Supporting students

RSAcademics-UWC Scholarship Programme

UWC (United World Colleges) is a global network of schools and educational programmes founded in 1962 with the shared mission of “making education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”. When the first UWC school opened its doors in Wales, UK, it was the world’s first international, two-year Sixth Form college for teenagers aged 16 to 19. There are now 18 UWC schools around the world.

Students are selected for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from over 150 countries around the world through a system of volunteer-run national committees. More than 80% of students selected by UWC national committees receive needs-based financial aid.

In September 2006, the UWC and International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Bosnia and Herzegovina founded UWC Mostar as a symbol of peace and as a reference for the process of educational reform in the country.

RSAcademics made a long-term commitment in 2019 to fund a means-tested scholarship for a UK student to attend UWC Mostar. Our first student scholar was Marton who completed his IB in 2021, with outstanding final marks and feedback from his tutors.

Writing in the United World Colleges International annual report, which is sent to all members, Marton said:

“I was incredibly anxious all the way up to the day when I got my acceptance letter…coming from a disadvantaged area and background, I first didn’t think that UWC was my place. But then the RSAcademics scholarship showed me that UWC is for everyone, regardless of wealth or status.”

He went on to say how much he has enjoyed his experience so far: “UWC is about doing anything and everything, beyond your wildest dreams, all in a day”.

Perhaps most touching of all is his “ultimate goal to be able to sponsor one more person from a disadvantaged background to attend UWC”.

Our second scholarship has been awarded to Ester, who started her IB Diploma Programme at Mostar this term.  We are delighted to have been able to fund her tuition, and we very much look forward to hearing about her progress at UWC Mostar and beyond.

In the meantime, you can read Ester’s story here.

To learn more about UWC Mostar, please visit their website.