Admissions

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Enrolment

Enrolment cost

In the following document you can learn more about Enrolment Cost.

Tuition Refund Policy

In the following documents, you can learn more about the policies for parents/guardians and the National Committee.

Digital citizenship agreement

View or Download the Digital Citizenship Agreement.

Parent/Guardian consent form

View or Download the Parent/Guardian Consent Form.

Medical form - Parent

View or Download the Medical Form – Parent.

Medical form - Student

View or Download the Medical Form – Student

Standard terms and conditions

View or Download the Standard Terms and Conditions.

Student code of conduct

View or Download the Student Code of Conduct.

Why Choose a Pearson Education?

Unlock your potential at Pearson College UWC, where education becomes a catalyst for global change. Join over 200 forward-thinkers aged 16 to 19, representing 160 nations and regions of Canada, in a transformative two-year pre-university program. At Pearson, immerse yourself in a vibrant community dedicated to uniting cultures for peace and sustainability. With up to 75% of students benefiting from scholarships, seize the opportunity to thrive academically and socially while making a difference. Embrace diversity, embrace leadership, and embrace the future with a Pearson education.

How to apply

Since 1974, Pearson has been instrumental in developing and fostering UWC’s unique admissions system with the Global Selections Programme and National Committees operating in nearly 160 countries around the world. The vast majority of National Committees are run by alumni on a voluntary basis.

Pearson College UWC aims to build a deliberately diverse student community by actively seeking a representation of students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including a diversity of socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as from different nationalities and from communities that reflect tensions within and across societies.

If the UWC mission for a more peaceful and sustainable future inspires you, please apply!

Two ways to apply for a Pearson education

UWC National Committees

The UWC national committees are groups of people – mostly volunteers – who are responsible for finding and selecting students with potential in nearly 160 countries and territories.

UWC CANADA →
Find your national committee →

Global Selection Program

The Global Selection Program is an alternative way for students who do not require financial support to apply for a place at a specific UWC school.

LEARN MORE →
APPLY NOW →

Tips for a successful UWC application

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Admissions video

Which route is best for you?

UWC National Committee Selections
UWC Global Selection Program

Is entry guaranteed?

→ No.

When are places offered to successful applicants?

→ January – April, depending on the national committee. Selections are happening on a rolling basis.

Are the number of places available limited?

→ Yes.

Are scholarships available?

→ Yes, on the basis of demonstrated need.

Am I able to apply for a specific UWC school or college?

→  No, but you can list your preferences.

Can I apply in a language other than English?

→  In most cases, yes (contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on the application process)

How can I apply?

→  Contact the UWC national committee of your country of origin or residence for information on application procedures.

Is entry guaranteed?

→ No.

When are places offered to successful applicants?

→ Selections are happening on a rolling basis. Candidates will be informed about their results within two weeks after attending an Online Selection Day.

Are the number of places available limited?

→ Yes.

Are scholarships available?

→ No.

Am I able to apply for a specific UWC school or college?

→ Yes, you can apply to:

1) One specific school
2) Up to 5 schools
(note fee levels)

Can I apply in a language other than English?

→  No.

How can I apply?

→ Register on the application platform here.

Ten things all applicants should know

Be yourself

Be yourself. A cliché, maybe, but true. It will impress us most if the application accurately reflects who you are.

What we are looking for

It’s OK to reveal your weaknesses as well as your strengths. We’re looking for passion, conviction and commitment, not perfection.

Your Interests

We’re interested in the depth of your involvement with your interests, not a shopping list of your achievements. Be detailed, thorough, thoughtful and reflective on the application.

Interview Stage

Save the certificates, portfolios, DVDs and so on for the interview stage.

Spaces are limited

Acknowledge the possibility that you may not be accepted. The number of spaces available at UWC is limited.

Remember

This application is for all UWCs, not just Pearson College UWC.

Not a competition

This is not a competition. If you’re applying because UWC is hard to get into rather than out of a true desire to attend, consider other options.

Find out if you are a good fit

If you want to see if you’re a good fit for UWC, take a look around at the information and stories on the Pearson College UWC website and on the websites of other UWC schools.

The ideal candidate

What are the characteristics of the ideal UWC candidate? It is impossible to describe one single idea, but here are some characteristics UWC students tend to have in common.

Start early

Start the application early, make yourself a note to remember.

Frequently asked questions about the Pearson education

May I apply directly to Pearson College?

It depends on the application route you choose. Please see the table above on the differences between the two application routes that are available to you.

If I have a dual citizenship, may I apply to UWC through both countries?
No. Please apply to UWC through one national committee only. It’s often easier to apply through the country of your residence, as an interview is usually part of the selection process, but it’s ultimately your choice.
May I apply in grade 10?

Applications from Grade 10 students are accepted, but Grade 11 experience is preferred. If you apply in Grade 10 and are unsuccessful, you may apply again the following year to the Canadian selection system with no penalty.

Applicants from Quebec must

  • Be 16 by September 1st of the year they will enter a UWC school
  • Be in secondary 5 when they apply or are completing year of volunteer work before starting their CEGEP studies
  • Not have applied for a UWC scholarship in the past
Are UWCs high schools or colleges?

UWC colleges are pre-university, upper-level secondary schools. Usually students apply while in Grade 11, then attend a UWC college for their Grade 12 and one other year (sometimes referred to as a “gap year.”).

What if I have already completed high school or earned a high school diploma?

Students are normally 16 or 17 years old at enrollment, although we do have students who start when they are 18 or 19. If you meet the academic requirements and are motivated to spend another two years in a pre-university setting, you are welcome to apply.

I'm currently in my first year of an IB program at another school. May I just attend a UWC college for the second year of the IB program and graduate?
No. Students must attend a UWC college for the full two years.
What if I don't speak the native language of the host country of the UWC college I am most interested in attending?
The main language of instruction at every UWC college is English, and every college offers at least one foreign language at the beginning level.
What is the UWC National Committee of Canada looking for in applicants?

There is no single formula for a successful UWC applicant as UWCs thrive on diversity. There are, however, common characteristics. Successful applicants tend to be academically strong students who have shown leadership in activities and community service. They are interested in internationalism and promoting global understanding. Many have special talents in such areas as art and music, and in the case of Pearson College UWC students, a keen interest in exploring the outdoors.

Is there an ideal candidate for Pearson College UWC and the UWC?

There is no single formula for a successful UWC applicant as UWCs thrive on diversity. There are, however, common characteristics. Successful applicants tend to be academically strong students who have shown leadership in activities and community service.

Please also refer to this guide on UWC.org.