The academic year has officially begun at UWC Costa Rica as the institution welcomes its newest cohort of students for the 2026-2027 period. 196 students have arrived on campus, eager to begin a transformative two-year boarding high school experience rooted in experiential learning, sustainability, and peace.
A Diverse Global Community by Design
UWC Costa Rica is intentionally diverse, bringing together young people from vastly different backgrounds to learn from one another. The 2026-2027 cohort exemplifies this global representation, with 63 nationalities in the student body. The regional distribution highlights the rich multicultural environment on campus:
- Europe: 35% of the student body
- Latin America & The Caribbean: 25% of the student body (including 16 Costa Rican students)
- Asia: 20% of the student body
- Africa: 10% of the student body
- North America: 10% of the student body
By living and studying together, these students gain a profound understanding of diverse worldviews and cultivate deep cross-cultural empathy.
Making Education Selective, Not Exclusive
A core pillar of the UWC movement is that financial constraints should never prevent compassionate, idealistic youth from accessing life-changing educational opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, and the UWC National Committees network, 85% of the current student body attends with a partial or full scholarship. For this cohort, this includes 101 partial scholarships and 68 full scholarships, allowing individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive with purpose.
The Journey Begins
Over the next two years, these students will tackle the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) while engaging in local activism, environmental preservation, and community service. Guided by dedicated staff, they will learn to navigate complex global challenges and emerge as principled leaders ready to serve humanity and our planet.
For families and prospective students aged 14 to 17 who wish to embark on this unique educational journey, applications are open through various global pathways. Explore our Application Routes to learn how to join the global movement!