Call for Applications 2026–2028
The 2026–2028 Call for Applications opens on May 1st at 8:00 a.m. If you want to apply and be part of this wonderful experience, click here.

UWC Colombia 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.

Some Clarifications

What placements are available for the 2026–2028 period?
The UWC movement has 18 schools. The number of placements we receive varies from year to year and is only confirmed near the end of the selection process.

Can I apply to a specific school?
Applications are submitted to the UWC movement as a whole, not to a specific school. During the application process, candidates may indicate their preferences, and the committee will try to take them into account. However, it is important that candidates remain open to attending any UWC school.

Who selects the students?
UWC trusts in the dedication, expertise, and professionalism of a network of national committees in over 155 countries. In Colombia, the selection committee (ACOMUNDO) was established in 1974 and is currently composed of UWC alumni, psychologists, and highly committed volunteers who share the mission of the association.

• Completing an online application form with personal details, academic background, extracurricular activities, and motivations for applying to UWC.
• Submitting essays or short responses to demonstrate critical thinking and commitment to UWC values.
• Providing references from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
• Uploading academic transcripts and other required documents.
• Signed permission from the parent or legal guardian.

Who can apply for the 2026–2028 Call for Applications?

Thank you for your interest in applying to UWC Colombia. Please take note of the following requirements:

• To apply for this admissions cycle, students must be between 15 and 18 years old by August 2026, when the UWC experience begins.
  This means they must have been born between August 1, 2008 and August 1, 2011.
• They must be in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade during the second semester of 2025, or in 9th grade if it corresponds to the pre-IB (MYP) year in an international school.
• If the student has already graduated, they must not be enrolled in a higher education institution.
• Students may apply to UWC a maximum of two times.
• Only Colombian nationals or permanent residents in Colombia may apply through UWC Colombia.
• Applicants must pay the application fee or upload a written explanation of why they are unable to pay. Payment information will appear once personal registration is completed.
• Pre-registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2025, and the application must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2025. Applications that are not completed and submitted by this time will not be considered.
• Students currently enrolled in the MYP or pre-IB year in international schools are eligible to apply.

Additionally, it is very important that students have the support of their parents and teachers throughout the application and selection process.

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How much does it cost to apply to the UWC selection process?
The UWC Colombia National Committee is a nonprofit charitable organization run entirely by volunteers. For this reason, the application fee depends on the applicant’s socioeconomic stratum:

• Strata 1 and 2: 40,000 COP
• Stratum 3: 80,000 COP
• Stratum 4: 100,000 COP
• Strata 5 and 6: 120,000 COP
• Applicants living abroad: 140,000 COP (please convert this amount to the currency of the country where you reside to make the payment)

Once your pre-registration is accepted, payment must be made to the account listed on the Call for Applications page. Then, you must upload a scanned copy of the payment receipt to the electronic application form.

If you are unable to make the payment, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss alternative payment methods.

NOTE: The application fee should not be a barrier to participation. Under special circumstances, you may be exempted from payment. In such cases, you must attach a letter signed by your parent or legal guardian explaining why you are unable to pay the fee.

We invite you to review our selection criteria as well as the application process so you can begin preparing.

Updated as of April 2025.

Important dates

• Application Open: [First may 2025]
• Application Deadline: [31st july 2025]

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the UWC community!