United World College Costa Rica/Colegio del Mundo Unido CR is a IB Diploma Programme / IB school in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. Founded in 2006. Annual tuition ranges from $43,000 to $43,000 USD.
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Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Scholarships Available
Scholarships offered primarily through National Committees based on demonstrated need. Not available via the GSP route. More than $13 million in scholarships were granted across the UWC network in the last year. Davis Foundation scholarships are available for UWC Costa Rica graduates at over 100 US universities.
Key facts
About
United World College Costa Rica is a private boarding school authorized by the International Baccalaureate on 11 December 2002. Located in Santa Ana, San José, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme with instruction in English and Spanish to coeducational students, with examinations administered in May.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
The only UWC college offering the full IB Diploma Programme in Spanish with a bilingual diploma option. Emphasizes experiential learning through Experiential Days across Costa Rica. New campus on 40 hectares of nature reserve in San Isidro, Heredia. Around 200 students from 70+ countries. Davis Foundation scholarships available for graduates at over 100 US universities.
Fees & Financials
Original currency: USD 43,000 per year.
Admissions Process
- 1Two routes exist: Global Selection Programme (GSP) with limited places where applicants cover full tuition, and National Committees (NCs) which guide applicants and often provide scholarships based on demonstrated need. Applicants may apply to a specific school, up to three schools, or all UWCs. Entry is not guaranteed for either route.
Admissions Details
Boarding Life
Eight on-campus residences named after Costa Rican beaches, mostly gender-separated with non-binary/mixed spaces. Supervised by eight Day Residence Coordinators and two Night Coordinators, plus seven additional residential staff including licensed psychologists, nurses, paramedics, a physical trainer, and a doctor.
On-campus boarding in eight residences named after Costa Rican beaches. Residences are mostly gender-separated with a mix of non-binary/mixed spaces. Eight Day Residence Coordinators and two Night Coordinators supervise daily life, supported by seven additional residential staff including health professionals.
Student Life
Students live in eight on-campus residences named after iconic Costa Rican beaches, mostly divided by gender with a mix of non-binary/mixed spaces. Each residence has a coordinator providing direct support, and regular residence meetings help foster community.
No uniform requirement. Attire is casual, with formal dress required only for certain events.
The Cafeteria offers meal options to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every meal. If food remains at the end of a meal service, students may return to the line for an additional portion.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The Residential Life Program includes licensed psychologists, nurses, paramedics, physical trainers, educators, and a doctor to support students' physical and mental well-being. Wellness activities including outings, camps, excursions, movie nights, meditations, and exercise are regularly organized.
UWC Costa Rica has a Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy in English and Spanish. UWC International Common Standards for Safeguarding are in place. A Student Procedure for Reporting Safeguarding Cases provides students with a clear path to report incidents with respect, compassion, and discretion.
Student Demographics
School Background
private