Where Learning Meets the World

UWC-USA offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), one of the most recognized and respected high school diplomas in the world.

Discover an education built around academic challenge, global community, service, and personal growth.

More Than a School

UWC-USA brings together students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds and gives them an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Live Globally

Become part of a community where different perspectives are part of everyday life.

Learn Differently

Challenge yourself academically while developing curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.

Make an Impact

Put your ideas into action through service, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.

Your Education, Your Community, Your Perspective

A UWC-USA experience is about more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about the people you meet, the ideas you encounter, the challenges you take on, and the perspective you develop along the way.

Academics

Develop the knowledge and critical-thinking skills to prepare for what’s next.

Community

Live and learn alongside a diverse group of students from around the world.

Service & Leadership

Learn by doing and contributing to your community through meaningful experiences.

Find Your People, Discover Your Perspective

Some of the most memorable parts of UWC-USA happen outside the classroom. From shared meals and community activities to service, outdoor experiences, and everyday moments with friends, students become part of a community that continues well beyond graduation.

A Different Kind of
Educational Experience

Global Perspective

See the world through perspectives different from your own.

Personal Growth

Develop independence, confidence, and a clearer understanding of who you are.

Academic Challenge

Push yourself in an environment designed to encourage curiosity and intellectual growth.

Purpose & Impact

Turn learning into action through service, leadership, and community.

Hear It From the Students

“UWC-USA challenged me in the best ways. I’ve grown as a student, a leader, and a person—and I’ve made friends I know will be in my life forever.”

– Maya S., Class of 2026, India

“The most precious lesson I learned here is to connect my studies with real life issues.”

– Ky, Class of 2026, China

“Learning alongside students from different countries unlocked new perspectives I never even considered!”

– Mohamed, Class of 2026, Lebanon

Ready to Learn More?

You don’t need to have every question answered before you get started. An inquiry is simply the first step toward understanding UWC-USA, the admissions process, student life, and what the experience could look like for you.

Inquire

Tell us a little about yourself and what you’re interested in.

Learn

Get information from the UWC-USA admissions team.

Explore

Determine whether UWC-USA could be the right fit for your next step.

Questions? Start Here

Who can apply to UWC-USA?

If you are a curious, open-minded high school student aged 16 to 19 who wants to make a real difference in the world, you belong here.

UWC-USA is a two-year residential school for the 11th and 12th grades where students earn the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We welcome students from all walks of life:

U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents: You can apply through our U.S. selection process, whether you live in the United States or abroad.
International Students: If you need financial support, you will apply through the UWC National Committee in your home country. If you are applying as a full fee-paying student, you can apply directly and choose UWC-USA as your first choice.

We don’t just look at grades. We look for thinkers, dreamers, and doers who are excited to step outside their comfort zones, live alongside peers from 90+ countries, and build a more peaceful and sustainable future

How does the admissions process work?

Think of our admissions process as a conversation, not a test. We evaluate candidates holistically, looking at your character, passions, and how you work with others, not just a transcript.

Your journey depends on where you live:

Applying from the U.S.: You’ll submit an online application with personal essays and teacher recommendations. We offer two deadlines: Early Application (November 1) and Regular Application (January 1). Semi-finalists take part in personal interviews, and finalists are invited to a dynamic Finalist Weekend in February filled with group activities and conversations.
Applying from outside the U.S.: If you need scholarship support, you will apply through your local country’s UWC National Committee (there are committees in more than 150 countries). If you are applying as a full fee-paying student, you can apply directly online.

How does financial aid work?

UWC-USA operates on the principle that “every family should pay what they can, but no family should pay what they cannot.” Approximately 85% of students receive financial assistance.

Merit-Based Davis Scholarships: All U.S. applicants applying through the U.S. National Committee are automatically evaluated for the Davis Scholarship, which provides $25,000 per year toward tuition (with 25 spots designated for UWC-USA and up to two at each of the other 17 campuses).
Need-Based Financial Aid: Families seeking additional assistance submit a financial profile via School and Student Services (SSS). Need-based aid is awarded to bridge the gap between a family’s calculated ability to pay and remaining tuition costs.
Additional Support: Students demonstrating significant financial need may also receive assistance covering travel costs, personal spending allowances, and miscellaneous expenses.
International Students: Financial aid packages are managed and awarded through the applicant’s home-country National Committee.

What is student life like at UWC-USA?

Student life at UWC-USA is a fully residential, culturally immersive experience located on a 200-acre historic campus in Montezuma, New Mexico:

Global Cohort: Students live with peers from over 90 countries, sharing dorms, meals, and cultural traditions.
Residential Life & Support: Residence halls are guided by live-in Residential Coordinators (RCs), Assistant RCs, and student Peer Residential Advisors (RAs) who support wellness, inclusion, and conflict transformation.
Experiential & Wilderness Learning: Experiential learning is central to student life, featuring backpacking and hiking trips into the Pecos Wilderness, five-day expeditions during Southwest Studies week (such as the Grand Canyon), rock climbing, and outdoor leadership.
Campus Service & Community: Every student contributes to campus operations through regular service, such as working on the campus farm, bike repair, tutoring, or leading tours. Local “Get-Away Families” in Northern New Mexico also host students for weekend meals and off-campus breaks.
Wellness & Recreation: Campus amenities include the Edith Lansing Field House (gym, rock-climbing wall, dance studio), student lounges in the historic Montezuma Castle (Davis International Center), and the Virginia Dwan Light Sanctuary.

Can I visit the campus?

Prospective Students & Families: Yes. While the campus is closed to the general public to maintain student safety and security, the Admissions Office conducts regular, scheduled Admissions Tours for prospective students and their families. Tours must be booked in advance via the campus tour calendar.
Visitor Check-In: All visitors must register at the campus Welcome Center (open 24/7 with campus security) upon arrival at State Route 65 in Montezuma, NM.
Public Access to Dwan Light Sanctuary: The public can visit the Dwan Light Sanctuary during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) by checking in at the Welcome Center for an access key.

What happens after I submit an inquiry?

Admissions Communications: Submitting the online inquiry form registers your contact details with the UWC-USA Admissions Office.
Guidance: You receive tailored information regarding the correct application pathway based on your citizenship (U.S. National Committee vs. International National Committees or Fee-Paying tracks).
Event & Deadline Notifications: You are added to the official mailing list to receive invitations to upcoming virtual information sessions, campus visit/tour availability, reminders for early and regular application deadlines, and financial aid application guidance.