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​​​​​​​Selection Process

In Austria, the selection process takes place in three stages:

  • the written pre-selection (anonymized)
  • the selection weekend
  • the final selection

Anyone wishing to attend a UWC school or college must go through all three stages, i.e. be available in person on all relevant dates without exception.

Written Pre-Selection

Based on the written applications, a pre-selection will take place and you will be informed whether you will receive an invitation to the selection weekend. The application period begins each year at the beginning of September and ends on October 31 at 23:59 (CET).

The written application is submitted via a standardised online application form (called SMApply). This form contains the following points:

  • personal information such as age, place of residence, school and language skills
  • hobbies and interests or extracurricular activities
  • 4 essays of 300 words each on UWC-related topics
  • the last 2 school reports
  • 2 letters of reference (1 teacher, 1 person from your family who is not part of your family)
  • signed permission from the parent or legal guardian
  • official documents (copy of passport/ID card) and photo
  • statistical questions about your background

Tips: Save your application content before filling it out electronically. Allow enough time to complete this application form; it can take up to four hours.

Apply now!

We will inform you by mid-November whether you have been invited to the selection weekend.

Selection Weekend

At the Selection Weekend (end of November / beginning of December) we would like to get to know you better and give you the chance to experience the “UWC Spirit” in person for the first time. During this weekend, we try to find out whether UWC suits you through fun activities and discussion tasks in small groups.

Tip: Just be yourself and get involved in the UWC Experience!

In the weeks following the selection weekend (but no later than mid-December) we will contact you regarding an invitation to the final selection.

Final Selection

At the Final Selection, which usually takes place in early to mid-January, we would like to challenge you again in group discussions, games and personal interviews.

After the Final Selection, the places for the UWC schools & colleges are allocated. We not only pay attention to the ranking in the final selection, but also to which UWC school or college suits you best. The selection committee will suggest a UWC place based on this.

The selection process only determines access to a UWC Education and has no influence on the amount of financial support or school places available to UWC Austria scholarship holders.

Personal participation in the selection weekend as well as in the final selection is mandatory in order to be recommended for a UWC place.

After the final selection

If you have successfully applied for a place, you will be recommended by UWC Austria to the heads of the UWC schools & colleges. For this purpose, your application documents will be forwarded to the proposed UWC, where they will of course be treated confidentially. The final (usually only formal) decision is always made by the directors of the UWC schools & colleges.

If your application is successful, you are obliged to attend the official Scholarship Award Ceremony in mid-May and the annual Networking Weekend (in July) during your time at school. You are also required to report on your expectations, experiences and adventures, to become a member of the Austrian network and, if possible, to participate in it after your time at school.

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