UWC Committee of India

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about the International Baccalaureate

FAQs about the United World Colleges

FAQs about the Applications and Selections Process

FAQs about Financial Assistance and Scholarships

FAQS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Is the IB recognised in India and abroad?
The IB is a very highly regarded secondary school diploma. Universities the world over value its combination of depth with breadth, its rigour, its emphasis on developing analytical thinking and critical skills, and its special features. In India, the IB Diploma has been recognised as the equivalent of the 10 + 2 system of education by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

To see how IB Grades compare to HSC Marks, click here.

At what stage does one need to apply for the IB course?
The IB course covers the last two years of secondary or high school education in Indian, Asian, European or similar systems of education, while the IB Diploma also qualifies students for Advanced Placement in most universities in North America.

Do students who have done the IB get advanced placement or credit at university?
Yes, they often do. Since the IB standard is considered to be quite high, students can get up to one year of university credit (or advanced standing), depending on their IB subjects, levels, etc. The exact amount of credit awarded varies from university to university.

What are the best IB subject choices for pursuing engineering or medicine?
Physics, Chemistry and Math at the Higher Level are recommended for students interested in engineering, either in India or overseas. American universities are usually less prescriptive about specific courses than British and Indian universities, as students are usually admitted to the university rather than a specific course of study. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required for studying medicine in India. Medicine in the UK requires 2 Higher Level sciences. Medicine in the US and Canada is a postgraduate degree.

Under the IB, can a student opt for 3 sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for the IB?
Yes, but only by special application where national governments or university systems require it.

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FAQS ABOUT THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES

Can you get a full scholarship to study at a foreign university after graduating from a UWC?
A very strong all-rounder has a good chance of getting a good scholarship or financial aid package to study at a foreign university. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of "financial need" hence, an actual "full scholarship" is a rare thing.

Is studying at a UWC an advantage over studying at another Indian school for foreign university placement and/or scholarships?
Yes. Many overseas universities value UWC graduates very highly because a UWC education is considered excellent preparation for university life, both academically and socially. In addition, there are an increasing number of special scholarships available for UWC graduates at several US universities, a few Canadian and UK universities, and at a few English-language European universities.

To see where graduating students from Mahindra UWC have been accepted, click here.

Do UWCs have direct lines of admission to US or UK universities?
The IB is a well-regarded examination by all admissions officers at universities around the world. However, UWCs do not claim to have any direct links with any universities anywhere in the world for admission purposes.

Where do most UWC students enroll for their university studies?
UWC students enroll worldwide to universities for further studies. The USA is usually the most popular, followed by Europe, Canada, and the UK.

To see where the graduating Class of 2005 from Mahindra UWC has been accepted, click here.

Can you take competitive entrance exams for medicine, engineering, law, etc. through professional institutions while at a UWC?
Not easily. While the IB program trains students in problem-solving skills required for these exams, it is very difficult to prepare specifically for these exams along with the heavy academic and extra-curricular expectations of life at a UWC. Nor can students easily attend special preparatory classes during term time. Also, several of these exams are held at around the same time as the IB exams or very soon thereafter, making it impossible for students to leave their college to appear for them or prepare for them adequately while also studying for their IB exams.

Can you get admission to an Indian university after the IB or graduating from a UWC?
Yes. Some of the problems involved include timing of declaration of results (IB results are declared in early July while usually admissions to Indian universities are completed in June) and lack of knowledge about the IB at the grassroots level. These problems notwithstanding, our graduates have gone on to study at some of the top Indian universities.

To see how IB Grades compare to HSC Marks, click here.

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FAQS ABOUT THE APPLICATIONS AND SELECTIONS PROCESS

Can you apply directly to the college of your preference instead of applying through your National Committee?
No. All applications must be submitted to your National Committee only. UWC Colleges do not accept direct applications. Please see the How To Apply page for more information.

What is the age requirement for applying to a UWC?
The age of entry will normally lie between 15 1/2 and 18 years and students are expected to be strong candidates for subsequent university entry.

What are the criteria for admissions to a UWC?
The UWC Selection Committee looks for well-rounded socially and politically aware young individuals who would thrive in an international environment that the UWCs provide. The academic record in grade 9 & 10 is pegged at 85% and above and the student's co-curricular activities are given considerable weightage.

Are financial aid requirements considered during the selection process?
No. Entrants to UWC's are selected entirely on the basis of merit, without regard for their families' financial means or social status.

What does the Selections process involve?
No applicant can be considered for entry without a good, confidential recommendation from his/her current head of school. Their national or regional Selection Committees will interview short-listed applicants. The decisions of the Selection Committees are recommendations to the Heads of Colleges for their consideration. An applicant is enrolled only after receiving written acceptance by the Head of the College to which the recommendation has been made.

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FAQS ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Is a "full scholarship" available? Do parents necessarily have to bear some of the costs of education?
UWC Scholarships and aid is decided on a "need" basis. Students' parents may be asked and expected to make contributions to the costs of their attendance and travel according to their ability to do so. Assessment of families' ability to make such contributions will be made as impartially as possible and by agreement between the UWC Committee (India) for the College and the families concerned.

Do UWC's have tie-ups with any particular colleges or universities that provide scholarships?
UWC graduates have special, designated scholarships for several excellent colleges / universities in quite a few countries. For more information, please see the Financial Assistance page.

Which countries / universities offer the most financial aid?
The USA, Canada, and a few European universities. Many universities in the USA have a "need-blind" admission policy, i.e., if they offer admission, they will make sure they cover the student's "financial need" through a combination of grant / loan money.

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