Is it time to look at school admissions? Open for enrolling in the 2025/2026 school year is UWCSEA, one of the top options for a K-12 education in Singapore and international high school boarding. To help prospective parents, we’ve asked the Deputy Director of Admissions for some tips on the UWC South East Asia school admission process.
Tell us about yourself and what you enjoy about your role.
I’m Katie Fantom, the Deputy Director of Admissions at UWCSEA. I first joined UWCSEA in August 2020, and what I enjoy the most about my role is being part of an amazing organisation with a strong mission. At UWCSEA, we make K-12 education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It’s a fulfilling and rewarding role where I play a part in forging the diversity of the student body for the College.
What is the UWC movement and what does it look like applied to a K-12 education in Singapore?
The UWC Movement comprises 18 UWC schools and colleges worldwide and it champions academic achievement, leadership and service to others. UWCSEA is the largest College, with over 5,900 students from more than 118 countries. At UWCSEA, we craft a diverse and inclusive environment at our campuses in Dover and East (Tampines), which includes enrolling more than 100 students on scholarships each year.
Where do most of the students at UWC South East Asia come from?
We have a significantly higher number of applications than we have places available, with around three applications for every available place. While many of our students come from India, UK, USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong and mainland China, we also have students from halfway across the world, including Peru, Tajikistan and Uganda.
How do you help students navigate the transition to UWC South East Asia?
We encourage prospective students and their families to embrace the UWCSEA values and mission by being involved in all aspects of our learning programme. We encourage students to come with an open mind, and a desire to make long-lasting friendships. And we work extremely hard to make students and their families feel welcome.
Do you interview students as part of your school admission process? Got any tips?
We require assessments for some students, depending on their grade of enrolment. For Middle School students, for example, we may look into their proficiency in English through an English as an Additional Language assessment. All High School students will be invited to our Virtual Immersion Programme, which includes an interview and some assessments. For Grade 6 and above, we require a student statement. Here we want to hear their authentic voices, so we recommend parents not prep their children too much so we can get to know them.
What is the school admission process?
At UWCSEA, we review every application equally. Every year, applications open on 1 September. For applications to the 2025/2026 school year, successful students will receive the first round of offers in January 2025, and a second round of offers in March 2025. Students will receive later offers on a rolling basis when places become available, usually between May and July 2025.
Why should families consider a K-12 education in Singapore at UWCSEA?
What sets our school apart is our extensive, value-based curriculum. We are the only IB school in the world offering nearly every single IB subject and the only school in Asia offering the new IB Systems Transformation course. We’re also committed to innovation in K-12 education and have developed a unique UWCSEA 9/10 programme. Our students have more flexibility and choice than ever before as we prepare them for the future world of work. UWCSEA is also one of Singapore’s most diverse and inclusive schools, with more than 118 student nationalities and 80 languages spoken.
Where can parents find out more about UWC South East Asia and the school admission process?
Book your spot in one of our Open Days webinars in September, where prospective families can meet and connect with the academic staff and leadership teams across the school sections. Here you can also discover more about the high school boarding options.
To register, go to bit.ly/uwcsea_open_day.
