American University Scholarship 2027

The American University Scholarship offers outstanding international students an opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in the United States with substantial financial support. American University provides full and partial Emerging Global Leader Scholarships to academically talented students who have demonstrated leadership, community service, and a commitment to improving their communities.

For the 2027 admission cycle, American University plans to offer two full Emerging Global Leader Scholarships covering all billable university expenses. Up to eight additional partial scholarships may be awarded, with a value of up to $40,000 per year.

The scholarship is renewable for four years of undergraduate study, provided recipients maintain satisfactory academic performance and meet the university’s renewal conditions. Interested international students must complete both the university admission application and the separate scholarship application by December 1, 2026.

American University Scholarship Overview

Information	Details
Scholarship name	AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Host university	American University
Host country	United States
Location	Washington, D.C.
Degree level	Undergraduate
Eligible applicants	International students
Full scholarships	Two awards
Partial scholarships	Up to eight awards
Partial award value	Up to $40,000 per year
Scholarship duration	Up to four years
Application deadline	December 1, 2026
Application method	Common Application and Future Eagle Portal

About American University

American University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across international service, business, public affairs, communication, arts, sciences, education, and other academic areas.

Its location in the capital of the United States gives students access to international organizations, government institutions, nonprofit organizations, research centers, and professional opportunities.

The university welcomes applicants from different countries, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through the American University Scholarship, it seeks international students who can contribute strong academic ability, leadership experience, and a meaningful global perspective to the university community.

What Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, commonly called AU EGLS, is American University’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship for international students.

The program supports students who have performed strongly in school and have also demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, community involvement, or a commitment to positive social change.

Successful applicants are expected to use their education to support underserved communities and address challenges in their home countries or internationally. For this reason, the selection process considers more than academic grades.

Applicants should clearly explain their personal experiences, community contributions, leadership activities, future plans, and reasons for choosing American University.

Types of American University Scholarships

International candidates completing the scholarship process may be considered for full or partial funding.

Full Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

American University plans to award two full Emerging Global Leader Scholarships. These scholarships cover the university’s billable expenses, including:

• Full undergraduate tuition
• Mandatory university fees
• University housing
• University meal plan

The full scholarship is renewable for four years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and compliance with the conditions of the award.

The full award generally does not cover every personal or non-billable expense. Recipients may still need to pay for costs such as:

• International airfare
• Visa fees
• Health insurance
• Books and educational supplies
• Personal expenses
• Local transportation
• Other non-billable costs

Applicants should prepare a realistic budget before accepting admission or a scholarship offer.

Partial Emerging Global Leader Scholarships

In addition to the two full awards, American University may offer up to eight partial Emerging Global Leader Scholarships.

These partial awards can be worth up to $40,000 per academic year. Students who successfully complete the full scholarship application may automatically be considered for partial funding.

A separate application for the partial award is generally not required. However, students receiving partial funding must demonstrate that they have enough additional financial resources to cover the remaining cost of attendance.

The exact value of the scholarship may vary according to the award decision and the applicant’s circumstances.

General Merit Scholarships

International first-year applicants may also be considered for other merit scholarships offered by American University.

These awards are partial scholarships rather than full funding. Selection may be based on:

• Academic achievement
• English communication skills
• Leadership experience
• Volunteer work
• Community service
• Extracurricular involvement
• Overall strength of the admission application

General merit scholarships are limited and highly competitive. They are normally awarded at the time of admission, and no separate application is generally required for consideration.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the scholarship awarded, recipients of the American University Scholarship may receive:

• Full undergraduate tuition
• Mandatory university fees
• University accommodation
• Meal-plan expenses
• Partial funding of up to $40,000 annually
• Renewable support for four years
• Access to academic and leadership opportunities
• Experience studying in Washington, D.C.
• Participation in a diverse international community

Scholarship recipients must follow all university policies and maintain the academic progress required for renewal.

Eligibility Criteria

The full Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is intended for international students who require a student visa to study in the United States.

Applicants should generally:

• Be citizens of a country other than the United States.
• Require an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the United States.
• Be applying as first-year undergraduate students.
• Be completing secondary school or have recently completed it.
• Present an excellent academic record.
• Demonstrate leadership potential.
• Show meaningful volunteerism or community service.
• Demonstrate commitment to improving underserved communities.
• Meet American University’s English-language requirements.
• Submit all admission and scholarship documents before the deadline.
• Demonstrate access to the minimum financial resources required by the university.

Students interested in any undergraduate major offered by American University may apply, subject to the program’s admission requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants are not eligible for the full AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship if they are:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. permanent residents
• Applicants with pending U.S. permanent residency
• Dual citizens of the United States and another country
• Students who have already begun post-secondary university studies
• Transfer applicants seeking to continue an existing university degree

Applicants should check the latest official eligibility rules before submitting because graduation-year and enrollment requirements may be updated for each admission cycle.

Academic Requirements

American University does not publish one universal grade requirement that guarantees selection for the scholarship. Nevertheless, successful candidates are expected to have an outstanding secondary-school record.

A competitive applicant should demonstrate:

• Consistently strong grades
• Challenging secondary-school coursework
• Intellectual curiosity
• Clear academic goals
• Strong written communication
• Leadership and initiative
• Meaningful community contributions

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. The university reviews the complete application and compares candidates from different educational systems.

English-Language Requirements

International applicants whose first language is not English may need to submit an approved English-language proficiency test.

American University accepts several examinations, which may include:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• Duolingo English Test
• Pearson Test of English
• Cambridge English qualifications

Official test results must be sent according to the university’s instructions. Applicants should take their chosen examination early enough for the official scores to reach American University before the scholarship deadline.

Exemptions may be available in certain circumstances. Students should review the current international admission policy rather than assuming they qualify for an exemption.

Financial Documentation

International scholarship applicants must provide financial documentation as part of the application process.

Applicants for the full American University Scholarship may initially be required to demonstrate access to at least $4,000 through a bank letter and American University’s Declaration of Finances Form.

This amount helps show that the student can meet expenses not covered by the full scholarship, such as travel, insurance, books, visa charges, and personal expenses.

American University Scholarship Students selected for a partial scholarship must provide evidence that they can pay the remaining difference between the scholarship and the total estimated cost of attendance.

Financial documents should:

• Be recent and official
• Clearly show the account holder’s name
• Display the available balance
• Be written in English or accompanied by an accepted translation
• Meet the university’s formatting and date requirements
• Be uploaded through the correct applicant portal

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Completed Common Application
• Secondary-school transcripts
• School report or counselor documents
• Academic recommendation letters
• Common Application personal essay
• American University application responses
• AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application
• Required scholarship essays
• English-language proficiency results
• Bank letter
• Declaration of Finances Form
• Passport or identification information
• Certified English translations, when required
• Other supporting documents requested in the Future Eagle Portal

The university may request additional information after receiving the initial application. Applicants should regularly check their portal and email.

Selection Criteria

The American University Scholarship selection process is highly competitive. Preference is generally given to international students who:

• Have overcome significant challenges or obstacles
• Come from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds
• Have an excellent academic record
• Communicate effectively in English
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Participate actively in volunteer work
• Show a record of community service
• Are committed to supporting people in their home country
• Present clear educational and career objectives
• Explain how they will create positive change after graduation

Strong scholarship essays should use specific examples. Applicants should explain what they personally accomplished, what difficulties they encountered, what they learned, and how those experiences shaped their future goals.

Why Choose This Scholarship?

The American University Scholarship provides more than financial assistance. It gives international students an opportunity to study in Washington, D.C., develop leadership skills, and connect with a diverse academic community. Recipients can gain valuable knowledge through university courses, community activities, research opportunities, and professional experiences. The American University Scholarship is especially suitable for students who want to use their education to address social challenges and support underserved communities. Applicants should explain how their previous leadership and volunteer experience connects with their future plans. Because the selection process is highly competitive, every part of the application should present clear evidence of academic ability, service, and personal commitment. A strong American University Scholarship application should demonstrate not only why the applicant needs funding but also how they intend to create a meaningful impact after completing their undergraduate education.

Scholarship Application Deadline

American University Scholarship The application deadline for Fall 2027 scholarship consideration is:

December 1, 2026

Candidates should submit their Common Application and all necessary admission materials before the special scholarship deadline. They must also complete the separate AU EGL Scholarship application through the Future Eagle Portal by the required date.

American University’s standard Regular Decision deadline may be later, but submitting only the admission application after the scholarship deadline will not qualify a student for the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship.

Late or incomplete scholarship applications are not normally considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

Students should begin preparing several weeks before the deadline. The following recommendations can help create a stronger application:

• Research American University and the selected academic major.
• Explain why studying in Washington, D.C., supports your goals.
• Use specific examples of leadership and service.
• Describe your individual contribution to group projects.
• Connect past experiences with future community impact.
• Avoid using copied or overly general essays.
• Ask teachers or advisers to review written materials.
• Select recommenders who know your abilities well.
• Request official test scores before the deadline.
• Prepare financial documents early.
• Review every section before submitting.
• Monitor the applicant portal for missing requirements.

American University Scholarship Applicants should not focus only on financial need. The essays must also demonstrate academic readiness, leadership, community engagement, and the potential to use an American University education responsibly.

Here are two more excellent opportunities in the United States that you may also explore: Tulane Scholarships 2027 and our complete guide to the Fulbright Program USA.

How to Apply for the American University Scholarship

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Review American University’s undergraduate programs and select a suitable major.
2. Confirm that you meet the international admission and scholarship eligibility requirements.
3. Create an account on the Common Application.
4. Add American University to your list of institutions.
5. Complete the personal, academic, activity, and essay sections.
6. Submit the Common Application and all supporting documents before December 1, 2026.
7. Wait for access to the American University Future Eagle Portal.
8. Upload the required bank letter and Declaration of Finances Form.
9. Arrange for official English proficiency results to be sent to the university.
10. Open the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application in the portal.
11. Complete the required scholarship questions and original essays.
12. Review all information and submit the scholarship application by December 1, 2026.
13. Check the portal regularly for missing items, interview invitations, or application updates.

Finalists may be asked to participate in virtual interviews or provide additional written information. Applicants should respond promptly to every message from the university.

Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for

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Final Thoughts

The American University Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for international students who want to earn an undergraduate degree in the United States. Two full awards may cover tuition, fees, housing, and meals, while up to eight additional students may receive partial scholarships worth as much as $40,000 per year.

Competition is extremely strong, so applicants should present excellent academic results, meaningful leadership experience, genuine community service, and a clear plan for creating positive change.

American University Scholarship Begin preparing early, write personal and original essays, collect financial documents, and submit both the admission and scholarship applications before December 1, 2026. Applicants must verify the latest requirements through the official American University website and their Future Eagle Portal before submission.