Brussels: The European Commission has announced the opening of the application period for scholarships to study at United World Colleges (UWC) for the academic years 2027-2029. The application window will commence on 18 November 2025 and close on 11 January 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a new EU-funded agreement worth £1.5 million will enable 18 students to enroll in the International Baccalaureate diploma programme at UWC schools across Europe. The participating institutions include UWC Adriatic in Italy, UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway, UWC Maastricht in the Netherlands, UWC Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and UWC Robert Bosch College in Germany. Selection will be based on UWC’s established criteria, focusing on motivation, commitment, social competence, resilience, personal responsibility, integrity, and intellectual curiosity.
The EU Scholarship Programme at UWC, initiated in 2019, has already awarded 82 scholarships to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students, promoting intercommunity dialogue and reconciliation. These scholarships have had a significant impact on the students who have benefited from them.
Beyond scholarships, the programme also supports bicommunal youth engagement activities, short courses, and mentorship programmes in Cyprus. These initiatives promote intercommunal dialogue and empower youth with leadership and change-making skills. The UWC educational model emphasizes peace and intercultural understanding, aligning with the European Union’s values of human rights, equality, freedom, and peace.
The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC is part of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. It serves as a reconciliation and confidence-building measure aimed at the reunification of Cyprus. Since 2006, the EU has allocated EUR 760 million to support projects mainly benefiting the Turkish Cypriot community.