Every year, young changemakers from all corners of the globe gather in Central America to transform their lives through education. On May 21, 2026, that transformational journey reached its peak for our second-year students. Over 550 guests traveled to our campus, and more than 3,000 global viewers tuned in via our YouTube channel to witness the emotional and inspiring Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2026 at UWC Costa Rica.

For those looking to study abroad, a graduation at our college is unlike any other. The ceremony was a vibrant mosaic of cultures, featuring traditional garments from over 70 countries, deeply moving student speeches, and a powerful sense of community built through cooperative living.

More Than an IB High School: A Life-Changing Experience

While many students choose to study at UWC Costa Rica to pursue the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), they leave with far more than an academic certificate. As a premier IB high school, our educational model balances academic rigor with rigorous experiential learning, community action, and intercultural understanding.

Choosing a residential high school in Costa Rica means learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime. Our students don’t just share classrooms; they live in an intentionally diverse community where they build healthy coping strategies, independence, and lifelong friendships across cultural boundaries. From our daily campus routines supported by our dedicated staff to immersive field trips, every aspect of our residential life prepares youth to become compassionate leaders.

Looking to the Future: Becoming a Global UWC Alum

Our graduates now officially join our global community of alums, a network of over 85,000. Equipped with independent research skills and counseling from our Future Pathways team, they are fully prepared to enter top universities worldwide. More importantly, they leave ready to deploy solutions for peace and a sustainable future.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to the families, donors, faculty, and National Committees who supported these incredible young people over the last two years!

How to Study at UWC Costa Rica

Are you ready to take the next step and join an international community of impact? Applications for future cohorts are open. You can apply through our global network of National Committees or via the Global Selection Program (GSP). Learn more about all the application routes to UWC Costa Rica on our application site!