American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious, highly competitive scholarship offered by American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., designed to support international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to positive civic and social change in their home countries. The scholarship promotes educational access, global diversity, and academic excellence while fostering leadership development and global engagement. Below is a detailed overview of the scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and impact.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Scholarship: Covers all billable AU expenses, including full tuition, room, and board for up to two international students annually who require a non-immigrant visa (preferably F-1 or J-1) to study in the United States.
• Partial Scholarships: Up to eight additional partial scholarships are available, valued at up to US$40,000 per year, renewable for four years based on satisfactory academic performance. Recipients of partial scholarships must provide proof of additional funds beyond the initial US$4,000 to cover remaining costs.
• Non-Covered Expenses: The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses, estimated at approximately US$4,000 per year.
• Duration: Both full and partial scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
• Additional Support: Recipients gain access to mentorship from AU faculty and staff, specialized resources, and a network of professionals and leaders to support their academic and career goals. Scholars are also expected to engage in internships, fellowships, or other opportunities to give back to their home communities.

Eligibility Criteria

The AU EGLS targets high-achieving international students from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds who are committed to improving under-resourced, underserved communities in their home countries. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• International Status: Applicants must be international students who require a non-immigrant visa (preferably F-1 or J-1) to study in the U.S. U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, pending permanent residents, or dual citizens of the U.S. and another country are not eligible.
• Academic Excellence: A minimum 3.8 GPA equivalent (or top 10% of graduating class) for grades 9–12. For International Baccalaureate (IB) students, a full IB diploma with at least three Higher Level (HL) subjects is required. For British A-level students, completion of 13 years of study with three A-levels by August 2025 is necessary.
• Leadership and Community Service: Demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and advancing the needs of people in their home country.
• English Proficiency: Applicants must submit one of the following test scores by December 1, 2024, sent directly by the testing agency to AU Undergraduate Admissions:
• TOEFL iBT: 95+ (sub-scores 20+)
• IELTS: 7.0+ (sub-scores 6.0+)
• SAT Reading Subscore: 33+
• ACT English: 29+
• PTE: 65+
• Duolingo English Test: 125+ (sub-scores 115+)
• Cambridge Assessment English: 185+ (sub-scores 169+)
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW, Digital version, March 2023 or later): 630+
• Educational Status: Applicants must be enrolled in secondary/high school and expected to graduate by June 2025. Those who have already begun post-secondary studies at another university or graduated secondary school before 2023 are ineligible.
• Overcoming Challenges: Preference is given to students who have overcome obstacles and challenges and come from diverse, underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Special Considerations: Applicants supported by EducationUSA or past recipients of U.S. Department of State’s FLEX or YES high school exchange programs are encouraged to provide a letter from their EducationUSA adviser confirming candidacy, sent as a PDF to [email protected].

Application Process

The AU EGLS application process is rigorous and involves two main steps, with all materials due by December 1, 2024, for the Fall 2025 intake. Applicants must apply through the Regular Decision process (not Early Decision or Early Action) and will be notified of their status by April 1, 2025.

1. Step 1: Common or Coalition Application:
• Submit the Common or Coalition Application and all supporting documents (transcripts, test scores, etc.) by December 1, 2024.
• Include a bank letter confirming a minimum balance of US$4,000 to demonstrate financial capability for non-billable expenses.
2. Step 2: AU EGLS Application:
• Submit the AU EGLS application via the Future Eagle Portal by December 1, 2024.
• The application includes additional essays and questions, such as:
• Describing a challenge faced and lessons learned (for programs like Sakura Scholars).
• Strategies for outreach and communication as an AU Diplomat to welcome new students (250 words or less).
• Characteristics of admired leadership and an exemplary leader (250 words or less).
• Finalists and semi-finalists may be required to participate in Zoom interviews and submit additional essays.

Note: Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed. Applicants not selected as finalists may still be considered for admission to AU and partial merit scholarships, but they must provide proof of additional funds (e.g., US$81,620 for the 2025–2026 academic year if no scholarship is awarded).

Selection Process

The AU EGLS selection process is highly competitive, with nearly 1,000 inquiries and approximately 100 applications received annually. Only five finalists are selected for Zoom interviews and additional essays, from which two full scholarship recipients and up to eight partial scholarship recipients are chosen. The selection committee prioritizes academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to social change.

Impact and Scholar Achievements

AU EGLS scholars are expected to serve as AU Diplomats, representing the university and fostering connections with new and prospective students. They are also committed to returning to their home countries to address challenges in under-resourced communities. Notable achievements of past scholars include:

• Dayana (Class of 2022): First AU Global Rhodes Scholarship finalist, recipient of the AU President’s Award, and accepted to the University of Oxford for an MSc in Economic and Social History. She interned at the National Security Archive and the Council on Foreign Relations and studied abroad at Oxford.
• Lori (Class of 2022): Double major in International Studies and Legal Studies, recipient of the Bruce Hughes Award, and SIS undergraduate commencement speaker. She plans to pursue a PhD in Political Theory and become a university professor.
• Fareha: Alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s YES program, graduated as SIS commencement speaker with a major in International Studies and a minor in International Business.
• Chaitanya (Class of 2025): Received the 2025 Bruce Hughes Award and a full scholarship to pursue a master’s in international economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Participated in fellowships at Stanford and AU’s Public Affairs and Policy Lab.

Scholars describe the AU EGLS as a transformative opportunity that provides academic, professional, and personal growth, enabling them to explore passions, build networks, and feel at home at AU.

Why Apply?

The AU EGLS is more than financial aid—it’s a gateway to a transformative educational experience in Washington, D.C., with access to internships, research opportunities, and connections to global leaders. It empowers students to become changemakers, equipping them with the skills and resources to make a lasting impact in their communities and the world.

For more information, visit the official AU EGLS page: American University AU EGLS.

 Application instructions: To apply to the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, you must apply and complete the AU EGLS application, Common or Coalition Application, and international admissions process before   December 2025 AU EGLS applicants must apply Regular Decision for fall 2026 (not Early Decision ED or Early Action EA).