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United World College - Thailand

Thailand, Phuket

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 497,000 - 904,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2016
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Mandarin, Thai
Typical class size 6
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form, Middle School
Introduction

UWC Thailand in Phuket offers a full International Baccalaureate continuum—PYP, MYP and DP. The campus lies in the foothills of Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by rainforest and adjacent to Thanyapura Sports Resort. Students learn in English, with boarding available for Grades 9–12. UWC Thailand integrates Social Emotional Learning and mindfulness across the curriculum and offers outdoor experiential education. Sport features strongly, with access to gyms, futsal and basketball courts, and olympic sized pools. Sustainability is a key pillar: students lead initiatives such as weekly beach clean-ups and mangrove restoration under the Plastic Free Phuket programme. The school emphasizes connection and it is reflected in mindfulness courses, community engagement, and service learning. The result is a unique blend of IB academics, environmental stewardship, wellness education, and global community.

115/15 Moo 7, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand.

The Essentials

United World College - Thailand has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in English.

Location
UWC Thailand is situated in Thepkasattri, Thalang, in the northern part of Phuket, Thailand. The campus is nestled beside the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, offering a tranquil setting surrounded by rainforest. It is conveniently located just 15–20 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport and is accessible via main island roadways. The area is quiet and residential, with nearby wellness centres and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Stages
Early Years Programme (ages 2–5):
Includes Junior and Senior Pre‑K (“Mini Mantas”) and Junior and Senior Kindergarten. The programme is play-based and follows the IB Primary Years philosophy, encouraging exploration and inquiry through thoughtfully designed learning environments.

Primary Years Programme (Senior K–Grade 5):
Spanning Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5, this level integrates core subjects with specialist classes in Art, Music, PE, Thai Language & Culture, and Mindfulness. It emphasises concept-driven, student-led inquiry and culminates in the Grade 5 Exhibition.

Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10):
Grades 6 to 10 follow the IB MYP across eight subject groups, including Languages A & B, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Humanities, Technology, and PE. The programme encourages interdisciplinary thinking, global contexts, and service as action.

Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12):
The final two years follow the full IB Diploma Programme, comprising six academic subjects and three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Students choose subjects at Higher or Standard Level, with strong academic and pastoral support throughout.

Type
UWC Thailand is a co-educational international school serving both day and boarding students. Boarding is offered from Grade 9 onwards, with purpose-designed on-campus villas that house students in a supportive and supervised residential environment.

Additional learning support
UWC Thailand welcomes students with a range of additional learning needs, provided these can be supported through the school's existing programmes and specialist team. The Learning Support Team comprises specialist teachers, a Speech and Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist, offering services such as co-teaching, in-class adjustments, individual or small-group interventions, and therapy sessions as needed.
Support focuses on four key areas: Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, and Sensory & Physical . Families work collaboratively with the school, typically providing documentation at application and throughout their child’s time at UWC, to ensure tailored support plans are implemented effectively.
Specialist services are integrated into students’ schedules and typically incur an additional cost. The school’s aim is to offer inclusive support where possible, but also balance resources to meet the needs of all learners.

Country affiliation
UWC Thailand is not affiliated with any single country. It is a part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, a global network of schools and colleges with a shared educational mission and presence across four continents.

Religious affiliation
UWC Thailand has no religious affiliations.

School day structure
School hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Extra Curricular activities happen on select days after school and can range from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for end times depending on the age group.

Bus service
UWC Thailand offers a school bus service for day students, with routes covering key areas along Phuket’s west coast. The exact routes are planned annually based on family interest and location. The service is available for students from Kindergarten upwards, and parents must submit a booking form to enrol. More information, including costs and stop locations, is available by contacting the school’s Support Services team.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding at UWC Thailand is on campus in two houses led by Houseparents and supported by the residential life team. Rooms are diverse with roommates across cultures and backgrounds. The houses include shared kitchens, study areas, and lounges. Weekdays align with the school schedule and evenings include study sessions; weekends include cultural trips, local market visits, cooking classes, movie nights, and sports. Day students may join boarding activities and sleepovers on weekends.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students. Pre-K to Grade 5 wear teal polo shirts; Grades 6–10 wear blue polo shirts with grey skirts or shorts; Grades 11–12 wear a white polo shirt with the school logo and smart black trousers or skirts. The Uniform Shop on campus is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Food Options
UWC Thailand provides a morning and afternoon snack and a buffet-style lunch, with locally sourced food. The meals are mandatory and included in fees. The school accommodates dietary needs and is nut-aware; boarding meals are provided on weekdays and weekends.

House System
Boarding life uses two on-campus houses led by Houseparents and supported by the residential life team. Rooms are arranged with cross-cultural roommates and each house includes shared kitchens, study areas, and lounges. The arrangement fosters community, independence, and peer support.

Governance and Ownership
UWC Thailand is a not-for-profit school. Governance consists of the Education for a Sustainable Future Foundation Board and the School Board, with Banyapura Limited as the land-owning entity. The Education for a Sustainable Future Foundation owns Banyapura Limited, and the School Board provides strategic, financial, legal and reputational oversight; the Head of School and Leadership Team handle day-to-day operations.
Fees

Annual tuition at United World College - Thailand ranges from THB 497,000 to THB 904,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrolment Fees (One-Time, Non-Refundable):

* Application Fee: THB 7,000 – payable at the time of application submission.
* Placement Fee: THB 100,000 – due upon acceptance to secure the student’s place.
* School Development Fund:
* THB 165,000 for families with one child
* THB 220,000 for families with two or more children
* Security Deposit (Refundable): THB 25,000 – less any outstanding charges.


Annual Tuition Fees (2025/2026):

* Junior & Senior Pre-Kindergarten (Mini Mantas 2 & 3): THB 497,000
* Junior & Senior Kindergarten: THB 614,000
* Grades 1–5: THB 730,000
* Grades 6–10: THB 845,000
* Grades 11–12: THB 904,000
* Boarding Fee (if applicable): THB 633,000


Other Annual Costs:

* Manta Staff-Parent Association Fee (SPA): THB 500 per family
* Uniforms: Purchased separately through the school’s shop
* Bus Service: Optional; fees and routes provided on request
* Examination Charges: External exams such as IB DP, SAT, TOEFL billed separately
* Student Support Services, Accelerated English, Co-curricular, and Sports Travel: May incur extra costs depending on individual needs and participation.


Refund Policy:
All school fees and one-time fees except security deposit are non-refundable once paid, regardless of withdrawal or change in enrolment plans.


Payment Options:

Payments can be made via:
* Cash
* PromptPay QR code
* PayPal
* Cheque (payable to “UWC Thailand International School”)
* Credit card (Visa, MasterCard), WeChat, or Alipay (3% transaction fee applies)
* Bank Transfer

All fees are payable in Thai Baht (THB) and must be submitted net of any bank or transaction charges.

Academics

United World College - Thailand teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
UWC Thailand offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Early Years through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is followed from Senior Kindergarten through Grade 5, focusing on transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes eight subject groups and culminates in a personal project in Grade 10. In Grades 11 and 12, students complete the IB Diploma Programme (DP), selecting six subjects across different disciplines along with core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). English is the language of instruction, and Thai Language & Culture is integrated throughout the curriculum. Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness are embedded across all levels of the programme.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
UWC Thailand embeds SEL through practices guided by its Head of Mindfulness and school counsellors. The school uses tools like the “Wellness Wheel,” daily “Time‑In” mindfulness sessions, structured conflict-resolution circles (“council”), and conflict resolution to strengthen emotional skills and self-regulation . These initiatives are integrated across age groups to promote empathy, resilience, presence, and respectful communication.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
UWC Thailand is not a specialist SEN institution, but it provides inclusive support via its Learning Support Team. This team includes specialist teachers, a Speech & Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist . They address needs related to cognition & learning, communication & interaction, social–emotional wellbeing, and sensory or physical areas with tailored in-class adjustments, small-group work, and therapy sessions. Support is coordinated with families and implemented through ongoing planning within the school’s mainstream structure.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose specific information about EAL programmes or support services.

Mental Wellbeing
UWC Thailand supports student mental wellbeing through integrated whole-school practices and community engagement. Initiatives include peer support networks, regular check-ins during homeroom, and conflict-resolution practices such as student-led discussions. The school hosts “Counsellor Coffee Mornings” to involve parents in wellbeing topics and foster open communication. Wellbeing representatives within the Student Council also help promote mental health awareness and student voice. The school’s approach is informed by mindfulness, positive psychology, and a commitment to fostering belonging and resilience across all year groups.

Safeguarding
UWC Thailand follows the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding and has a published Child Safeguarding Policy that is shared with all parents and students . All staff are required to undergo background checks before employment, act as mandated reporters, and follow formal protocols when concerns arise. The school also uses secure ID systems, visitor controls, and campus design features to promote safety.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
UWC Thailand was originally established in 2008 as Phuket International Academy Day School by German philanthropist Klaus Hebben. It operated under the Education for a Sustainable Future Foundation with a focus on integrating academic learning with mindfulness, wellbeing, and sustainability. In August 2016, the school was officially accepted into the United World Colleges (UWC) movement and became the 16th UWC campus worldwide. This marked a significant milestone, aligning the school with a global network of institutions committed to peace and sustainable development through education. The school retains nonprofit status and is governed by a local board in alignment with UWC International's core values and mission.

Community
UWC Thailand actively encourages service learning and community engagement beyond the classroom. Students work alongside local partners on initiatives such as mangrove restoration, coral reef surveys, and beach clean-ups, as outlined on the school's Service Learning page . Grade 11 students undertake annual Project Week, designing and leading community-based service trips across southern Thailand . Regular “council” circles and student assemblies further support peer connection, cultural sharing, and student leadership development, forming an integral part of school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Manta Staff-Parent Association (SPA) at UWC Thailand is an active body that strengthens collaboration between families and the school community. SPA is composed of parent volunteers who serve as ambassadors and committee members, contributing their time and skills to school events, parent engagement, and student support. Members come from diverse professional backgrounds and bring a shared commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and school spirit. Activities include welcoming new families, organising social and cultural events, supporting class-level communications, and assisting with logistics for major school initiatives. The SPA also facilitates parent feedback and promotes collaboration between staff and families to enrich school life. Parent nominees are selected annually and help ensure that the association reflects the diversity and values of the broader UWC community.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus sits in northern Phuket on a green campus designed for age-appropriate learning spaces and includes a secondary building with classrooms, two science labs, and a design technology studio. The on-campus boarding house is located behind the secondary building and is connected to the campus by a short walk. The campus features a gymnasium, an outdoor sports pitch, and a multi-function court for team sports and activities. It also includes a multi-purpose hall, a cafeteria, drama room, music rooms, a Mindfulness Centre, a library, a student-run cafe, a uniform shop, and a health centre. Primary and secondary students have dedicated visual arts classrooms with specialist teachers.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium provides indoor athletic space. The outdoor sports pitch and the multi-function court support a variety of ball games and team sports. The Mindfulness Centre supports student wellbeing as part of outdoor and wellness programming. The health centre provides medical provisions for daily activity and sports.

Academic Facilities
The secondary building contains several classrooms, two science labs, and a design technology studio. Primary and secondary students have dedicated visual arts classrooms with specialist teachers. The campus includes a library that serves as a central resource for learning. The campus houses science labs and technology spaces to support practical learning across the IB continuum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The campus includes spaces for performing arts, including a drama room and music rooms. There is a student-run cafe on campus that supports student-led initiatives. A Mindfulness Centre supports wellbeing as part of extracurricular programming. The library and a multi-purpose hall host clubs, rehearsals, performances, and events. The on-campus boarding house supports residential life activities and overnight programs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
UWC Thailand provides an International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years to Diploma Programme. The Primary Years Programme is delivered in Kindergarten–Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, with an Early Years Programme for ages 2–4. The school is fully authorised to offer the IB continuum and is accredited by the Council of International Schools. Learning emphasises inquiry, mindfulness, outdoor experiential education, and community engagement, with after‑school opportunities in technology, including videography, photography, coding and robotics.

Arts & Creative
After‑school opportunities include videography and photography, supported by technology across the learning program. Robotics and other creative media projects are described in student work and personal projects. Creative media and arts are integrated as part of the IB curriculum to support expression and cross‑disciplinary learning.

Cultural & Language
Mother Tongue and Personalised Learning Track programmes let about 15% of students chart their own academic course, including language choice. The primary language of instruction is English, and an Accelerated English Language Acquisition Programme supports learners with English as an additional language. English fluency requirements for secondary programmes are stated in admissions materials, and language support is provided to accommodate diverse language backgrounds.

Social & Hobbies
Outdoor and experiential education is a central part of student life, with programs from Mini‑Mantas through Primary and Secondary levels and mandatory camps. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is offered and there are Co‑Curricular Outdoor Activities as part of the school's activities. These programmes foster teamwork, resilience and practical problem‑solving.

Community & Service
Community engagement is integral, with beach clean‑ups, campus sustainability projects and service‑learning that connect students with the local community. Students participate in environmental stewardship projects such as mangrove planting, and projects in Grade 10 highlight student‑led community initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh is a formal leadership pathway offered through the outdoor education programme. Personal projects in Grade 10 provide opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship and project management.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness and wellbeing are integral to UWC Thailand's education. Mindfulness is embedded in the curriculum with practices for primary and secondary students. The school emphasizes the motto Good Heart, Balanced Mind, Healthy Body and integrates wellbeing into daily life, including physical activity and outdoor education.
Languages

Language Provision
The primary language of instruction is English. An Accelerated English Language Acquisition Programme is offered in multiple forms, identified through admissions testing to determine the level of English support needed. In Early Years, Mini-Mantas, no level of English is mandatory at entry because every child is viewed as an English language learner. In Primary (Grades 1–5), English fluency for non-native speakers is periodically assessed and supported by the Homeroom and English Language Acquisition Teacher; in Secondary (Grades 6–12), students entering the Middle Years Programme must demonstrate English fluency within reach of grade-level expectations, and Diploma Programme entrants should be fluent in English to keep up with the rigour of the programme.
Reputation

Awards
International School Award 2024: Premium Schools Category
UWC Thailand was named a winner in the Premium Schools Category at the International School Awards 2024, organised by ISC Research.

Accreditations
* United World Colleges (UWC): A member of the global UWC family, dedicated to its mission of using education to foster peace and sustainability.
* International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): Fully authorized to deliver the IB PYP, MYP, and DP across all grade levels.
* Council of International Schools (CIS): Signifies adherence to international benchmarks in curriculum, governance, and student welfare.
* East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): Membership enables participation in regional teacher development and school collaboration.
* International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Denotes active involvement in Thailand’s international school community and advocacy.
* World Academy of Sport: Identifies the school as supporting high-performance athletes through structured sport-education programmes.
* Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), Thailand: Indicates compliance with national standards for quality education.
* Duke of Edinburgh International Award: Reflects the opportunity for students to take part in this internationally respected personal development and service programme.
* International Schools Theatre Association: Signals the school’s commitment to theatre arts through membership in a global network.
* Office of the Private Education Commission (Thailand): Shows the school is recognised and regulated under Thailand’s private education system.
* International Sailing Schools Association: Marks the school's involvement in certified sailing instruction.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Schedule a visit or attend an Open House: You can book a school tour or join an Open House to experience the campus and community firsthand.
2. Submit your application and pay the fee: Upload required documents (e.g. reports, transcripts), and submit the non-refundable application fee.
3. Attend an interview, assessment, or classroom visit: Your child will be invited for an age-appropriate interaction—this may be a formal assessment, interview, or class visit.
4. Receive a decision and confirm your place: Once reviewed, the school will offer a place or notify if the child will remain under consideration. Accepted families must confirm acceptance and complete additional paperwork and fees.
5. Apply for Thai visas (if required): The school will provide the necessary documents to support visa applications for non-Thai students.

Scholarships
UWC Thailand offers both full and partial scholarships to students entering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. These scholarships are awarded through national committees in over 130 countries, including Thailand. Scholarships are awarded based on a selection process that considers merit, potential, and alignment with UWC values.

Waitlist
UWC Thailand does not maintain a formal waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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