College FAQs
Can I choose which school to study at?
Between the first and second interview, we will send you a form where you can provide your opinion on where you want to go, but in the end we will decide. When allocating the scholarships, your rankings of schools are taken into account along with many other factors. However, there are only a limited number of scholarships for each school. Also, we do not send students to all schools every year. Where we send students depends on which schools we are offered places at, our financial situation and where we want to send students.
How much does it cost?
The students that are accepted through UWC Sverige will all receive a 100% scholarship. Anyone can attend UWC no matter how much or little money you have. Read more about the scope of the scholarship here.
Will I have to pay anything?
No, the scholarship includes food, accommodation and school fees - everything except pocket money, so to speak. Travel to and from school is paid for by the scholarship recipient (you), but most schools allow you to apply for an additional travel grant if you are accepted. You can go home for the holidays if you want, but you don't have to.
What qualifications do you get for Swedish colleges/universities when you study IB?
After UWC, you are eligible to apply to universities both in Sweden and abroad. You can read more about IB and eligibility for Swedish universities here.
The IB exam is widely recognized in Sweden and is fully comparable to the Swedish Studentexamen. There are comparison tables that let you compare the IB exam with Swedish grades.
I want to study subject XYZ; can I do it at school XX?
You study 6 self-selected subjects, according to the IB model:
They are selected from the six different subject groups (one subject from each group):
- Student's mother tongue
- Languages
- Social science subjects
- Natural sciences
- Mathematics (four different levels)
- The Arts
Different subjects are offered at different schools. Read more about each school here and visit their websites for more information on the courses they offer in the coming years.
How can I study my mother tongue?
Mother tongue is part of the IB exam. If there are enough Swedish speakers at the school, tuition can be offered (UWCRCN) otherwise the studies are self-study. Depending on the school, there may be a Swedish-speaking tutor. The above is true for any other language you may have as your mother tongue.
Which languages can be studied?
The range of languages varies, but most schools teach English, French and Spanish. In addition, custom is taken wherever you go; in Hong Kong you can study Chinese, in Italy Italian and in Norway Norwegian.
Can my IB-diploma include a seventh subject?
The rules on a seventh subject vary from school to school. Most schools do not recommend having an extra subject and some do not allow it at all. Although there are many interesting subjects and you have the motivation to study, it is important to remember that the best moments of school life usually happen outside of class.
What activities are available at the schools?
Everything from heaven and earth - or at least almost: sea rescue, Mexican folk dancing, mountain climbing, pottery, choir, swimming, skating, sign language, football, etc. Often you can also influence or contribute to the range of activities.
How about music or sports hobbies?
Opportunities vary. In schools, there may be space and instruments for making music and there is also space for playing sports. On the other hand, there are many other activities and it can be difficult to have enough time to devote professionally to practicing music or sports.
How does UWC differ from other international schools? (e.g. one year as an exchange student)
UWC is a lifestyle. Living at the UWC means more than living in Norway or Italy, for example. Internationalism in this case means living with young people from almost 100 different countries 24 hours a day. During the two years, you not only make lifelong friends but also gain experience and understanding of multiculturalism - including its downside. UWC alums are enthusiastic networkers!
What food is provided in the schools?
The local food culture is noticeable and vegetarian (and often vegan) dishes are offered.
How do people live at the schools?
In schools, you live in a boarding school. The rooms are usually 4-person occupancy - that is, a room has four beds, chairs, shelves, etc. In most cases, living together is more painless than you might expect and roommates often become lifelong friends.
What do graduates do after UWC?
We are everywhere! UWCers can be found in many fields and the UWC alumni network is active and present in Sweden as well as internationally. The common UWC experience unites people from very different sectors. On the Alumni Profiles page you can read more about what some of our alumni are doing today.
When do school terms begin and end?
Terms begin and end according to the school's own timetable, see the school's own website. School usually starts in late August or early September (in Eswatini in January).
Are students at the schools all year round during the two years, or can I visit Sweden in between, for example during holidays?
You return to Sweden between semesters, so studies do not take place all year round.
More questions?
We are happy to answer them! You can find our contact details here.