American University Global Leaders Scholarships

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) promotes educational access and opportunity while enhancing international diversity at American University. American University presents the stated purpose as enabling Emerging Global Leader Scholars to achieve, inspire, and serve with vision, dedicated to positive civic and social change for issues faced by under-resourced, underserved communities in their home country.

AU EGLS is aimed at international students who need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States. Students interested in all majors offered at American University are eligible to apply. American University also offers AU EGL Partial Scholarships valued at up to US $40,000 per year for additional candidates selected from applicants who complete the AU EGLS process successfully.

Selection includes completing the AU EGLS process through two steps: submitting the Common Application and supporting documents by the stated deadline, then submitting the AU EGLS application and essays via the applicant portal by the same deadline. Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions are required for AU EGLS semi-finalists and finalists. Preference is given to international students who have overcome obstacles, those from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds, students with demonstrated commitment to leadership and service, and students who meet English proficiency requirements.

AU EGLS is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study based on continued satisfactory academic performance. The scholarship covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and board). Non-billable expenses are not covered, including mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses, which students need to pay out of pocket (approximately US $4,000 per year). AU EGL Partial Scholarships require submission of proof of additional funds to cover the difference not covered by the partial scholarship.

• Applicant must be an international student who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States.
• Applicants interested in all majors offered at American University are eligible to apply.
• Applicant must not be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, U.S. pending permanent resident, or dual citizen of the U.S. and another country.
• Applicant must not be enrolled in or have already begun any post-secondary studies at another university in their home country or the United States.
• Applicant must not have graduated secondary school earlier than 2024.
• Applicant must meet American University’s English Proficiency requirements.
• Applicant must be still enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating by June.
• Preference is given (not a stated eligibility requirement) to students who have overcome obstacles, students from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds, students with a demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service, and students advancing the needs of people in their home country.

• Covers all billable American University expenses, including full tuition.
• Covers room and board (billable expenses).
• Scholarship is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study based on continued satisfactory academic performance.
• Does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses (approximately US $4,000 per year) paid out of pocket.
• AU EGL Partial Scholarships: valued at up to US $40,000 per year.
• If recommended for an AU EGL partial scholarship, the applicant must submit proof of additional funds beyond the initial US $4,000 for the difference not covered by the AU EGL partial scholarship.

1. Complete and submit the Common Application with all required documents per the AU international instructions checklist before the Common Application submission deadline.
2. After being invited, create an applicant portal.
3. Submit the AU EGLS application and essays via the applicant portal by the required deadline.
4. Complete Step 1 before submitting the AU EGLS application.
5. Expect Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions for AU EGLS semi-finalists and finalists.

• Common Application (and all required supporting documents per the AU international instructions checklist).
• Bank letter.
• Completed and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF), confirming a minimum of US $4,000.
• Official English proficiency test score results sent directly by the testing agency: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE, LanguageCERT, or Cambridge Assessment English Test.
• AU EGLS application and essays.