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Students applying through the UWC National Committee of Canada (NCC) must be at least one of the following:

• A Canadian citizen
• A permanent resident of Canada
• A resident of Canada for at least 12 months
• Applicants are encouraged to apply during their grade 11 year.²
• Applicants must be at least 16 years old by September 15th of the year they will enter UWC. The majority of students begin their studies at age 17.
• Applicants must not turn 20 years old prior to Nov. 1st of the year they will sent UWC. (UWC campus locations are limited for candidates turning 20 in their first year, often due to laws pertaining to boarding school environments in different countries.)

*Applicants are highly encouraged to apply during their grade 11 year from Canada

**Applicants in Quebec are typically in secondary 5 when they apply

***Applicants may only apply through one National Committee or entry process – parallel applications will result in disqualification from applying.  (For example, a Canadian citizen residing outside Canada can only apply through one National Committee, preferably their country of citizenship.) 

****Canadian citizens residing in or outside Canada may apply through the National Committee of Canada. Canadians not seeking financial aid or scholarship support may apply through the National Committee of Canada or through the Global Selection Program, but not both. Either way, students who are Canadian will be supported by the UWC NCC regardless of which path they apply.

Important Dates and Details:

The admissions process for Fall 2025/Winter 2026 via the United World Colleges (UWC) National Committee of Canada will pilot several distinct application streams to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive selection process. Alongside these changes, we are additionally adding three application timelines.

First Window: (July 1st - August 31st) – Summer Application Fee: FREE!

First Window: (September 1st - Nov. 6th) – Application Fee: $25

Second Window: (Nov. 7th - Feb. 12th) – Application Fee: $40

*Third Window: (Feb. 13th - April 16th) – Application Fee: $50  *Note, the third application window may not open, it is dependent on the number of applications and finalists from the previous cycles. We highly recommend and encourage applicants to apply in the earliest windows, with the best chances for placement in Window 1.

General Pool:

The General Pool is a competitive process in which students seeking significant financial aid must apply. Applicants in this stream are assessed and selected by their respective regional selection teams, and if selected, will be considered for up to full financial aid support based on demonstrated need and/or government funded UWC scholarships. 

The General Pool is only open during Window 1. The deadline to apply to be considered for the General Pool is Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

*Note: Applicants from Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon Territory are eligible for their respective government scholarships only when applying in Window 1.

Partial to Full Self-Funded Applicants:

Applicants who can contribute $25,000 CAD or more towards their education costs per year (over two years) can apply through a dedicated self-funded stream. These students undergo the same competitive selection process as those in the General Pool, ensuring that their acceptance is based on merit and in alignment with UWC values. Selection for this stream is conducted by a national team of selectors, rather than regional. Applications for this stream are accepted on a rolling basis, but selection activities will run according to the three application “windows” below:

First Window: (July 1st - Nov. 6th) 

Second Window: (Nov. 7th - Feb. 12th) 

Third Window: (Feb. 13th - April 16th) *Note, this application may not open, it is dependent on the number of applications and finalists from the previous cycles. We highly recommend and encourage applicants to apply in the earlier two windows, with the best chances for placement in Window 1.

Indigenous Applicants:

Recognizing the unique perspectives and contributions of Indigenous youth, we have a dedicated stream for Indigenous applicants. These students are selected by a national selection team of Indigenous UWC Alumni. This approach allows for a more tailored evaluation, ensuring that Indigenous applicants receive the consideration and support they deserve throughout the process. Applications for this stream are accepted on a rolling basis over all three windows.

First Window: (July 1st - Nov. 6th) 

Second Window: (Nov. 7th - Feb. 12th) 

Third Window: (Feb. 13th - April 16th)  *Note, this application may not open, it is dependent on the number of applications and finalists from the previous cycles. We highly recommend and encourage applicants to apply in the earlier two windows, with the best chances for placement in Window 1.

**Note: Indigenous Applicants from Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon Territory are eligible for their respective government scholarships, but they must apply by the Window 1 deadline of Nov. 6th and meet all other government scholarship criteria. 

Refugee Applicants:

We are committed to supporting refugee students through a specialized application stream. Refugee applicants are evaluated by a national team of selectors, many of whom have also arrived in Canada as refugees, or have pursued a UWC education as a refugee. This process acknowledges the distinct challenges and experiences of refugee students, providing them with an equitable opportunity to join the UWC community. Applications for this stream are accepted on a rolling basis over all three windows.

First Window: (July 1st - Nov. 6th) 

Second Window: (Nov. 7th - Feb. 12th) 

Third Window: (Feb. 13th - April 16th)  *Note, this application may not open, it is dependent on the number of applications and finalists from the previous cycles. We highly recommend and encourage applicants to apply in the earlier two windows, with the best chances for placement in Window 1.

** Note: Refugee Applicants who have been residing within Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon Territory for a minimum of one year are eligible for their respective government scholarships, but they must apply by the Window 1 deadline of Nov. 6th, and meet all other government scholarship criteria. 

We want to emphasize that regardless of the stream and application window, every selected finalist is a highly deserving student who has demonstrated the UWC core criteria to an exceptional degree. Each stream allows us to recognize and support a diverse range of talented individuals, contributing to a rich and inclusive UWC community.

The UWC National Committee of Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence in education. We look forward to welcoming our new cohort of students who will continue to foster the UWC mission and values.

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