A New Chapter Opens
So the day finally arrived. After weeks of late-night meetings, edits, and thoughtful debates, we officially launched the UWC Vietnam 2026 Application. Sitting with the selection committee over the past month has been both intense and inspiring. We weren’t just filling out forms or polishing documents, we were building a doorway for young people across the country to step into a life-changing journey.
I remember looking at the finalized application this morning and feeling a wave of excitement. Behind every question, every section, was our shared hope: to give students the chance to truly share who they are. This wasn’t just about grades or activities, but about voices, dreams, and values.
What’s Inside the UWC Vietnam 2026 Application?
The application is designed to get to know each candidate in a holistic way. It’s not about being the “perfect” student. We are giving space for students to be authentic, self-aware, and ready to grow. Here’s key parts students will find inside:
1. Activities Section
We limited this section to five activities. Why? Because depth matters more than a long list. We want students to dig into what those activities meant to them, the impact they created, and the lessons they carried forward.
2. Academic Background
Of course, academics play a role. Students who are accepted will step into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which can be rigorous and demanding. The committee looks for students who have the capacity to engage, learn, and at least pass the IB successfully. But beyond grades, we care about curiosity and resilience.
3. Essay Section – The Heart of the Application
This year, we’ve reimagined the essays. There are five questions inspired by UWC values, and applicants will write three short essays (150 words each) and two long essays (300 words each). This is the part we’re most excited about, because it allows students to share their minds, their struggles, and their hopes.
The five essay prompts are:
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Personal Responsibility and Integrity: Today, ChatGPT and other AI tools are relied on by students to help them prepare essays. Explain what you think is an ethical approach to the use of AI for writing essays and why it is ethical. You may use AI for this question.”
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Active Commitment: What’s a social problem you would want to spend the rest of your life solving? Why?”
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Social Competence: “Think of a conversation that stayed with you long after it ended. Why did it matter?”
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Resilience, Self-awareness, and Independence: “Some students have an experience, background, talent, or idea so meaningful that their application would be incomplete without it. If this is true for you, please share your story. Why is this part of your life so important? How has it shaped who you are, and how might it influence your contributions to a UWC community?”
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Intellectual Curiosity: “If you could design a new course for your school that combines two very different subjects, what would it be and why? How would this course challenge students to think differently about their learning?”
Each question touches on something deeper than academics. They’re not about polished answers, they’re about honesty.
4. Recommendation Letters
We also ask for two recommendation letters: one academic and one non-academic. This way, we get to see the student through different lenses—how they are in the classroom and how they are in the wider world.
Why We Added the AI Essay Question
This year, one essay question directly asks about the ethical use of AI in writing. Why? Because we know some applicants have already turned to tools like ChatGPT. Instead of ignoring it, we wanted to bring it into the conversation. UWC is about integrity and responsibility, so hearing students’ thoughts on this issue tells us a lot about their character.
Behind the Scenes: The Selection Committee
Working on this process has reminded me how much heart goes into selection. Every member of the committee brings something unique. Tung, for example, has been incredible at spreading the word through his influencer network. Others bring expertise in academics, outreach, and communication. Together, we’re not just choosing students, we’re shaping a community.
What Happens Next?
The application will be open for two months. After that, we’ll dive into the reading process. Every essay will be read carefully, every application reviewed with intention. From there:
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Interview Round – Shortlisted students will be interviewed by UWC alumni.
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Final Selection Day – A day of activities, conversations, and reflections where we get to see students in action.
This is always the hardest part. There are always more amazing students than available spots. Yet, even applying is a brave step. I believe every student who chooses to apply has already shown courage and greatness.
Tips for Students Applying to UWC Vietnam 2026
If you’re a student considering this journey, here are some tips:
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Be yourself. Don’t write what you think we want to hear. Write what’s true.
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Choose depth over breadth. Talk about what really matters to you, even if it’s just one story or one activity.
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Reflect, don’t just describe. Show us why your experiences mattered, not just what they were.
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Take the essays seriously. They’re your chance to share your voice. Don’t rush them.
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Ask for recommendations early. Give your teachers and mentors time to reflect on you.
Why UWC Matters
For me, UWC is more than a school. It’s a movement that believes in education as a force for peace and a sustainable future. UWC education has changed my life in many ways, and I hope to support the next generation of UWC students from Vietnam. Students who come through this program go on to shape communities, start projects, and lead with compassion.
Launching the UWC Vietnam 2026 Application today, I couldn’t help but think of the many young people who will begin their journey here. Some will be nervous. Some will be dreaming big. All of them, though, will be stepping into a process that values authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Closing Thoughts
As we enter this new selection cycle, I feel both nervous and hopeful. In five or six months, we’ll have chosen the next generation of Vietnamese students to join UWC campuses around the world. But today, it all begins with one click – the moment a student decides to apply.
If you’re reading this and thinking about it: trust yourself. Share your story. Take the leap.
The world needs your voice.