What does it mean to graduate from an international boarding high school? For the UWC Costa Rica Class of 2026, it means transitioning from an intentionally diverse community in the tropics to attending some of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
As students celebrate graduation and officially become UWC Costa Rica alums, the institution is proud to showcase their outstanding university acceptances. Armed with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and a deep commitment to sustainability and peace, this cohort is ready to step out onto the global stage.
Global Destinations & Major Scholarships
The Class of 2026 has proven that choosing a residential high school in Costa Rica opens doors to limitless global opportunities. This year’s graduates will pursue higher education at 52 diverse universities across 12 countries.
Even more impressive is the philanthropic and institutional support backing their futures. The cohort has been offered approximately $15 million in financial aid and university scholarships. Thanks to a structural alliance with the Davis Foundation, 52 UWC Costa Rica students are receiving essential financial support through the Davis UWC Scholars Program to study in the United States.
Where is the Class of 2026 Heading?
From Ivy League campuses to top-tier European research hubs, the alums are matriculating into prominent global institutions:
- United States: Princeton University, Brown University, Cornell University, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, Wellesley College, Pomona College, and Swarthmore College.
- Europe & Canada: McGill University (Canada), KU Leuven (Belgium), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), and NYU Abu Dhabi.
Purpose-Driven Academic Pathways
At UWC Costa Rica, students participate in a holistic, experiential educational model. This unique environment inspires diverse academic passions. Some of the highlighted pathways the alums will enter include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Architectural and Environmental Studies
- Global Creative Industries
- Movie, Media, and Theatre Studies
While 77 graduates are entering university right away, 18 individuals will embark on Gap Year Experiences, taking time to intentionally serve communities and thrive with purpose before starting their degrees.
Empowering Tomorrow: The Influence of Future Pathways
These remarkable academic outcomes are accompanied by the intentional guidance of the Future Pathways program. Understanding that navigating life after an international boarding school requires strategic coordination, UWC Costa Rica offers personalized, one-on-one counseling to assist students throughout the global application processes. This framework ensures the diverse community possesses the necessary resources to make enlightened and purpose-driven choices.
Your Journey Starts Here: Study at UWC Costa Rica
If students are idealistic and compassionate individuals aged 16 to 19, they, too, can experience a transformation of a lifetime. When students choose to study at UWC Costa Rica, they are choosing an IB high school that values diversity, sustainability, and real-world impact.
UWC Costa Rica invites prospective students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds to apply. There are two main application routes to join the campus:
- UWC National Committees (NCs): Operating in over 155 countries, this route is for students seeking to study at UWC Costa Rica with partial or full need-based scholarships.
- Global Selection Program (GSP): Designed for students who are fully committed to UWC Costa Rica’s unique values and can cover the full tuition costs.
The world needs compassionate leaders. Are you ready to study abroad with a purpose?