UWC South East Asia (UWCSEA)

An education like no other

Relocate Editorial

8 August 2025

See Directory listings for United World College of South East Asia's two campuses:

Dover Campus Directory Listing / East Campus Directory Listing

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Register for our open days to learn more about our programmes, meet the teachers and see student life.

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United World College of South East Asia, is a K-12 international school with two campuses offering day student enrollment from K1 to Grade 11 and residential boarding from Grade 8 (last intake is Aug 2026 after which it will start from Grade 9). It is a leading international school in Singapore with a diverse community of more than 6000 students representing more than 100 nationalities and 80 languages spoken at home. UWCSEA’s holistic, concept-based curriculum is guided by the UWC Mission to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The Learning Programme is made up of Academics, Service, Outdoor Education, Activities, and Personal and Social Education and is based on interdisciplinary and experiential learning approaches that lead to the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 11-12. It provides the range of knowledge, skills, capabilities, qualities and values needed to shape future-ready students and compassionate and impactful global citizens. The concept-based design of UWCSEA’s curriculum makes it suitable for students transferring from different countries, educational systems and backgrounds. It prioritises academic excellence while providing opportunities for students to explore and value their unique backgrounds, talents, and those of diverse cultures. This is accomplished in many ways, by developing student agency and discovering student passions, and providing opportunities for real-world internships and mentor programmes facilitated by a vast network of parents and over 20,000 alumni in the UWCSEA community.

UWCSEA Primary - Infant and Junior Schools

In the crucial infant years (K1–Grade1), students at UWCSEA have a joyful, nurturing experience filled with wonder. The Infant School welcomes children aged 4 to 7 into an inclusive community on both its Dover and East Campuses. These years focus on laying a foundation for a lifelong love of learning through a holistic and inquiry-based programme. The curriculum–which is organised into the domains of Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Arts and Design, and Wellbeing–encourages children to explore the world through experiences that build curiosity, creativity and resilience. In Junior School, students aged 7 to 11 (Grades 2–5), traverse that all-important bridge between the uninhibited curiosity of Infant School and the confident strides into Middle School. It is organised into smaller teams to ensure students feel known and supported, with a dedicated PSE programme helping new students adjust to the College. The curriculum is organised into similar domains as in infant school and learning is play-based and interdisciplinary. The school partners with parents to ensure each student's journey is successful.

UWCSEA Middle School

Middle School offers a robust and challenging programme for students aged 11 to 14 (Grades 6–8), connecting rigorous academic learning with a deliberate focus on personal development, leadership, and community engagement. The learning programme is structured to meet the varied intellectual, emotional, and developmental needs of adolescents as they transition from Primary School and prepare for the demands of High School. A structured PSE and mentor programme provides transitional support for new students, helping them to settle into the College community and navigate the complexities of early adolescence with confidence and care.Students are encouraged to apply themselves fully in all areas of school life, with guidance and support provided in a positive and caring environment. Teachers act as role models, supporting not only academic learning but also student participation in activities, service initiatives, and outdoor education expeditions. The educational approach promotes conceptual understanding, global relevance, and intercultural understanding.

UWCSEA Outdoor Education. Highlights from a Grades 6/7 visit to Tioman Island, Malaysia

UWCSEA High School

In Grades 9–12, students aged 14 to 18 years old complete the UWCSEA High School Diploma and receive a transcript, reflective of the depth, breadth, and challenge of the college's holistic learning programme. The community includes students from a range of countries and backgrounds who have been awarded a scholarship based on their commitment to the ideals of the UWC movement.In Grades 9 and 10, students enroll in UWCSEA’s unique programme designed to meet distinct needs and aspirations, while prioritising academic excellence and future-ready skills. It provides an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Grades 11 and 12, students may choose to complete the full IBDP or a selection of IB courses based on their interests. Grade 12 students who meet the graduation requirements are awarded a UWCSEA High School Diploma certificate upon graduation.In these years, students enjoy a high level of independence. They develop mature relationships with teachers and peers and take the lead on issues that matter to them, equipped to work through barriers to find success. Underpinning the programme are regular opportunities for self-development and reflection through a supportive personal and social education programme.

Exploring the IBDP journey at UWCSEA

Innovation at UWCSEA

UWCSEA views innovation as a mindset to be nurtured in every student. The college intentionally creates an environment where students are encouraged to be curious, creative and resilient problem-solvers equipped to solve real-world challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful future. One example is through specialised spaces on both its Dover and East campuses: The IDEAS Hub (Dover campus) and Innovation@East. These are vibrant makerspaces that provide students with tools, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities to bring their projects to fruition. Students can experiment with activities such as filmmaking, woodworking, 3D printing, crafting, coding, prototyping, DIY repairs, painting, sewing, cardboard construction and robotics. The College’s commitment to innovation also extends to curriculum development. Two recent examples can be found in its Grade 9 and 10 programme and a pioneering new course the College has developed in collaboration with the IB Organisation. UWCSEA-East-Innovations

Future-ready education: The Grade 9/10 Programme

Grades 9 and 10 is a time when students begin to reflect on the disciplines they enjoy, their learning preferences, and their hopes for the future. The Grade 9/10 Programme is designed to meet each students’ distinct needs and aspirations, while prioritising academic excellence and future-ready skills. From August 2025, the programme was fully implemented on both East and Dover campuses, replacing the IGCSE. Students have the choice of more than 40 subjects, designed to help them develop critical thinking, inquiry and problem solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. They take core subjects such as UWC Perspectives, and Wellbeing and Physical Education, alongside compulsory courses in English, Humanities, Science, Math, Arts and Design, and Languages. Unique offerings, such as the Social Entrepreneurship Programme and World of Learning internships provide hands-on experiences, cultivating transferable skills and business understanding essential for future careers.“The French Language and Culture course is an excellent tool to dive deep into topics concerning the world. It allows you to be a changemaker in society through the means of field trips and activities in the class. For example creating a podcast with my friend regarding sustainable practices, it allowed me to dive deep into the topic and think about solutions. It was a great way to learn." - Aashman, Student, Grade 9/10 Programme, UWCSEA.

Building a foundation for IB and other pathways

Built on a longstanding partnership with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), the Grade 9/10 Programme reflects IB teaching and learning principles. It provides an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma in Grades 11–12 and ensures that students are well prepared for the academic expectations and assessment styles of the IB.While the curriculum is rigorous, offering both breadth and depth of learning, it also emphasises student wellbeing. By replacing an over-reliance on exams with thoughtful, evidence-based assessment, students grow intellectually, emotionally, and academically, aligning with UWCSEA’s mission and holistic approach to learning.Finally, for students who transition out of Singapore for their senior years, the Grade 9/10 Programme equips them with academic skills, global perspectives, and learning habits that support a smooth transition into other curricula abroad.

An IB course like no other–Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change

Similar principles inform the design of the new IB course, Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change. The first cohort to choose this course as part of their IB package will graduate at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. Tapping into its pioneering spirit, UWCSEA is the first school in Asia and among only four in the world (which includes its sister college, UWC Atlantic) to offer this innovative course. The two-year course piloted in August 2024 following years of development by a team of passionate UWCSEA educators working in partnership with the IBO.Through rigorous, authentic project-based experiences students learn how to understand and navigate complex systems related to peace, sustainability and intercultural understanding. They collaborate with and lead others, and learn resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and failures. They benefit from real-world experience and acquire skillsets that are essential for navigating life beyond school, whether at university or during their careers. “The IB has offered this flexible programme only to UWCSEA and UWC Atlantic as part of their strategic development of the IB Diploma and its future. The IB’s confidence in choosing us to partner with them on this programme, and award the full IB Diploma qualification for it, is a mark of their trust in our teachers, leaders and students, and in our ability to develop and deliver high-quality programmes to create outstanding student experiences. Through this ongoing partnership, we are informing and influencing the future of the IB globally,” says Nick Alchin, Head of College, UWCSEA.

UWCSEA : IB Systems Transformation

Equipping students to become changemakers

The Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change course is offered on both the UWCSEA East and Dover campuses. It teaches and assesses skills in five distinct areas:

Changemaker Mindset: What changemaking is, mindsets for effective changemaking, the context in which changemakers currently operate.
Design Thinking: How to problem solve and innovate in a human-centred way.
Systems Thinking: What systems are, how systems work and interconnect, why systems thinking is a powerful lens for changemakers.
Leadership: Strategies for leading others to effect positive change, communication and collaboration skills.
Project and Change Management: How to plan, organise and implement positive change initiatives.

“One of the UWC values that closely aligns with me is compassion. Having solidarity and being empathetic with others is important. The Systems Transformation course offers an opportunity to make a real change. Its objective is not just for the future, but now,” says Jessi, Grade 11, UWCSEA Dover Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change student.By adopting an ethos of innovation in curriculum development, UWCSEA not only offers a rigorous Learning Programme that is recognised by top universities around the world, it continues to be responsive to changing times, providing the range of knowledge, skills, capabilities, qualities and values needed to shape future-ready students.

Call to action:

Immerse yourself in the UWCSEA community during our Open Days which start on 2 September until 3 October 2025. We offer several online and in-person events for you to explore our concept-based curriculum, tour our world class East and Dover Campus facilities and meet school leaders, teachers and the admissions team. Learn how our holistic Learning Programme will prepare your child to become a compassionate and impactful global citizen. Register here: https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/opendays UWCSEA-Dover-UWC-Day

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Key Information

6000+ students 10.5 to 1 Student Teacher Ratio2 Campuses - East Campus, Dover Campus

Year of Founding

1971

Grades

K1 - Grade 12

Residential Boarding

We offer an on-campus boarding experience at both East and Dover campuses. On-site boarding facilities are home to students from Grade 8-12 (11-18 years old). From August 2027 boarding will start in Grade 9 (14 years old).

Curriculum

Primary and Middle School (4-13 years): UWCSEA Learning Programme High School - Grade 9-10 (14-16 years): UWCSEA Grade 9/10 ProgrammeHigh School - Grade 11-12 (16-18 years): IB Diploma Programme

Language Of Instruction

English

Additional Languages Taught

A variety of English as an Additional Language (EAL), First Language, Language Other Than English (LOTE), and Home Languages Programme (HLP) options are available depending on a student’s proficiency. These options include Chinese, French and Spanish. There’s also a selection of ab initio languages for students joining in Grade 11 for the IBDP. For our multilingual students, we offer a range of ‘first language’ classes as part of the academic timetable. The offerings include Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.For languages not offered in the academic timetable the unique and highly regarded Home Languages Programme is available on both Dover and East campuses. Students can sign up for classes to maintain the language they speak at home and to develop literacy skills.

School Hours

Infant School (K1-G1): 8am-2pm Junior School (G2-G5): 8am-3pm Middle School (G6-G8): 8am-3pm High School (G9-G12): 8am-3pmAfter-school Activities programme until 4.30pm

International Demographics

100+ nations including Singapore, Australia, China, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, and more.

Application deadline

Applications open on 1 September for entry the following August.For full details, please visit: https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions/admissions-resources/

Find out more by visiting UWCSEA's website https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/

See Directory listings for United World College of South East Asia's two campuses:

Dover Campus Directory Listing / East Campus Directory Listing

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