UWC runs short courses and summer programmes to bring a UWC education and the UWC mission to a wider audience. Courses are typically organised by UWC schools and colleges, national committees, groups of alumni or partner organisations. Every short course is different, but they are usually residential and take place over one to three weeks.

The courses are experiential and immersive, typically bringing together 30 - 60 young people from different backgrounds. As the focus of each course is different, the course participants may come from the same country, region or continent, or they may be an entirely international group. Short courses focus on a variety of different themes or skill sets: from youth leadership to sustainability, from dialogue to migration, from gender to cross-cultural understanding.

There is usually a fee to attend UWC short courses which covers tuition, room and board, and participants also cover their own travel expenses, any necessary visa fees and pocket money. For participants who cannot afford a UWC short course, most offer financial assistance, which may be provided either by the short course organiser or through a UWC national committee. Please enquire with the relevant short course organiser.