Everyone has the right to a quality education, whether they can pay for it or not. That’s why we offer one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes in the world.
If you are interested in attending a UWC school, you should apply regardless of your financial circumstances: more than 80% of the students selected by our national committees are awarded full or partial scholarships. You could be next!
Scholarships to attend a UWC school
Our fees and costs vary by school, but we believe that money shouldn’t be a barrier for someone with potential. This is why UWC International, each UWC school, and more and more national committees dedicate much of their efforts to raise funds that allow us to provide scholarships. That means that promising young people benefit from an exceptional education and our schools benefit from fresh perspectives, diverse cultures and backgrounds – and powerful voices.
In order to be considered for a scholarship, you need to apply via your national committee of residency or citizenship. If you do not need a scholarship to attend a UWC, you can consider applying through the Global Selection Programme (GSP). More information on the application routes is available here.
What do scholarships cover?
This depends on what places each school provides to the national committees every year. In general, scholarships can be all-inclusive, full, up to fully funded or partial.
- All-inclusive scholarships
They cover everything: tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees, curricular field trips, project weeks, visa and travel expenses (flights to/from the school and one return flight for the holiday between year 1 and 2), pocket money, and any other reasonable extra expenses to be incurred by the student.
- Full scholarships
They usually cover tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees, curricular field trips, project weeks.
- Up to fully funded
They usually cover tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees, curricular field trips.
- Partial scholarships
They usually cover parts of the tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees, curricular field trips.
For detailed and updated information on scholarships available through a specific national committee, please contact them directly.
How are scholarships awarded?
Students at UWC are selected on promise and potential – not on their capacity to pay. As part of the selection process, national committees carry out a financial means assessment. If your application is successful, the exact scholarship amount will be determined based on your needs to ensure you’re able to benefit from a UWC education.
In other words: Concerns around money should never hold you back from applying for UWC. If you are successful in the selections, we will do our very best to make sure you receive the financial support you need.
Costs for the two IBDP Years
Below we’ve listed the fee range for each of the 16 out of 18 schools that offer the opportunity to apply for admission through the UWC Global Selection Programme for entry in 2026 (2026 in the case of Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa).*
| UWC School or College | Fee bands in USD |
|---|---|
| UWC Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa (Eswatini) | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| UWC Adriatic (Italy) UWC East Africa (Tanzania) UWC Red Cross Nordic (Norway) | $50,000 to $65,000 |
| UWC Costa Rica UWC Dilijan (Armenia) UWC Mahindra College (India) | $65,000 to $80,000 |
| UWC Maastricht (Netherlands) UWC-USA (New Mexico, USA) UWC Thailand | $80,000 to $95,000 |
| Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong Pearson College UWC (British Columbia, Canada) UWC Atlantic (Wales, UK) | $95,000 to $110,000 |
| UWC Changshu China UWC ISAK Japan | $110,000 to $120,000 |
UWC schools usually collect fees in local currencies. For ease, the two-year fees are displayed in USD above. The fee level is for two years and includes tuition, room and board, books, IB exam registration fees and school field trips. Air travel to and from school, pocket money, trips during term, in some cases medical insurance and other personal expenses are usually not included.
*UWC South East Asia and UWC Robert Bosch College are not participating in the GSP.
Costs and scholarships for short courses
Costs for short courses vary and scholarships are often available. Both are advertised on each individual course page. Upcoming short courses can be found here.
Costs and scholarships for pre-IB and Younger Years
Costs for pre-IB and younger years education also vary for each school and can be found on the respective school websites.
The following schools offer pre-IB programmes:
UWC Changshu China, UWC South East Asia, Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, UWC Thailand and UWC ISAK Japan.
Younger years education is offered at:
UWC Maastricht, UWC Thailand, Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, UWC South East Asia, UWC East Africa.
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Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.