UWC Adriatic

UWC Adriatic is located in the seaside village of Duino, Italy, at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures, just north of Trieste. The campus is in Duino Aurisina (TS). The address is Frazione Duino 29, 34011 Duino Aurisina (TS), Italy.

Ages 16 to 19; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum for assessment, over a two-year cycle.

Private international boarding college

184 students; 78 nationalities represented.

Academic and learning support; language support for English Language Learners; peer study support; university guidance counselling; mental health and wellbeing support.

Italy

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum is followed. The IBDP was developed in collaboration with the UWC movement to provide a rigorous, internationally-minded curriculum.

A full-time University Counsellor assists students with university applications and life after UWC.

Social and emotional learning is supported as part of UWC Adriatic's commitment to students' wellbeing and learning. The Wellbeing Team coordinates mental health support and wellbeing across the community, including the Deputy Head-Pastoral, the College Psychologist, the Medical Staff, Residential Staff, and Tutors. The college delivers universal and targeted approaches to promote positive mental health and to identify and respond to mental health concerns. Confidentiality is upheld in wellbeing matters, with a structured approach to information sharing and safeguarding. When needed, students may access external psychiatric or psychological assessment with parental consent for those under 18, and support is planned to continue on campus as appropriate. The Wellbeing Team and related policies are monitored and reviewed through ongoing professional development and annual reporting.

The English Language Learners Orientation Programme provides students from diverse backgrounds with more equitable learning opportunities. It eases the transition by helping students adjust linguistically and culturally before the academic year begins. The programme offers English language lessons, basic Italian instruction, and social and cultural activities such as exploring Trieste, mask making, theatre, cooking together. The aim is to help students settle into their new environment with confidence and form connections that support them throughout their time at UWC Adriatic. It is led by alumnae and a team of second-year volunteers who guide new students during activities. English is the language of instruction at all UWC colleges, with initial language support available if necessary.

Building a Healthy Ecosystem initiative promotes mental and physical well-being among the UWC Adriatic community, aligning with WHO guidance. The project is inspired by the World Mental Health Report and the Health-Promoting Schools concept, and aims to develop an integrated health ecosystem on campus. It focuses on preventative health measures and peer-led health awareness, with workshops on nutrition, exercise, stress management and mental well-being. Activities include community engagement days and campaigns, with the goal of fostering a lasting health-conscious culture on campus. The Wellbeing Team coordinates mental health support on campus, including staff and student participation. The initiative is supported as part of the college's broader wellbeing strategy and seeks to extend benefits into the local community.

UWC Adriatic safeguards students to protect them from abuse and minimise risk, with a structure to protect victims and maintain professional, supportive relationships between staff and students. All teaching staff are provided with an Educational Staff Manual outlining safeguarding expectations and professional boundaries. The college designates a Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Assistant DSLs (Eva Paglia and Aparna Ramchandran) who manage safeguarding concerns. There is an allegation-management process with steps to report, assess credibility, and involve authorities if necessary. Safeguarding measures require staff to adhere to professional behaviour, report concerns, and involve a trusted third party in conversations with students. The Rettore acts as guardian for minors and must report criminal offences to authorities as appropriate.

1. UWC Adriatic does not accept direct applications. You must apply through your National Committee. The costs and scholarships section indicates that scholarships are awarded based on individual needs to ensure access to a UWC education. The vast majority of students attend UWC Adriatic thanks to full scholarships that cover all costs, and the value of a scholarship for attending United World College of the Adriatic is €52,000 for the entire two-year diploma study programme.

Full scholarships cover all costs for the two-year IB Diploma Programme. The value of a scholarship for attending UWC Adriatic is currently €52,000 for the entire two-year diploma study programme.