Applications For the American University (AU) Emerging Global Leader Scholarship are open. Foreign students who are looking to pursue undergraduate studies in the States can considered this option. This award promotes educational access and opportunities while enhancing international diversity.
An application fee waiver may be granted on a case-by-case basis only to first-year students applying for the funding opportunity and/or students who have been personally referred by EducationUSA or other non-governmental organisations overseas. The $75 application fee is required of all other applicants.
Qualification:
Preference will be given to:
- Candidates who are still enrolled in high school and are graduating by June 2026
- Students who meet the English proficiency requirements
- Those who demonstrate commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and to advancing the needs of people in their home country.
- International students who have overcome various obstacles and challenges as well as those from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ineligibility:
You are not eligible if you:
- Are a US citizen, permanent resident, pending permanent resident or dual citizen (US & Another country)
- Already begun any post-secondary program in your home country or in the United States
- Graduated from secondary school before 2023
Benefits:
- Tuition cost coverage
- Accommodation
- The opportunity is renewable for a duration of 4 years
- The university also offers eight partial scholarships valued at $40,000 per year.
Required Materials:
- Completed application including essay and CV/Resume
- Official academic transcripts for the duration of your high school education (provide certified translated copies of your document if it is not in English)
- One recommendation letter from a teacher is required. Additionally, one more recommendation letter from school counselor / principal / headmaster is strongly recommended
- English proficiency test score: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English
For additional information and instructions on the materials needed click in this button
Application Steps
Step 1: Applicants who wish to be considered for partial or full scholarships should first submit their common application and all supporting documents by the 15th January, 2026
Step 2: Send your scholarship application and essay via your applicant portal by the same closing date as step one. It is worth to note that, you must complete the first step before moving to the second one
Mode Of Submission For The Scholarship At American University (AU)
- Complete and submit theCommon Application Online
- Create your applicant portal when invited to do so.
- Upload the filled-out and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) together with a bank letter attesting to a minimum of US$4,000. You can upload these through your applicant portal.
- Have your official English score reports sent directly by the testing agency to American University,
- Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions will be required for AU EGL semi-finalists and finalists. If you have any questions, please contact intadm@american.edu.
Closing Dates: January 15, 2026
Note: For students living outside the US, it is highly recommend to apply by September 1.