Undergraduate Scholarship in the United States
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2027
Two international first-year students can receive full tuition, room and board for four years. American University also offers up to eight additional Emerging Global Leader partial scholarships worth up to US$40,000 per year.
Scholarship overview
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) supports outstanding international students who combine strong academic performance with leadership, volunteer work and a commitment to positive change. The 2027 competition is for applicants entering American University as first-year undergraduate students.
American University states that two students will receive awards covering full tuition, room and board. In addition, up to eight partial AU EGL scholarships may be awarded, each valued at up to US$40,000 per year. All undergraduate majors at American University are eligible.
What the full scholarship covers
- Full American University tuition
- University room and board
- Renewal for up to four undergraduate years, subject to satisfactory academic performance
Applicants should budget separately for mandatory health insurance, books, travel, taxes and miscellaneous expenses. The university requires financial documents demonstrating at least US$4,000 to cover costs outside the award.
Who can apply?
You should meet the current AU conditions before investing time in the scholarship application:
- You must be an international applicant requiring a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States.
- You cannot be a US citizen, US permanent resident, pending permanent resident or dual US citizen.
- You must be applying as a new first-year undergraduate student and must not already be enrolled in or have begun post-secondary study.
- You must have graduated from secondary school no earlier than 2024 and, if still enrolled, expect to graduate by June 2027.
- You must meet American University’s English-proficiency requirement.
AU gives preference to candidates who have overcome obstacles, come from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds, show leadership and community service, and demonstrate commitment to needs in their home country.
Required application materials
- Common Application for first-year admission and all required supporting documents
- AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application and essays through the AU applicant portal
- Bank letter confirming at least US$4,000
- American University Declaration of Finances form confirming at least US$4,000
- Official English test score sent directly by the testing agency, where required
AU lists TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson PTE, LanguageCert and Cambridge Assessment English among accepted tests. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a Zoom interview and may need to submit additional essays.
How to apply
- Review the official AU EGLS instructions and confirm that you are eligible.
- Apply to American University as a first-year student through the Common Application. AU recommends the Regular Decision route for EGLS candidates.
- After receiving access to your AU applicant portal, complete the separate AU EGLS application and scholarship essays.
- Upload the required bank letter and Declaration of Finances showing at least US$4,000.
- Arrange for any required official English-proficiency score and all admission documents to reach AU by the deadline.
View Official Scholarship InstructionsCheck Official Award Details
Deadline and selection timeline
Application deadline: 15 January 2027. The official scholarship page does not state an exact cutoff time or time zone, so applicants should submit early.
Both the Common Application with supporting documents and the separate AU EGLS application with essays must be complete by the deadline. American University expects to notify finalists and winners by 1 April 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship fully funded?
It covers full tuition, room and board, but not every cost. Health insurance, books, flights, taxes and miscellaneous expenses remain the student’s responsibility.
Can students of any nationality apply?
The competition is for international applicants, but US citizens, permanent residents, pending permanent residents and dual US citizens are ineligible.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Yes. Applicants must complete both the first-year admission application and the separate EGLS application and essays through the AU applicant portal.
Can transfer students apply?
No. The award is for new first-year applicants who have not enrolled in or begun post-secondary study.
Other high-demand university scholarships
Official sources
- American University: 2027 EGLS application instructions
- American University: international first-year merit scholarships
ScholarshipHubNow is an independent information website and is not affiliated with American University. Requirements may change; always confirm every detail on the official pages before submitting.
