AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program, commonly known as AU EGLS, is a prestigious academic award established by American University to promote educational access, global diversity, and leadership development. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program was designed specifically for international students who have overcome obstacles, come from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds, and are determined to return home and uplift their communities.

Annually, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program invites high-achieving undergraduate students worldwide to apply and potentially secure one of the most competitive, fully funded opportunities to study in the United States. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program combines academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement into one transformative experience at the heart of the nation’s capital. Whether you are a student from Africa, Asia, Latin America, or anywhere else, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program could be your gateway to a world-class education at no cost.

What Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program?

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program (AU EGLS) is an annual, fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered by American University, located in Washington, D.C. — one of the most globally connected cities in the world. Launched to enhance international diversity and support students from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, this program has transformed the lives of exceptional students across more than 100 countries.

Bringing together the best of AU — academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement — the AU EGLS is far more than financial aid. It is membership in a community of changemakers. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars achieve, inspire, and serve with vision.

Each year, the university selects two students for the full scholarship and up to eight students for partial awards. The program is highly competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate not just top grades but extraordinary leadership, community service, and a concrete commitment to returning home and improving underserved communities.

Explore more United States scholarships for international students on LicensureHub.

Who Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program For?

The AU EGLS is specifically targeted at:

International students who have overcome significant personal, economic, or social challenges to achieve academic excellence and who plan to return to their home countries to drive positive civic and social change.

This is NOT for:

U.S. citizens
U.S. permanent residents
Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country
Students already enrolled in or who have completed post-secondary studies at another university
Students who graduated secondary school more than two years before the application cycle

This program is ideally suited for students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other regions where access to world-class education is limited — students who, after completing their studies, will return home to make a measurable difference.

Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet

To be considered for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Academic Excellence

Minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0, or rank in the top 10% of your graduating class (for Grades 9–12)
No SAT or ACT scores are required for students graduating from secondary schools outside the United States

Nationality and Citizenship

Must be an international student — not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
Must require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1 preferred) to study in the U.S.

Educational Status

Must be a first-year (freshmen) applicant — not currently enrolled in any post-secondary program
Must be applying to American University as a new undergraduate student

Leadership and Community Service

Must demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service
Must show dedication to advancing the needs of people in their home country
Must come from a diverse, underrepresented, or under-resourced background

Financial Proof

Must provide proof of at least USD $4,000 in available funds to cover non-billable expenses (health insurance, books, airfare, miscellaneous costs)

What Does the Scholarship Cover? (Benefits Breakdown)

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program is a full-ride scholarship, which means it eliminates the most significant financial barriers to studying in the United States.

What the Scholarship COVERS:

Full tuition for all four years of undergraduate study
Room and board (on-campus accommodation and meal plan)
All other billable AU expenses for the duration of the degree

What the Scholarship DOES NOT Cover:

Mandatory health insurance (approximately $1,500–$2,000/year)
Textbooks and academic materials
Airline tickets to and from the U.S.
Miscellaneous personal expenses

The estimated non-billable cost is approximately USD $4,000 per year, which applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover independently.

The scholarship is renewable annually for a total of four years, provided the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance at American University.

Full Scholarship vs Partial Scholarship

Feature	Full AU EGL Scholarship	Partial AU EGL Scholarship
Number Available Per Cycle	2 students	Up to 8 students
Tuition Coverage	100%	Up to $40,000/year
Room and Board	Fully covered	Not fully covered
Renewal Period	Up to 4 years	Subject to award terms
Who Qualifies	Top-ranked full finalists	Remaining competitive finalists
Additional Proof of Funds Required	$4,000/year (non-billable)	More than $4,000/year
Visa Requirements	F-1 or J-1 (preferred)	F-1 or J-1 (preferred)
Nationality	International, non-U.S.	International, non-U.S.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program application is a two-step process. Both steps must be completed by the annual deadline (typically January 15 each year).

Step 1: Submit the Common or Coalition Application

Complete the Common Application or Coalition Application online
Submit all supporting documents as required for international admissions
Pay the $75 application fee (fee waivers available for AU EGLS applicants on a case-by-case basis, particularly for those referred by EducationUSA)
You MUST complete this step before proceeding to Step 2

Step 2: Submit the AU EGLS Scholarship Application

Log into your AU Applicant Portal after submitting Step 1
Complete and submit the AU EGL Scholarship Application, including all required scholarship essays
Upload required financial documents: the AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) showing a minimum of USD $4,000
Submit by the same annual deadline as Step 1

Important: Late applications are not accepted. The AU EGLS selection committee applies the deadline strictly.

Apply directly through the official AU EGLS application portal at https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/egls.cfm — this is your primary resource for the latest update on each application cycle.

Required Documents Checklist

Here is a complete checklist of documents required to apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program:

Academic Documents

Official secondary school transcripts (Grades 9–12) with certified English translations where applicable
Students in three-year secondary systems only need transcripts for those three years

Letters of Recommendation

One academic letter of recommendation from a teacher (required)
One letter from a school counselor, principal, or headmaster (strongly recommended)

English Proficiency Test Scores (sent directly from testing agency)

TOEFL
IELTS
Duolingo English Test (DET)
PTE Academic
Cambridge English Test

Financial Documents

Bank letter confirming available funds
AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) — minimum USD $4,000

Application Components

Completed Common or Coalition Application with personal essay and CV/Resume
AU EGLS Scholarship essays (submitted via applicant portal)
$75 application fee (or fee waiver if eligible)

Visa Information

Confirmation that you will require an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the U.S.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Milestone	Typical Timing
Applications Open	Each year in August/September (Fall intake)
Annual Application Deadline	January 15 each year
Semi-finalist Zoom Interviews	February – March each year
Final Notification to Winners	April 1 each year
Scholarship Start	The following August (Fall semester)

Always check the official American University scholarship page for the latest update, as dates are confirmed annually.

Selection Process: How Winners Are Chosen

The AU EGLS selection process is rigorous and multi-stage. Here is how it works each year:

Stage 1 — Administrative Screening All applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and required documentation. Incomplete or ineligible applications are disqualified immediately.

Stage 2 — Application Review The selection committee evaluates: academic performance (GPA and class rank), quality and depth of scholarship essays, evidence of leadership and community service, and commitment to returning home and serving under-resourced communities.

Stage 3 — Semi-finalist Round Selected semi-finalists are invited to a Zoom video interview. Additional essay submissions may be required at this stage.

Stage 4 — Final Selection Two students are named full AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars. Up to eight additional students receive partial scholarship awards. All finalists and winners are notified by April 1 each year.

7 Powerful Reasons to Apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program

1. It Is Completely Free — No Tuition, No Room, No Board The full scholarship eliminates your biggest financial barriers entirely.

2. You Study in Washington, D.C. — the Heart of Global Power American University sits in one of the world’s most internationally connected cities, providing unmatched access to internships, NGOs, think tanks, and policymakers.

3. The Scholarship Is Renewable for All 4 Years Unlike one-time awards, the AU EGLS covers your entire undergraduate journey, not just one year.

4. SAT/ACT Scores Are Not Required International applicants are evaluated without standardized test scores, leveling the playing field for students from all global education systems.

5. It Includes a Community of Changemakers AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars join a vibrant network of alumni who are now leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants across the world.

6. It Boosts Your Career Globally Being an AU Emerging Global Leader Scholar is a credential that opens doors in government, international development, NGOs, and the private sector worldwide.

7. Partial Scholarships Are Also Available Even if you are not selected for the full award, up to eight students each year receive partial scholarships worth up to $40,000/year — still one of the most generous international scholarships available.

What People Also Ask

Q: What is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program? A: The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program (AU EGLS) is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered annually by American University in Washington, D.C., for exceptional international students committed to leadership and community service.

Q: Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship fully funded? A: Yes. The full AU EGL Scholarship covers all billable AU expenses, including tuition, room, and board. Two full scholarships and up to eight partial awards (up to $40,000/year) are offered each year.

Q: What GPA do you need for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship? A: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0, or rank in the top 10% of their graduating class (Grades 9–12).

Q: Can U.S. citizens apply for the AU EGLS? A: No. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program is exclusively for international students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or dual citizens of the U.S.

Q: When is the AU EGLS deadline? A: The annual deadline is January 15 each year. Both the Common Application and the AU EGLS scholarship application must be submitted by this date.

Q: How many AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarships are awarded each year? A: Each year, American University awards two full scholarships and up to eight partial scholarships as part of the AU EGL program.

Q: Does the AU EGLS require SAT or ACT scores? A: No. American University does not evaluate SAT or ACT scores for international students graduating from secondary schools outside the United States.

Q: What documents are needed for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship? A: Required documents include secondary school transcripts, letters of recommendation, English proficiency test scores, financial proof documents (AU DFF confirming USD $4,000), and the Common Application with essays.

Q: Is the AU EGLS renewable? A: Yes. The scholarship is renewable for all four years of undergraduate study at American University, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Q: What is the difference between the AU EGLS full and partial scholarship? A: The full scholarship covers all billable AU expenses with no tuition or housing costs. The partial scholarship is valued at up to $40,000 per year, which may not cover all expenses.

Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Apply Early, Not at the Deadline Submitting weeks before the January 15 deadline gives you time to address document issues and shows organizational maturity.

2. Write Essays That Tell Your Story, Not Just Your Grades The selection committee already sees your GPA. Your essays must articulate why you, specifically, will return home and change your community — and how.

3. Quantify Your Leadership and Community Impact Instead of saying “I volunteered,” write “I organized a vaccination campaign that reached 500 rural households in my district over three months.”

4. Get the Right Recommenders Choose a teacher who has directly witnessed your intellectual curiosity and growth, not just someone with a prestigious title.

5. Tailor Your Application to AU’s Mission Research American University’s values, departments, and programs. Show that AU is not just a destination — it is the right environment for your specific goals.

6. Prepare Thoroughly for the Zoom Interview Semi-finalists must attend a video interview. Practice speaking clearly about your leadership journey, community vision, and why you chose AU. Treat it like a professional interview.

7. Demonstrate Concrete Plans to Return Home The AU EGLS is explicitly designed for students who will improve underserved communities in their home countries. Make this intention explicit and credible throughout your application.

Learn more about studying in the United States as an international student at the official EducationUSA resource: https://educationusa.state.gov/

Explore American University’s international admissions requirements at https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/apply.cfm

Full Scholarship vs Other U.S. University Scholarships: Quick Comparison

Scholarship	University	Level	Award Value	No. of Awards/Year	Renewable?
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship	American University	Undergraduate	Full ride + partial up to $40K	2 full + 8 partial	Yes, 4 years
Morehead-Cain Scholarship	UNC–Chapel Hill	Undergraduate	Full ride	~18	Yes, 4 years
QuestBridge National College Match	55 Top U.S. Colleges	Undergraduate	Full ride	~3,500+	Yes, 4 years
Duke University Scholarship	Duke University	Undergraduate / Master’s	Varies	Multiple	Varies
Cameron Impact Scholarship	Various U.S. Colleges	Undergraduate	Full tuition	~10–12	Yes, 4 years

Discover more fully funded undergraduate scholarships and PhD scholarships on LicensureHub.

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Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program at American University Washington DC campus.

Final Thoughts

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program is one of the most powerful, fully funded opportunities available to international students each year. It is rare, competitive, and life-changing — but not impossible. Thousands of students from more than 100 countries apply annually, and each year, the best-prepared, most mission-driven students win.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the most important thing you can do right now is start your Common Application, gather your documents, and invest serious time in your scholarship essays. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program does not just want your grades — it wants your story, your passion, and your plan to change the world.

The latest update on deadlines, essay prompts, and application requirements is always available directly on the official AU scholarship page. Check it annually and apply as early as possible.

Browse all currently open undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarships on LicensureHub to find additional funding opportunities that match your profile.

About the Author: This article is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy with the latest information from American University’s official scholarship portal. Bookmark this page and return each year for the latest update.