EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC 2026

If you’re a young Cypriot (or the parent of one) looking for a life-changing opportunity, the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC could be exactly what you need. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open! Here’s an in-depth look at the programme, its benefits, and how you can apply.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: UWC schools in Europe

• Host Institutions: UWC Adriatic (Italy), UWC Maastricht (Netherlands), UWC Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina), UWC Red Cross Nordic (Norway), UWC Robert Bosch College (Germany)

• Study Level: Final 2 years of high school (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, IBDP)

• Target Group: Cypriot youth (Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot) aged approximately for IB entry

• Value & Coverage: Up to full scholarship – tuition, accommodation, meals; additional support may cover travel, insurance, pocket money, based on financial need

• Award Duration: 2 years (1 September 2026 – 31 August 2028)

• Application Deadline: 11 January 2026 (23:59, Cyprus time) 

  
  

🌐 Programme Overview

The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC is funded by the European Union and implemented by UWC Cyprus. Established in 2019, the initiative seeks to bring together young people from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to foster peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Selected students will spend two years completing the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) at one of the participating UWC schools in Europe. UWC’s educational model is highly experiential: students don’t just study, but live together, engage in service, dialogue, and leadership.

Part of the programme also includes youth engagement activities back in Cyprus — such as pre-departure workshops, network events, debriefings, and other focus groups to build a strong EU-UWC community.

🎁 Benefits of the Scholarship

• Financial Coverage: The scholarship generally covers full school fees, accommodation, and meals.

• Additional Support: Based on a financial assessment, some scholars may also receive help for flights, insurance, books, pocket money, and other costs.

• Dialogue and Reconciliation: The programme is designed not only for academic development but also as a confidence-building measure between Cypriot communities.

• Leadership & Network: Participants join a global UWC network of changemakers, get access to short courses, and attend youth leadership forums (e.g., the “United for Peace” forum)

• Global Education: The IBDP diploma is widely recognised by universities worldwide, giving students strong university admission prospects.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet all of the following:

1. Age Requirement: For this cycle, applicants should be born between 2 August 2008 and 30 August 2010.

2. Current Education Level: Must be enrolled in Year 10 or Year 11 (Cyprus context) when applying.

3. Residency & Nationality:

   • Permanent resident of Cyprus.

   • At least one parent must be of Cypriot nationality.

   • Attended school in Cyprus for at least 5 cumulative years.

4. Personal Qualities: UWC values are central — applicants should demonstrate intercultural understanding, a desire to contribute positively, resilience, and adaptability.

5. Language: While English fluency isn’t strictly required at application, you should have at least a basic proficiency and willingness to improve, since IB is taught in English.

📝 Application Procedure

1. Online Application: Fill out the online form on the UWC Cyprus portal. This includes personal information, academic history, extracurriculars, and short essays to reflect your motivations and alignment with UWC’s values.

2. Document Uploads: You’ll need to upload eligibility documents (see below).

3. Parent/Guardian Permission: Signed permission is required from a parent or legal guardian.

4. Selection Stage: If shortlisted, you will be invited to:

   • Selection Workshops: In-person group activities to assess teamwork, leadership, adaptability.

   • Individual Interview: Panel interview to discuss your motivations, commitment, and understanding of UWC values.

   • Project Presentation: You might be asked to present a personal or community project that reflects your potential impact.

5. Nomination: After selection, UWC Cyprus nominates students to the UWC schools.

6. Final Steps: If accepted, you make a decision, complete required paperwork, and prepare for the move.

🗂️ Required Documents

• School reports/transcripts (for previous academic years + current year if available)

• Identity card or passport (applicant)

• Parent’s ID or passport (at least one parent)

• Recent passport-style photo

• Proof of residence in Cyprus (e.g., certificate of residence)

• Evidence of 5 cumulative years of schooling in Cyprus (if part of your schooling was abroad)

ℹ️ Other Conditions:

• Health disclosure form must be completed.

• If selected, you are expected to secure health insurance for your stay abroad.

• Scholars will take part in pre-departure, debriefing, and community building events under the EU-UWC programme.

✨ Selection Criteria

UWC Cyprus uses the common UWC selection standards, which include:

1. Intellectual Curiosity: A passion for learning, ability to think critically, and awareness of local/global issues.

2. Active Commitment to Values: Alignment with UWC’s values like intercultural understanding, mutual respect, sustainability.

3. Social Competence: Teamwork, communication, empathy, respect for different perspectives.

4. Resilience & Independence: Ability to cope in a boarding school, emotionally and socially.

5. Personal Responsibility & Integrity: Reflection on personal values, integrity in action.

6. Academic Robustness: Potential to handle the rigorous IB Diploma Programme.

👌🏻 Tips for Applicants

• Attend Information Sessions: UWC Cyprus is holding sessions on 10 December 2025 (in person at Ledra Palace, Nicosia) and 16 December 2025 (online via Zoom).

• Show Your Narrative: Use the essays to tell your story — why UWC matters to you, how you’ve contributed in your community, and what change you envision.

• Prepare for Workshops: Selection workshops involve group tasks — practice teamwork, problem-solving, and listening.

• Reflect on Leadership: Think of real experiences (school, community, personal) where you’ve demonstrated leadership, resilience, or service.

• Improve English: Even though perfect fluency is not required, working on your English will help you once you're at UWC.

• Be Genuine: UWC values authenticity. Explain your passions, your motivations, and your challenges honestly.

• Get Documents Ready Early: Start gathering transcripts, proof of residence, and your parent’s ID well before the deadline.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Website