Summary

United World College of South East Asia is a K-12 international school with two campuses offering day student enrollment from K1 to Grade 11 and residential boarding from Grade 8 (last intake is Aug 2026, after which it will start from Grade 9). It is a leading international school in Singapore, with a diverse community of over 5,500 students representing more than 100 nationalities and 80 languages spoken at home. 

UWCSEA’s holistic, concept-based curriculum is guided by the UWC Mission to make education a force for uniting people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The Learning Programme is made up of Academics, Service, Outdoor Education, Activities, and Personal and Social Education and is based on interdisciplinary and experiential learning approaches that lead to the IB Diploma Programme. It provides the range of knowledge, skills, capabilities, qualities and values needed to shape future-ready students and compassionate and impactful global citizens. 

The design of UWCSEA’s curriculum makes it suitable for students transferring from different countries, educational systems and backgrounds. It prioritises academic excellence while providing opportunities for students to explore and value their unique backgrounds, talents, and those of diverse cultures. This is accomplished in many ways, by developing student agency and discovering student passions, and providing opportunities for real-world internships and mentor programmes facilitated by a vast network of parents and over 20,000 alumni in the UWCSEA community.

For High School students (ages 14 – 16; Grades 9 – 10), UWCSEA offers a bespoke, comprehensive learning programme that emphasises project-based learning and assessment, providing flexibility for students to pursue their interests and preparing them for the IBDP in Grades 11 – 12. 

It is also the first school in Asia to offer a new IB course, Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change, representing an exciting innovation in the IB Diploma offering that provides students with the opportunity to delve deeply into real-world projects in mission-aligned areas of interest. Through project-based learning, students explore how to connect and lead others; how to understand and navigate complex systems; and how to be resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges and failures.

Key Information

5,500
Student Population
10:1
Student Teacher Ratio
Infant School (K1-G1): 8am-2pm Junior School (G2-G5): 8am-3pm Middle School (G6-G8): 8am-3pm High School (G9-G12): 8am-3pm After-school Activities programme until 4.30pm
School Hours
UWCSEA seeks applicants who demonstrate age-appropriate qualities and skills to thrive across all five elements of its Learning Programme; Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal and Social Education and Service.
Selectivity
1971
Year of Founding
None
Religious Affiliation

Grades

K1 - Grade 12

Language Of Instruction

English
Danish
Russian
Korean
Japanese
Spanish
German
Dutch
French
Mandarin

Curriculum

Primary and Middle School (4-13 years): UWCSEA Learning Programme
High School - Grade 9-10 (14-15 years): UWCSEA High School Programme
High School - Grade 11-12 (16-17 years): IB Diploma

International Demographics

113 nationalities across the school including India, China, United Kingdom, United States, Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more.

Focus

Service Learning
Personal Development
Outdoor Learning
Academics

Facilities

Sports Field
Gymnasium
Playground
Sports Courts
Theatre
Music Room
Art Studio
Science Lab
IT Suite
Personal Computers/iPads for students
Library
Kitchen
Garden
Guidance Counselor
Cafeteria
Parent Cafe
Air-conditioned classrooms

Application & Deadline

Application fee
Day: SGD$627 single campus; $1,254 dual campus; Boarding: $841 to be considered for both, per annual application cycle.
Application deadline
Applications open on 1 September for entry the following August.

First round: Apply by early November
Second round: Apply by early February
Late applications may be considered if places are available.
They do not maintain a rolling waitlist.

For full details, please visit: https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions/admissions-resources/admissions-timelines
Average tuition fee
$37,494 - $48,237
Debenture
Each year, UWCSEA receives more applications than there are places available. The UWCSEA Nominee Programme (UNP) offers a limited number of guaranteed places for eligible individuals or corporations, including family offices, whose nominees meet their entry criteria. This programme provides a unique opportunity to secure enrolment at UWCSEA. Full details are available on their website.
Priority to siblings for admissions
Yes
Priority to alumni for admissions
Yes
Are you academically selective?
No. UWCSEA seeks applicants who demonstrate age-appropriate qualities and skills to thrive across all five elements of its Learning Programme. Academically, we expect applicants to demonstrate approaches to learning and achievement indicators within the middle to upper bands of their current school's grading scale.
Waiting list for any/all grades
No
Catchment area policy
No
Admissions process

Applications open 12 months ahead of each new academic year. For example, applications to join the College in August 2026 opened on 1 September 2025.

All applications need to be submitted via our online system, which captures a full profile to use in assessing the application against the entrance and allocation criteria explained below.

Applicants need to demonstrate the qualities and skills that will enable them to thrive in the UWCSEA learning programme. Specifically, this includes a positive approach to learning and an academic profile that indicates an applicant can progress in with confidence our learning programme. They also look at an applicant’s English language proficiency and any individual learning needs they may have, to ensure we can provide any support needed.

Above all, their allocation policy is driven by their mission and commitment to diversity. They are looking to build balanced and diverse cohorts in each grade level.

All applicants who meet their entrance criteria (and so are ‘eligible’ to be offered a place) are placed in the application ‘pool’ to be considered for available places in the upcoming academic year.

Places are allocated according to a range of factors which includes personality, interests, proactive involvement in school and community life as well as gender, age and the extent to which the applicant’s experience and background adds to the diversity of the College.

download pdf
print