1. I am a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but I live in another country of which I am not a citizen. Which country's national committee should I apply through if I want to join UWC?

First you need to contact the national committee of the country where you currently live and find out if it accepts applications from non-citizens of that country. If your application is refused, contact us.

2. I have a dual citizenship (Kazakhstan and another country). Through the national committee of which country should I apply for admission?

You can only apply through one National Committee, no matter how many countries you are a citizen of. First, you should contact the National Committee of the country in which you live, as your presence may be required during the selection process.

3. I am not a citizen of Kazakhstan, but I live in Kazakhstan. How do I apply for admission to UWC?

Please contact the UWC International Office.

4. I am an expat living in Kazakhstan. How do I apply for admission to UWC?

Please contact the UWC International Office.

5. I am a citizen of Kazakhstan, but I am studying abroad on an exchange programme. Can I apply through the UWC Kazakhstan National Committee?

Yes, you can. However, if you are selected to participate in the final qualifying round, you may be required to attend an interview in Kazakhstan in person.

6. What should be the level of school performance to be able to apply for admission to UWC?

Applicants must have an excellent academic performance and, like all UWC students, understand and share the values ​​of this movement.

7. I was/was born in October and will be 15 years and 11 months old on September 1, 2024. Can I apply to UWC?

We encourage you to apply next year. You are eligible to apply for UWC 2024-26 if you are 16 or 17 full years of age on September 1, 2024.

8. What level of English proficiency do I need to be able to apply for admission to UWC?

The UWC movement seeks to select candidates based on their suitability for a particular program, regardless of their native language and their knowledge of English. However, candidates and their parents should be aware that admission to the IB Diploma program and further education will be very challenging for candidates who do not speak English well. It takes time to get used to the fact that all subjects have to be studied in English. If you are accepted to UWC, we recommend that you work hard to improve your English before school starts.

9. If I am not accepted, can I try next year?

You can submit a new application next year, but only once. And do not forget about the age restrictions for candidates.

10. I am a first-year university student, but I am not yet 18 years old. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

11. I am in my last year of school in Kazakhstan and will turn 18 in August 2024. Can I apply to UWC?

Unfortunately, no. You are eligible to apply if your age on September 1, 2024 is 16 or 17 full years.

12. Can I apply to a specific college or school?

No. You may express a preference for a particular college during the selection process, but it is up to the selection committee to determine which candidate will be nominated to which college. If you are offered a place at a college, it is up to you whether to accept the offer. However, if you refuse, you will not be offered a place at any other college.

Please note that applicants are applying for admission to UWC as a whole, not to a specific school. All UWC colleges are united by a single mission and share common values. Each of them will offer you a unique experience of learning and living in a cultural environment specific to the place where it is located.

13. Is IB diploma (International Baccalaureate) recognised by higher education institutions in CIS countries?

The IB degree is recognised in most countries around the world. However, if a candidate intends to continue their studies in a particular country, they should check in advance whether the IB degree is recognised in that country before applying or accepting a place at the UWC college. The college is not responsible for the recognition or non-recognition of the IB diploma in any country. Information about this can be found on the website of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, as well as on the websites of universities.

14. What is the tuition fee for UWC?

Tuition fees vary from college to college. The cost of one year of study ranges from $20,000 to $60,000. Tuition is usually paid before the start of the first and second academic year. Scholarships (grants) may be provided to candidates who have successfully passed the selection, depending on their documented needs.

15. Are scholarships available?

Availability of placements with scholarships varies from year to year. When available, scholarships are awarded based on the financial needs of the successful candidates. The selection process is independent of the candidate's financial background. Therefore, we hope that candidates will not refrain from applying for admission to UWC for financial reasons. Parents / guardians of candidates who have successfully passed the selection and apply for a scholarship will be required to fill out a financial assessment form and provide documents confirming the family's income. Based on this information, the financial committee will decide on the amount of the scholarship for the candidate. A full scholarship can cover up to 100% of the cost of tuition, accommodation and meals for a two-year period of stay in college, depending on the financial situation of a particular family. Scholarships usually do not cover travel expenses, visa and medical insurance costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.

16. Where does the funding for UWC study grants come from?

Scholarships are provided by colleges that raise the necessary funds through fundraising. UWC's donors include philanthropists, private companies, governments, and past college graduates who want to support future UWC students.

17. Can I attend UWC for only one year or transfer from another IB school for my second year?

No. UWC Colleges provide pre-university training that lasts two years, so there are no opportunities to study for one year only or transfer from another IB school in the second year of study.

18. Do you provide scholarships for participation in UWC summer programmes?

Unfortunately, no. Please check with the organisers of the summer programmes if they offer any scholarships to participants.