UWC Syria was first founded in 2009, driven by the UWC International Office's MENA initiative, which aimed at encouraging and supporting the creation of national committees within the Arab region.  The first selections round was conducted by UWC alumni who were living in Syria at the time. Today, the committee is composed of 13 volunteers living in 7 countries across the world, and all members are Syrian nationals. It also includes some UWC alumni.

In the committee's first year, 1 student was selected. This number grew to 3 the following year, then 9, and today 60+ students have gone on to study at UWC schools around the world; in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. 

In response to the conflict in Syria, the Committee's structure has changed over the years, with all of its business shifting to be conducted online only. Adopting an online-based structure has enabled the Committee to continue its promotion and selections work in a fair and inclusive manner, whilst maintaining a high level of quality and a good international reputation. 

A Glimpse into the UWC Syrian National Committee