American University Emerging
Global Leader Scholarship 2026 (Deadline: Ongoing)
Details
American University: Emerging
Global Leader Scholarship & International Undergraduate Admissions Guide
If you’re an international student
aiming for a U.S. university with strong scholarship support and global
engagement, American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. offers a compelling
opportunity. Not only does AU welcome undergraduates from around the world, it
also offers its prestigious Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS) for
outstanding international applicants.
What is the Emerging Global
Leader Scholarship (EGLS)?
The EGLS at American University is
designed to recognise international students who have shown leadership,
commitment to civic and social change, and the potential to contribute
positively to under-resourced or underserved communities in their home countries.
- The
scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for
selected scholars (for students needing a non-immigrant visa such as F-1
or J-1).
- It
is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study,
provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance.
- In
addition to full-scholarship awards, AU offers partial EGLS awards valued
at up to US$40,000 per year for other highly competitive
candidates.
Who is eligible?
International applicants aiming for
this scholarship and admission should meet the following key eligibility
criteria:
- Must
be non-U.S. citizens, non-permanent residents, and
not dual citizens with the U.S.
- Must not
have begun any post-secondary studies in a university or college
elsewhere at the time of application.
- Must
be a first-year undergraduate applicant whose secondary
school graduation is expected by the given year (e.g., for the 2026
intake).
- Demonstrate
outstanding academic achievement, English proficiency, leadership,
volunteerism, and a commitment to positive change in their home country.
- International
students who will require a U.S. student visa (F-1 or J-1) must provide
evidence of financial capability (including bank letter and AU’s
Declaration of Finances form) even if they are scholarship candidates.
Application Process for
International Applicants
Here’s a breakdown of what
international first-year applicants need to do to apply to American University:
- Submit
the Common Application (or university-specific application) along
with personal statement/essay and all required academic documents.
- Pay
the application fee (currently US$75 for international first-year
applicants). Some fee waivers may apply in special circumstances (e.g.,
certain scholarship programs or EducationUSA referrals).
- Upload secondary
school transcripts (grades 9–12 or equivalent) with certified
English translations, if applicable.
- Provide
at least one academic letter of recommendation (teacher)
and strongly encouraged a second (counselor/principal).
- Demonstrate English
proficiency via curriculum or accepted test scores (TOEFL, IELTS,
Duolingo, Cambridge, PTE) unless exempt.
- Financial
documentation: For those needing a visa, submit the AU Declaration of
Finances form confirming the minimum amount (for example around US$83,680
for first year) even if applying for scholarship.
- For
EGLS applicants specifically, complete the EGLS scholarship
application and essay by the scholarship deadline, in addition to
the general admission application.
- Observe application
deadlines: For the fall semester, multiple decision plans exist (Early
Action, Early Decision I & II, Regular Decision) with typical
deadlines such as November 1 or January 15. Spring semester applicants may
apply by earlier deadlines.
- If
selected as a finalist for the scholarship, you may be invited to a Zoom
interview or required additional essays.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
- AU is
located in Washington, D.C., which offers extraordinary access to
international institutions, internships, global policy environments and
cultural diversity.
- The
Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is among the few that offer full
tuition plus room and board for international undergraduates with
leadership and global impact potential.
- Even
if you are not awarded the full scholarship, AU offers merit scholarships
for international students (partial awards) based on academic ability,
leadership and English proficiency.
- The
international admission process recognises a wide range of curricula and
educational backgrounds; SAT/ACT are not required for
many international applicants at AU if applying as first-year students.
Tips for Prospective Applicants
from Nepal or Similar Contexts
- Prepare
early: Collect your transcripts, translate them if required, get
recommendation letters, and plan your personal statement highlighting
leadership and service.
- Emphasize
what makes you unique: Focus on how you have contributed to your community
(for example via your entrepreneurship, youth leadership or civic
involvement) and how you intend to use your degree to effect positive
change.
- Make
sure to meet the financial requirement: Even if you are applying for a
full scholarship, you’ll likely need to show proof of funds unless
explicitly waived.
- Be
mindful of deadlines: Especially for scholarship-eligible applicants,
missing the January 15 deadline (for many full-scholarship programs) can
disqualify you.
- Demonstrate
English proficiency if you studied in a non-English medium environment:
Get TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores ready or show alternative evidence via
curriculum.
- Apply
for the correct category: Make sure you apply as a first-year
undergraduate and have not already begun university elsewhere.
If you are an ambitious
international student wanting to study in the U.S. and make a meaningful global
impact, American University and the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offer a
high-potential path. While competitive, the scholarship and the generous merit
awards make this opportunity very attractive. With thorough preparation and a
strong application, you could gain access to a vibrant global learning
environment in Washington, D.C.
Specifications
|
Type of Opportunity |
Scholarships and Fellowships |
|
Deadline |
Ongoing |
|
Country |
USA |
|
Open to |
All Nationalities |
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