UWC Guatemala 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.
You’ll then be ready to start your UWC journey!
1. Application stage
The first step in the selection process is submitting an application. This includes:
- 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.
2. Selection stage
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a multi-step selection process, which typically includes:
- Tests and Written Assessments: These may assess logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and English proficiency.
- Group Activities: Candidates engage in collaborative problem-solving tasks and discussions to assess teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
- Individual Interviews: A panel interview where applicants discuss their motivations, aspirations, and alignment with UWC’s values.
- Project Presentations: Candidates may be asked to present a personal project or initiative they have worked on that reflects their commitment to making a positive impact.
3. Nomination stage
After selections, the National Committee nominates the most promising candidates for placement at UWC schools and colleges. Successful applicants will:
- Receive an offer for a UWC placement, which may be fully or partially funded depending on demonstrated need (all applicants will be requested to submit financial information to this effect).
- Have the opportunity to accept or decline the nomination.
- Complete necessary paperwork and preparations for enrollment.
Important dates
- Application Open: July 18th, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 8th, 2025
- Selection Activities: The selection process is organized by the UWC Guatemala Committee and begins in July of each year.
- Activity 1
- The first step into applying to UWC is reviewing the requirements and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Then you’d submit the application through a Google Form and attached the required supported documentation.
- Activity 2
- The Guatemalan National Committee then reviews all applications. There are normally between 200 to 300 applications, so the process takes a few weeks. You might feel it’s taking too long and it’s normal. But be certain that if you meet the eligibility criteria you’ll be invited to participate in an online and remote psychometric test administered by Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.
- Activity 3
- Only selected applicants are invited to participate in the following activities, which might vary slightly but normally include a) writing an essay, b) participate in an immersive day camp, c) individual interviews. These activities are spaced throughout the lapse of 4 to 5 months.
- Throughout the process, candidates are selected based on their performance in leadership activities, problem-solving skills, creativity, awareness, and commitment to Guatemalan society. For more information please refer to UWC selection criteria.
- Activity 1
- Final Decisions Announced: around March the following year.
To start your application, please visit our Application form or contact us at [email protected].
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the UWC community!