Note: FAQs are also being continuously updated on our Facebook page. Please also see the Vietnamese version of this page, which has more up-to-date content.

Application procedure

1)    I am not fluent in English, does this matter?

Do not be deterred from applying to UWC simply because of lack of fluency in English. Having good communication skills in English is important in that it will enable you to pursue your academic studies in the IB programme and in communicating with those around you at the UWC. However, language support can be provided for those who need it at the UWC schools. 

 2)    If my family cannot afford travel expenses does this mean I should not apply?

No. Although most UWC scholarships do not include travel expenses, under circumstances of financial hardships, some UWCs do offer support for travelling expenses in the form of financial aid. Applicants who may need financial aid should enquire about this after they have been accepted to a UWC school. 

About UWC

1)    Can UWC help with university scholarships?

There are many scholarship opportunities available to UWC graduates to continue with university studies in many countries around the world including the USA, UK and Canada. Information on these scholarships can be found by the students independently, online or through university counsellors at the UWC schools. For detailed information about some scholarship opportunities, please see the UWC section of the website.   

 2)    Can a UWC graduate return to Vietnam to study university? 

UWC graduates can return to Vietnam to study at university. Although some public universities and most international and private universities have accepted IB as a basis for admission, it should be noted that the IB education system is still not widely recognized. Therefore, students may have to take the exams according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training as well as carefully study the policies of each individual school. Nowadays, there are more quality universities applying international education systems such as Fullbright University, VinUni, RMIT, all of which accept IB. There are several UWC graduates chose to pursue higher education in Vietnam at these universities.

 3)    Is the UWC compulsory for two years, or can I attend for only one year? 

No. The UWC and IB programme is a two-year experience. There are no opportunities for transfer to UWC in the middle of the course.

 4)    If I'm accepted to one UWC school, can I change to a different UWC school?

If you are accepted to one UWC school, it is unlikely that you can change to a different UWC. In truth each UWC school offers a unique experience, however the UWC life and experience can be enjoyed regardless of which particular UWC school you end up at. 

UWC Life

1)     What does studying at the UWC consist of? 

At a UWC, each student will have their own unique UWC experience. However, common to most UWC experiences is the academic IB programme as well as a diverse array of extra-curricular activities encompassing community service, arts and cultural activities, dance, music, sports and outdoors activities, student jobs as well as a tremendous opportunity for cultural exploration. 

2)    What are some challenges that Vietnamese students at UWC have to face? 

Usually, Vietnamese students will initially have many language barriers to overcome at a UWC, however their English skills will improve over time. In addition, Vietnamese students may also take some time to adjust to the different cultures, food and lifestyle at the UWC. However, there will be many people at the UWC that can help the student to overcome these challenges. 

3)    What type of support will be provided to students studying at a UWC?

Students studying at a UWC benefit from individual learning and independence however also have strong support system – which varies from each school. Generally, the school will offer an adult support system in the form of housefellows (adults living with students on campus housing) and advisors (teachers who support the student’s individual development in the school) as well as ‘buddies’ or other older students studying in their second years. In addition, all UWC schools have medical professionals who can attend to the student’s physical and mental well-being. 

UWC Vietnam

1)    What role will UWC Vietnam play after the student has been selected? 

UWC Vietnam will support the students with communication with the school. However, after acceptance, the student is responsible for making their own travel arrangements and preparing all necessary documents for the school. After the student attends a UWC school, UWC Vietnam will receive regular updates of the students’ progress and coordinate with the school to deal with any problems the student may have that is relevant to their home country. In addition, UWC students meet anually with the UWC Vietnam Selection Committee and are responsible for helping to contribute to the development of UWC Vietnam and the alumni base.