S.3 Term3;
2. S.4 Term1;
3. S.4 Term2 (or mock results).

All the six (6) components above should be uploaded and submitted online via the UWC Uganda application portal: https://apply.uwcstaging.co.uk/prog/uwcug206

Should you experience any difficulties with the online application form, do not hesitate to email [[email protected]].

All applications must be received by Friday 9 January 2026. Individual applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid last minute technical or connectivity challenges. Incomplete and/or late submissions will not be considered. For further information contact the UWC National Committee at 0752930692 / 0777912187 or e-mail [[email protected]].

2. Selection stage

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Friday 6 February 2026 and invited to participate in a one-day selection with the UWC National Committee on 21-22 February 2026 in Kampala. which typically includes:

Group Activities: Candidates engage in collaborative problem-solving tasks and discussions to assess teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
Individual Interviews: A panel interview where applicants discuss their motivations, aspirations, and alignment with UWC’s values.

3. Nomination stage

After selections, the National Committee nominates the most promising candidates for placement at UWC schools and colleges. Successful applicants will:

Receive an offer for a UWC placement, which may be fully or partially funded depending on demonstrated need (all applicants will be requested to submit financial information to this effect).
Have the opportunity to accept or decline the nomination.
Complete necessary paperwork and preparations for enrollment.

Important dates

How to apply

1. Application stage

2. Selection stage

3. Nomination stage

Important dates