American University Global Leader Scholarship 2027 USA
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The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) 2027 is a scholarship for international undergraduate students at American University in Washington, DC. Two students receive full tuition, room, and board, while up to eight more receive partial awards worth up to $40,000 per year
Study in the USA
If you are an ambitious international high school student who dreams of studying in the United States and making a real difference back home, the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. It is one of the most generous and prestigious undergraduate scholarships offered to international students by a U.S. university.
The scholarship is offered directly by American University (AU), located in Washington, DC, one of the most politically and internationally connected cities in the world. AU EGLS is prestigious because it does not just look at grades. It looks for students who have overcome real challenges and who are committed to using their education to improve under-resourced communities in their home countries.
This scholarship is designed for international students entering their first year of a Bachelor’s degree. Two students each year receive a full scholarship covering tuition, room, and board, while up to eight additional students receive a generous partial scholarship worth as much as $40,000 per year. Any high-achieving international student graduating from secondary school who is passionate about leadership, community service, and global engagement should consider applying.
Below, we walk through everything you need to know about the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, required documents, and how to apply step by step.
Quick Overview Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) |
| Host Country | United States |
| Host University | American University, Washington, DC |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s (undergraduate, incoming first-year students) |
| Funded By | American University |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded (2 awards) and partial (up to 8 additional awards) |
| Coverage | Full tuition, room, and board (full award); up to $40,000/year (partial award) |
| Eligible Countries | Open to international students from any country (excluding U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and dual citizens) |
| Application Deadline | 15 January (based on the most recently published cycle; confirm the 2027 cycle date directly with AU) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on campus |
| Duration | Up to 4 years of undergraduate study, renewable based on academic performance |
| IELTS Required | Yes, or an equivalent accepted English test |
| Application Fee | Standard AU application fee applies (check current amount with AU admissions) |
About the American University Global Leader Scholarship
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship was created in 2011 by International Admissions Director Evelyn Levinson to promote educational access and global diversity at American University. Since then, it has supported students from dozens of countries who go on to become AU Diplomat international student ambassadors during their studies.
The scholarship brings together academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement. AU looks for students dedicated to positive civic and social change, particularly those who plan to return home after graduation to improve under-resourced or underserved communities.
Each year, two students receive the full AU EGL Scholarship, covering all billable expenses at AU. Since a recent expansion of the program, AU now also offers up to eight additional partial scholarships worth up to $40,000 per year, with no separate application required to be considered for these.
Please note: at the time of writing, American University’s official page reflects the Fall 2026 entry cycle. AU typically republishes updated cycle information (including exact 2027 deadlines) closer to the new application season, so always confirm current dates on the official AU EGLS page before applying.
Scholarship Benefits
✔ Full scholarship (2 awards): Covers all billable AU expenses, meaning full tuition, room, and board
✔ Partial scholarship (up to 8 awards): Up to $40,000 per year toward tuition and living costs
✔ Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, based on continued satisfactory academic performance
✔ Open to students interested in any major offered at American University
✔ Access to leadership development programming and a global community of AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars
✔ Recognition as an AU Diplomat international student ambassador
✔ Zoom interview opportunities for semi-finalists and finalists as part of the selection process
Note: The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airfare, and other miscellaneous costs, which typically add up to around $4,000 per year. Applicants must show proof of at least this amount in personal or family funds.
Available Programs
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is open to incoming first-year students in any undergraduate major offered at American University, across its schools including:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Kogod School of Business
- School of Communication
- Baker School of Education
- School of International Service
- School of Public Affairs
There is no restriction on which major you choose; the scholarship rewards leadership and character as much as academic subject interest.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, you must meet the following:
Citizenship: You must be an international student. You are not eligible if you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, U.S. pending permanent resident, or a dual citizen of the U.S. and another country.
Academic stage: You must be enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating around the relevant intake year, and you must not have already begun any post-secondary studies at another university, in your home country or elsewhere. Applicants who graduated secondary school more than a couple of years before the intake are generally not eligible, so check the current cycle’s exact cutoff.
Visa requirement: You must need a non-immigrant visa, preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa, to study in the United States.
English proficiency: You must meet AU’s English proficiency requirements through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English Test scores, sent directly by the testing agency.
Financial proof: You must be able to show proof of at least $4,000 in funds to cover non-billable expenses, even if you receive the full scholarship.
Preference is given to:
- International students who have overcome obstacles or come from diverse, underrepresented, or underserved socioeconomic backgrounds
- Students with a demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service
- Students meeting AU’s English proficiency requirements
- Students still enrolled in secondary/high school at the time of application
Required Documents
To apply, you will need to prepare:
- A completed Common Application (or Coalition Application) with all supporting documents
- Official secondary school transcripts
- A bank letter confirming a minimum of $4,000 in available funds
- A completed and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF)
- Official English proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or Cambridge test), sent directly by the testing agency
- The AU EGL Scholarship application and required essays, submitted through your AU applicant portal
- A letter from your EducationUSA adviser, if applicable, confirming your candidacy
- A valid passport for visa and identification purposes
Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Common Application. Submit your Common Application along with all required international admissions documents by the published deadline.
Step 2: Create your AU applicant portal. Once invited, set up your applicant portal to manage your remaining submissions.
Step 3: Submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and essays. Complete this through your applicant portal by the same deadline as Step 1. You must finish Step 1 before submitting the scholarship application.
Step 4: Submit financial documents. Upload your bank letter and AU Declaration of Finances Form, each showing at least $4,000 in funds.
Step 5: Submit English proficiency scores. Have your official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or Cambridge score sent directly to American University by the testing agency.
Step 6: Attend interviews if selected as a semi-finalist or finalist. Be ready for a Zoom interview and possibly additional essay submissions.
Step 7: Wait for the results. Finalists and award winners are notified after the review process is complete.
Apply Regular Decision, not Early Decision, since AU EGLS finalists are selected from the Regular Decision pool, though some early applicants may be deferred for further scholarship consideration.
Important Dates
| Stage | Date (based on the most recent published cycle) |
|---|---|
| Common Application + AU EGLS Application Deadline | 15 January |
| Early Action / Early Decision I Deadline (general admissions) | 1 November |
| Early Decision II Deadline (general admissions) | 15 January |
| Finalist and Award Notification | By 1 April |
| Spring Semester Deadline (general admissions) | 1 October |
Always check the official AU EGLS page for the exact dates confirmed for the 2027 intake, since American University typically updates this page closer to each new application cycle.
Important Links
- Official AU EGLS scholarship page (american.edu)
- AU international applicant instructions checklist
- AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF)
- Common Application website
- AU International Admissions contact page
Selection Process
- Application review: All complete Common Applications and AU EGLS applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
- Initial screening: Applications are assessed for academic strength, leadership, community service, and demonstrated commitment to civic and social change.
- Semi-finalist and finalist selection: Strong candidates are invited to a Zoom interview and may be asked to submit additional essays.
- Final decision: AU selects two full scholarship recipients and up to eight partial scholarship recipients from the finalist pool.
- Notification: All finalists and award winners are informed of the outcome by the announced notification date.
How to Increase Your Chances for American University Global Leader Scholarship
- Apply Regular Decision, not Early Decision, since this is when AU EGLS finalists are chosen
- Highlight specific examples of leadership, volunteering, and community impact in your essays
- Show a clear, authentic plan for how you intend to use your education to help your home community
- Take your English proficiency test early in case you need to retake it
- Submit your financial documents and Common Application well ahead of the deadline
- Prepare thoughtfully for your Zoom interview if you are selected as a semi-finalist
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying Early Decision instead of Regular Decision
- Missing the January 15 deadline for either the Common Application or the AU EGLS application
- Submitting incomplete financial documents or missing the $4,000 minimum proof of funds
- Sending English test scores yourself instead of having them sent directly by the testing agency
- Writing generic essays that do not reflect genuine leadership or community involvement
- Assuming eligibility if you have already started university studies elsewhere
Living in the United States
Washington, DC, home to American University, is a vibrant, international city and the political capital of the United States. As a student, you can expect costs for housing (many first-year students live on campus), meals, textbooks, local transport, and personal expenses. DC has a mix of hot, humid summers and cold winters. Healthcare access requires mandatory health insurance, which is not covered by the scholarship and must be budgeted for separately. Washington, DC offers rich student life, with access to museums, embassies, government institutions, and a large international student community at AU.
Visa Information
International students accepted to American University will typically need an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant student visa to study in the United States. This involves receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 form from AU, paying the SEVIS fee, and attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa processing times and fees vary by country, so it’s important to apply for your visa as early as possible after being admitted.
Why Study in the United States
- American University is known for its strong programs in international relations, public affairs, and business
- Washington, DC offers direct access to government agencies, international organizations, embassies, and NGOs
- AU’s international student community and Diplomat ambassador program build a strong global network
- A U.S. Bachelor’s degree is widely recognized by employers and graduate programs around the world
- Scholars gain leadership development opportunities alongside their academic studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship fully funded? Two scholarships each year are fully funded, covering tuition, room, and board. Up to eight additional students receive a partial scholarship worth up to $40,000 per year.
Who can apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship? International high school students graduating around the relevant intake year who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or dual citizens, and who have not yet started post-secondary studies elsewhere.
Can European students apply? Yes, students of any nationality who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.
Can African students apply? Yes, this scholarship is open to international students from any country.
Can Asian students apply? Yes, applicants from any country outside the excluded categories are eligible.
Can Pakistani or Indian students apply? Yes, as long as you meet the citizenship, academic, and English proficiency requirements.
Is IELTS mandatory? You must submit results from one of AU’s accepted English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English Test.
Can I apply without IELTS? Yes, if you submit an alternative accepted test such as TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English Test instead.
Is there an application fee? The standard AU undergraduate application fee applies; check the current amount on AU’s admissions website.
Can married students apply? The scholarship does not specify a marital status restriction, but applicants must still meet the secondary school graduation and non-post-secondary enrollment requirements.
Can I bring my family? This depends on visa rules for dependents, which are separate from the scholarship benefits themselves.
What GPA is required? AU does not publish one fixed minimum GPA, but competitive applicants typically show a strong academic record along with leadership and community service.
Can I work while studying? International students on an F-1 visa may generally work on campus and may be eligible for off-campus work authorization under specific U.S. immigration rules.
How many students are selected? Two students receive the full scholarship, and up to eight more receive a partial scholarship each year.
Can I apply for multiple programs? You choose one intended major when you apply, though AU allows students to explore and change their major after enrolling, subject to normal academic policies.
Is age important? There is no stated age limit, but you must still be enrolled in secondary school and not have started post-secondary studies elsewhere. (American University Global Leader Scholarship)
What happens after selection? Semi-finalists and finalists are invited to a Zoom interview and may need to submit additional essays before final decisions are made.
How competitive is this scholarship? It is highly competitive, since only a small number of full and partial awards are given out of a large international applicant pool.
Can I apply with a pending high school graduation? Yes, you should be currently enrolled in secondary school and graduating around the relevant intake year.
What expenses are not covered? Health insurance, books, airfare, taxes, and other miscellaneous expenses, totaling roughly $4,000 per year, are not covered.
Can I defer the scholarship? Deferral policies are not specifically published for this scholarship; contact AU International Admissions directly if you need to discuss deferring.
Can I apply if I already have another scholarship? The scholarship does not explicitly prohibit holding other scholarships, but you should disclose any other funding you are receiving as part of your financial documentation.
How will I know if I’m selected? Finalists and award winners are notified directly by American University after the review and interview process.
Final Summary
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for international students who want to combine a strong U.S. education with a genuine commitment to leadership and community impact. Whether you are aiming for the full scholarship or one of the generous partial awards, the key is to apply Regular Decision, submit a complete and authentic application, and clearly show how you plan to make a difference back home. Start preparing your Common Application, essays, and financial documents early, and always confirm the latest deadlines directly on the official AU EGLS page before you apply.