American University Scholarships 2027 include the prestigious AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, a highly competitive opportunity for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to positive civic and social change. Selected scholars study at American University in Washington, DC and are expected to use their education and leadership skills to contribute to underserved communities in their home countries.

Scholarship Quick Facts

About the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is American University’s flagship scholarship opportunity for international undergraduate students. The program aims to provide educational access to talented students from around the world who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to serving their communities.

The scholarship is particularly suited to students who have overcome significant obstacles or challenges and who want to use their education to create positive change in under-resourced or underserved communities in their home countries.

Students can pursue any undergraduate field offered at American University, subject to the university’s admission requirements and the scholarship’s eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

• ✅ Applicants must be international students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents or dual citizens of the United States and another country.
• ✅ Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement and meet American University’s English proficiency requirements.
• ✅ Applicants should demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, community service and a commitment to positive social change.
• ✅ Preference is given to students from diverse, underrepresented and global socioeconomic backgrounds who have overcome significant challenges.
• ✅ Applicants should still be enrolled in secondary/high school and graduate by June 2027 for the Fall 2027 intake.
• ✅ Applicants must not have started or completed post-secondary studies at another university in their home country or the United States.

Scholarship Benefits

• 🏆 Full tuition coverage for eligible AU billable tuition expenses.
• 🏆 University fees covered under the scholarship’s eligible billable expenses.
• 🏆 Housing and board covered for the full AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship.
• 🏆 Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• 🏆 Up to eight additional AU EGL partial scholarships may be available, valued at up to US$40,000 per year.

Important: The full AU EGL Scholarship does not cover every non-billable expense. Students may still need to pay for mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes and miscellaneous expenses.

Fields of Study

Applicants may apply for the scholarship while pursuing any undergraduate field offered by American University, provided they meet the university’s admission requirements.

• Business and Economics
• Computer Science and Technology
• Engineering and related programs
• International Relations and Political Science
• Communication and Media
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Other eligible undergraduate programs at American University

Required Documents

• Common Application and required supporting documents
• Secondary school academic transcripts
• Required English proficiency test score
• AU Declaration of Finances Form
• Bank letter confirming at least US$4,000 for AU EGLS applicants
• AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application and essays
• Any additional documents requested through the applicant portal

How to Apply

1. Review the official AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship eligibility requirements.
2. Complete the Common Application and submit all required international admission documents to American University.
3. Create your American University applicant portal after receiving access.
4. Submit the AU Declaration of Finances Form and a bank letter confirming the required minimum funds.
5. Submit your official English proficiency test results through the required testing agency.
6. Complete and submit the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application and required essays through your applicant portal.
7. Make sure all required materials are submitted by January 15, 2027. Late applications will not be considered for the AU EGLS.

Frequently Asked Questions