American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

It is designed for outstanding international students who aim to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in any undergraduate study offered at the American University and are committed to creating meaningful civic and social improvements.

This scholarship is meant for individuals who plan to go back to their home countries and work towards uplifting communities that lack sufficient resources and support.

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is also designed to expand access to education and create opportunities for students around the world, while also encouraging international diversity. 

This unique program combines the core strengths of American University, whether it is academic excellence, leadership training, and global involvement. Scholars chosen for the AU EGL program are committed to achieving success, motivating others, and leading with purpose. 

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Their main goal is to support meaningful civic and social progress, especially by tackling challenges that affect underprivileged and overlooked communities in their own countries.

You are encouraged to get to know the current AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars and recent graduates who continue to make an impact through their work and leadership.

Must Know

This scholarship is meant for international students from all nations who do not hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency in the U.S., or dual citizenship involving the United States and any other country.

This scholarship can be renewed each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student keeps up good academic standing. Students from any major offered at American University are welcome to apply.

There is also a new update which is the AU EGL Partial Scholarships, attached to the AU EGL. Along with the two full AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarships covering all direct university costs, American University will now also offer up to eight partial AU EGL scholarships. Each of these will provide financial support worth up to $40,000 per year.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The AU EGL scholarship will cover all the direct costs at American University (including full tuition, housing, and meals) for two international students who require a non-immigrant visa to study in the U.S. (preferably F-1 or J-1 student visas).

However, the scholarship does not pay for other necessary costs such as required health insurance, travel expenses, books, taxes, or personal costs. Students must be ready to handle these non-billable expenses on their own, which add up to about $4,000 per year.

Eligible Requirements for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• International students who have faced significant barriers or life challenges, particularly those from underrepresented social, cultural, or economic backgrounds across the world.
• Students maintaining a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.8 or ranking in the top 10% of their class during grades 9 through 12.
• Applicants who have clearly shown strong dedication to leadership roles, volunteer work, serving their communities, and actively working to improve conditions in their home countries.
• Students who meet one of the following English proficiency benchmarks: a TOEFL iBT score of 95 or above (with no sub-score below 20); a paper-based TOEFL taken after May 31, 2018, with all sub-scores at least 24; an IELTS overall score of 7.0 or higher (with each sub-score no less than 6.0); a minimum of 33 on the SAT Reading section; a 29 or higher on the ACT English section; a PTE score of at least 65; a Duolingo score of 125 or above (with all sub-scores at 115+); or a Cambridge Assessment English score of 185 or more (each sub-score no lower than 169).
• Students who are still completing their secondary or high school education and are expected to graduate no later than June 2025.

Note: IB students must be working toward a full IB diploma, including at least three Higher Level subjects. Those in the British A-Level system should complete three A-Level subjects and have finished a total of 13 years of schooling by August 2025.

Applicants are not eligible if:

• They are U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., or hold dual citizenship with the U.S. and another nation.
• They are already enrolled in, or have started, any kind of college or university-level education either in their own country or in the United States.
• They finished secondary or high school before the year 2024.

The Application Process for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The application instructions for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship are as follows:

1. Fill out and turn in the Common Application or Coalition Application, making sure to include all necessary documents as listed in the AU international instructions checklist. Be sure to complete this process by December 1, 2025.
2. Once you are invited, set up your applicant portal.
3. You must also upload both a bank statement and the fully filled out and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF). Each document should confirm that you have at least US$4,000 available. These documents can be submitted through your applicant portal. Refer to the sample bank letters for guidance.
4. Make sure to send your official results for one of the accepted English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English, before the December 1, 2025 deadline. The official test score report must be sent directly from the testing service to American University’s Undergraduate Admissions office in Washington, DC. Please remember, you are not allowed to submit the test scores yourself.
5. Applicants who do not complete their application by December 1, including all necessary documents, will not be considered for review.
6. If you are applying through a program affiliated with EducationUSA or if you previously received a FLEX or YES high school scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, you must include a confirmation letter from your EducationUSA adviser. This letter can be emailed as a PDF to [email protected].
7. If you are not chosen as a finalist, you may still be considered for general admission to American University in Washington, DC. You may also qualify for partial merit-based scholarships. However, to proceed with your application, you will need to submit financial proof showing access to up to US$81,620 (the estimated cost for the first year).

If you become a semi-finalist or finalist for the AU EGL program, you will be asked to participate in a Zoom interview and/or provide extra essays. If anything is unclear, feel free to reach out to [email protected].

IMPORTANT: The application process for the AU Emerging Global Leadership Scholarship includes two main steps:

• Step 1: Students who want to be considered for either a full or partial AU EGLS award must first complete and submit their Common Application or Coalition Application along with all required materials no later than December 1, 2024.
• Step 2: After finishing Step 1, applicants must then submit the AU EGL Scholarship application along with the required essays through their applicant portal. This must also be done by the special program deadline of December 1, 2024. You cannot move on to Step 2 unless Step 1 has already been completed. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Students applying for the AU Emerging Global Leadership Scholarship must choose the Regular Decision option for fall 2026 admission. They should not apply through Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA). Decisions will be shared with applicants by April 1, 2026.

What Happens After You Apply?

Application Review Process

After you send your application, the American University team checks all your documents. They look at your grades, essay, and leadership work. They also read your letters of recommendation. Each part of your application is important.

Then, they compare your work with other students. They choose those who show strong leadership and a love for service. So, make sure your story stands out. Your honesty and effort will speak for you.

Timeline for Results

Once the deadline passes, the team starts reviewing. This takes a few weeks. You may hear back in March or April. The school posts exact dates on their website each year.

You will get an email with the result. If you win the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, they will give you next steps to follow.

Interview or Follow-Up (If Any)

Some years, they might ask for more info. This can be extra documents or a short interview. Not all students are asked to do this. But if they contact you, reply fast.

Also, check your email often. Answer every message clearly and politely. It helps to show you are serious and ready.

What to Do While Waiting

While you wait, keep learning. You can:

• Prepare backup plans
• Apply to other schools and scholarships
• Practice your English
• Join online student groups
• Talk to past winners if you can

Waiting is hard, but it can be useful. Use the time to grow and stay ready. And remember: you already took a big step. That matters.

Why Choose American University?

Brief Intro to American University

American University is in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. It is a private school known for global studies. Many students from all over the world study there.

The school welcomes diversity. It believes in change, leadership, and global learning. That’s why they created the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship to support strong, young world-changers.

Its Commitment to Global Leadership

The school trains students to lead with heart and vision. It builds leaders who care about justice, peace, and service.

That’s why this scholarship is not just about money. It’s about finding future leaders. Students who want to give back. Students who want to lead change in their country.

Campus Culture and Student Support

At American University, students help each other. The staff also helps you succeed. You can join clubs, events, and student programs.

There are offices for international students, tutoring, and even mental health. So, you never feel alone. You are always part of a strong, caring group.

Classes are small. Professors know your name. This makes learning feel more personal and friendly.

How It Helps Scholars Grow and Succeed

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship gives you a full chance to grow. You don’t worry about fees or rent. Instead, you focus on your dreams.

You learn leadership skills. You meet people from many countries. You get help with your goals. You become part of a network of global leaders.

After graduation, many scholars return home to help. Some work in health. Some start schools. Some help the poor. The program changes lives, and the world.

What You Should Know

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is not just a funding chance. It is a full experience that builds global change-makers. With the right steps, this opportunity can become your opportunity to study in the USA.

You will not only earn a degree. You will also gain leadership skills, global friends, and a new way of seeing the world. This scholarship is for people who care and who want to lead change back home.

Start by learning the details. Then, gather your papers and apply with confidence. Use the university’s website and join online groups for tips. Reach out to past winners if possible.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Begin now, and take each step seriously. Your future starts with one bold move. This scholarship could be your opportunity to do something great. Take it!