Education at UWC schools and colleges is defined by key inter-related elements:

• A rigorous academic programme. UWC schools and colleges follow various models including:
• Schools for students across a wide age range, providing students of all ages with the opportunity to gain a UWC education
• Two year pre-university colleges teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma to students typically aged between 16 and 19 years
• A locally based social responsibility programme. Each UWC school or college tailors its programme to the local environment, for example:
• Students at UWC Atlantic College operate lifeboat and cliff rescue services along the South Wales coast
• UWC Mahindra College students work with local village organisations to alleviate some of the worst effects of poverty and illiteracy
• Waterford Kamhlaba UWC students provide care for those affected by AIDS and HIV

In addition to regular weekly activities, UWC colleges allocate at least one week each year for students - project week - to devise and implement an intensive service project

• A multi-cultural environment.
• At UWC schools and colleges, an average of 70 different nationalities are represented each academic year
• Embracing the cultures and nationalities present in each school and college is a key feature of UWC life. Activities such as music, crafts, arts and drama help students to explore and develop an international appreciation
• Living on campus with such a diverse group of peers creates an environment where preconceptions, prejudices and values are questioned and tested on a daily basis