United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships
by UWC India
Full scholarship covering tuition, board & travel
Need-based scholarships for Indian students to attend UWC schools worldwide, covering full tuition, boarding, IB fees, and travel.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹5,000
Participation format
Individual
Duration
2 years (IBDP programme at a UWC school)
Time needed
Residential, 2 years
Eligibility
Indian nationals or PIO/OCI cardholders, aged 15–18 at enrolment, currently in Grade 10 or 11. Open nationwide. Strong academics required alongside commitment to UWC values. Financial aid available; need assessed separately after shortlisting.
- Grade level
- Grade 10 to 11
- Age range
- 15 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Strong academic record required. Students selected on demonstrated academic promise and potential. Academic excellence is important but not the sole criterion.
- Prerequisites
- Academic transcripts from current and previous school years
- Teacher/mentor references
- Parental or guardian consent
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Full or partial scholarship
More than 80% of students selected by UWC national committees receive full or partial scholarships. Full scholarships cover tuition, room and board, books, IB exam fees, curricular trips, project weeks, visa and travel expenses, and pocket money. All-inclusive scholarships additionally cover any other reasonable extra expenses.
Certificate
IB Diploma (IBDP)
Students complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at a globally recognised UWC school.
Opens doors to
UWC alumni are highly regarded by universities worldwide. The IBDP qualification and UWC experience strengthen applications to leading universities internationally.
Recognition
International recognition as a UWC scholar
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Room and board
- Books and study materials
- IB exam registration fees
- Curricular field trips
- Project weeks
- Visa fees
- Return travel expenses (to/from school, plus one holiday return flight)
- Pocket money
- Other reasonable extra expenses (for all-inclusive scholarships)
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 15 Aug 2026
- Registration closed
- 15 Sept 2026
- Dates
- 1 Aug 2027 to 31 May 2029
Early Bird Application Fee Deadline
Submit application fee by this date for a reduced fee of INR 3,800 (23:59 IST).
New Registration Deadline
Deadline for new applicants to register on the UWC India application portal (23:59 IST).
Standard Application Fee Deadline
Submit application fee by this date for the standard fee of INR 4,800 (23:59 IST).
Application Submission Deadline (for registered applicants)
Final deadline for all registered applicants to complete and submit their application forms, including all documents and references (23:59 IST).
Selection Activities (Written Test, Group Activities, Interviews)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in selection activities, typically held at UWC Mahindra College, Pune, in January-February 2027. Exact dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.
UWC Mahindra College, Pune, Maharashtra
How to apply
- 1Register and complete the online application form on the UWC India applications portal
- 2Pay the application fee: INR 4,000 (early bird, on or before 15 September) or INR 5,000 (regular, after 15 September)
- 3Write seven short essays demonstrating critical thinking and commitment to UWC values
- 4Submit school marksheets and academic transcripts
- 5Obtain and submit teacher/school principal references
- 6Provide signed parental/guardian consent
- 7Shortlisted candidates are invited for written assessments, group activities, and individual panel interviews (typically at UWC Mahindra College campus)
- 8Shortlisted candidates submit a Financial Assessment Form for scholarship consideration
- 9UWC India National Committee nominates successful candidates; scholarship offers (full, partial, or full fee paying) are communicated
Rules and guidelines
- Only one application per academic year is permitted
- Application fee is non-refundable, even if application is unsuccessful
- Applicants who fall slightly outside the age range but have exceptional applications may be considered
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Application fee: INR 4,000 (early bird, paid on or before 15 September) or INR 5,000 (regular, paid after 15 September). Fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships are awarded to Indian students selected by the UWC India National Committee to attend one of the 18 UWC schools and colleges across four continents. UWC students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in a diverse, international residential setting.
Students are selected based on demonstrated academic promise and potential — not their financial background. More than 80% of students placed by UWC national committees receive full or partial financial support. Scholarship coverage can include tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees, curricular field trips, project weeks, visa and travel expenses, and pocket money.
The UWC India selection process is rigorous and holistic. Shortlisted candidates participate in written assessments, group problem-solving activities, and individual panel interviews. Financial assessment forms are required only from shortlisted candidates, and scholarships are awarded based on merit rank order and demonstrated financial need.
Applicants must be Indian nationals or PIO/OCI cardholders, currently in Grade 10 or 11, and aged between 16 and 19 at the time of enrolment. The application window typically runs from mid-August to mid-October each year. An application fee of INR 4,000 (early bird) or INR 5,000 (regular) is applicable.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
Frequently asked questions
How can applicants best prepare for the rigorous UWC scholarship selection process?
Applicants can prepare by focusing on academic excellence, engaging in extracurricular activities, and developing critical thinking and leadership skills. Practicing essay writing and participating in group discussions can also be beneficial for the interview stages. Understanding UWC's mission and values is crucial for demonstrating alignment.
What factors are considered for financial aid, and how does it impact the scholarship offer?
Financial aid is need-based and assessed through a separate Financial Assessment Form after a candidate is shortlisted. The scholarship amount, whether full or partial, is determined by the demonstrated financial need of the family, ensuring that deserving students from all economic backgrounds can attend UWC.
What is the long-term impact of receiving a UWC scholarship on a student's academic and career trajectory?
A UWC scholarship provides access to a globally recognized IB Diploma and an international network, significantly enhancing opportunities for admission to top universities worldwide. The experience fosters global citizenship, leadership, and intercultural communication skills, which are highly valued in diverse academic and professional environments.
Are there specific academic subjects or achievements that strengthen a scholarship application?
While strong academic performance across subjects is important, UWC looks for a holistic profile. Achievements that demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to learning beyond the curriculum, such as participation in academic competitions or research projects, can significantly strengthen an application.
How does the UWC experience differ from traditional schooling, and what are the benefits of this unique environment?
The UWC experience is a two-year residential program with students from over 150 countries, fostering a unique intercultural learning environment. It emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and personal development alongside academics, preparing students to be agents of positive change in a globalized world.
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