Frequently Asked QuestionsUWC logo

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, we recommend you review the following frequently asked questions before contacting us with your inquiry.


What are the documents required to apply to study at UWC through the Syrian National Committee?

1. A completed UWC Syria NC application form
2. School transcripts of the last 2 academic years
3. At least one recommendation letter

Can I apply if I don’t meet one of the eligibility criteria?

No. Applicants must meet all four eligibility criteria to qualify to apply through the Syrian National Committee.

I did not know about UWC and/or was not able to submit an application last year. Is this considered special circumstance that allows me to apply this year despite not meeting the age requirement?

No. Unfortunately this does not fall under the special circumstances. The special circumstances that we refer to must have a direct effect on the applicant’s educational journey that prevented them from applying when they were within the eligible age group.

Do I have to complete the application form in English?

No. Applicants may choose between Arabic and English to complete the application form and this will not affect the application assessment. However, the language used must be consistent throughout the whole application form. We recommend you choose the language that you find most suitable to express yourself clearly.

Do I need to translate my documents from Arabic to English?

No, you do not need to translate your documents into English at the application stage. However, if selected, applicants will need to translate their documents by a sworn translator and certify them as part of the school admission and visa process.
If your documents are in a language other than Arabic or English, you must translate them into one of these languages. Sworn translation is not required for this.

Can I still apply if I’m missing one of the two school transcripts required? 

Yes, you may still apply if you are missing one of the two school transcripts required in the application form for reasons beyond control. However, you need to provide an explanation as to the reason why you did not include them in your application.

What is a recommendation letter and how do I obtain one?

A recommendation letter is a letter written by a teacher, a counselor, or any supervisor that knows and have worked with the applicant in a supervisory role, in or outside the school context. The letter describes the different attributes of the applicant, their achievements, and any other details deemed useful in the application process.
The recommendation letter can be in Arabic or English.

Can I still apply if I’m missing one of the two school transcripts required?

Yes, you may still apply if you are missing one of the two school transcripts required in the application form for reasons beyond control. However, you need to provide an explanation as to the reason why you did not include them in your application.

Is it required to have a good level of English to apply?

It is not a requirement to be fluent in English to apply. However it is an advantage if you have a basic level of English language competency as all UWC schools teach their curriculum in English.

Do I need a passport to apply? And is it an advantage if I have one?

No, you do not need a passport to submit an application form. However, if selected, applicants will need to issue a passport to travel to their schools in August.
It is not an advantage if an applicant has a valid passport at the time of application.

Can I submit an application if I don’t have a valid ID?

Yes, you can apply without a valid ID. It is not required to have a valid ID or passport to submit an application form. However, you should be able to present an official document to validate your identity if asked.

Can I seek help or support in completing the application form?

We do not have any restrictions on seeking help and completing your application form. However, the application still needs to be written primarily by the applicant and reflective of their person, opinions, values, achievements, etc. if asked, the applicant needs to be honest about receiving help.

Can I choose which UWC school or country I go to in my application?

No. When you apply to UWC you are applying to study at any of the schools and colleges around the world. 
You can indicate your school of preference in the application form however, the final decision and allocations are made by the Syrian National Committee.

Can I submit more than one application?

No, applicants can only submit one application during each application cycle.

Do I have better chances of acceptance if I submit my application as soon as the application cycle opens?

No, the Committee does not take into account the date the application is submitted. We review all applications once and after the application deadline closes.

I applied last year and wasn’t selected, can I apply again this year?

Yes. If you still meet all eligibility criteria, especially the age criterion, you are encouraged to apply.

Are my acceptance chances higher if I applied last year and wasn’t selected and I applied again this year?

No, you do not get priority as a previous applicant. Your application this year is evaluated separately from any previous application. However, applying two years in a row, while still meeting the eligibility criteria, showcases your commitment to attend UWC.

When will I hear back whether I qualified to the following stage after submitting the application?

The committee reviews all applications after the application deadline closes and this process takes several weeks up to one month. You will hear back on your application status within 3-6 weeks from the application closing date.

How will I receive the decision on my application once I submit it?

The committee communicates with all applicants via the emails provided in your application form.

Will I receive a response to my application if I wasn’t qualified to the second selection stage?

Yes, the committee sends email communication to all applicants, successful and unsuccessful ones.

What does the scholarship offered through the Syrian National Committee cover?

All scholarships offered by the Syrian National Committee cover tuition and boarding fees. Most scholarships extend to cover additional expenses such as flight, passport, visa, pocket money, project weeks and other fees.
It is important to note that the Syrian National Committee does not have control over the scholarships received every year and the fees covered may vary.

If selected, do you offer any support with the visa application process?

If selected, your allocated UWC school will contact you to start the visa application process. They have specific teams to support students through this process. The Syrian National Committee offers support from time to time as needed.

Is it possible for a selected applicant to not be granted a Visa?

It is possible due to the continuously changing regulations and Visa processes of the different countries that selected applicants experience delays in receiving their Visa or other issues. Unfortunately, the committee has no control over this. However, the schools and colleges have teams in place specifically to support students with their visa processes and we work with them to ensure selected students reach their schools.

While at UWC, can I travel to my home country Syria during breaks?

Yes, most Syrian UWC students travel back to their homes during summer breaks, and some even during winter break. However, please note that if your scholarship covers flights, this will include one round trip per year only, to and from the school at the beginning of the semester and at the end of the semester. Any additional travel will be at your own cost.

I’m a Syrian Citizen and live outside of Syria. How do I apply?

If you meet the citizenship eligibility criteria for the Syrian National Committee, you can apply through our application form. We do not have any requirements on the country of residence.

I’m Palestinian with a Syrian Travel Document but I do not reside in Syria. Can I apply through the Syrian National Committee?

Yes, we accept applications from  Palestinian with a Syrian Travel Document regardless of country of residence.

What happens after UWC. Do you support students in gaining university admission?

All UWC schools and colleges have a University Counsellor who supports UWC students in their second year to apply for university education.


If you did not find the answer to your question, please contact us at [email protected] with your inquiry. If your inquiry is answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section above, we may not respond to your email.

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