The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) in Washington, D.C., is one of the most prestigious, fully funded undergraduate awards for high-achieving international students. Designed to champion civic engagement and global leadership, the program is tailored for students dedicated to creating positive social change in their home countries.
Here is everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, financial coverage, and application steps for the 2027 intake.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | American University, Washington, D.C. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Coverage | Full tuition, room, and board (Renewable for 4 years) |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Notification of Results | April 1, 2027 |
Scholarship Value & Coverage
The AU EGLS covers all billable American University expenses for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study, subject to continuous satisfactory academic progress:
- Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of undergraduate academic fees.
- Room and Board: Full on-campus housing and university meal plans.
- Partial Awards: AU also awards up to eight partial scholarships valued at up to $40,000 per year for select finalists.
Out-of-Pocket Note: The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as international airfare, mandatory U.S. health insurance, books, and personal incidentals (estimated at approximately $4,000/year). Applicants must submit an AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) confirming access to at least $4,000 in personal or family funds.
Eligibility Criteria for 2027
To qualify for the AU EGLS 2027 cycle, applicants must meet the following profile:
- International Status: Must be an international applicant requiring an F-1 or J-1 student visa. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, pending permanent residents, or dual U.S. citizens are not eligible.
- Academic Standing: Must be enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating by June 2027. Candidates who graduated before 2024 or have already commenced post-secondary university coursework elsewhere are ineligible.
- Leadership Profile: Proven dedication to civic engagement, volunteerism, and social impact aimed at under-resourced communities in their home region.
- Language Proficiency: Strong competitive scores in standardized English exams:
- TOEFL iBT: 95+ (all subscores 20+)
- IELTS: 7.0+ (all subscores 6.0+)
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 125+ (all subscores 115+)
- PTE: 65+
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Submit Your Regular Decision Application
Complete and submit the Common Application or Coalition Application for American University by January 15, 2027. Select the Fall 2027 term under Regular Decision.
Step 2: Access the AU Applicant Portal
Once your university admission application is logged, AU will email you credentials to access your personal AU Applicant Portal.
Step 3: Complete the AU EGLS Application & Essays
Through your portal, locate the AU EGLS application form. You will be required to submit specific leadership essays detailing your community initiatives, problem-solving track record, and how you plan to deploy your education back home.
Step 4: Upload Financial & Academic Documents
Submit all certified academic transcripts (grades 9–12), letters of recommendation, test scores, and the completed AU Declaration of Finances Form (DFF) by the January 15, 2027 hard deadline.
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Instructions (Important)
- Complete and submit the Common Application with all required documents per the AU international instructions checklist before January 15, 2027.
- Create your applicant portal when invited to do so.
- Submit a bank letter and the completed and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF), each confirming a minimum of US $4,000. These can be uploaded via your applicant portal. See examples of bank letters.
- Submit your official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE, LanguageCERT, or Cambridge Assessment English Test score results before January 15, 2027. Please have official English proficiency score reports sent directly by the testing agency to American University. Students cannot submit their own results.
- If you are not selected as one of the finalists, you may still be considered for admission to American University, Washington, DC, and eligible for partial merit scholarships.
Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions will be required for AU EGLS semi-finalists and finalists. If you have any questions, please contact intadm@american.edu.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Quantify Your Impact: Instead of writing “I organized volunteer activities,” explain the exact metrics: “Founded a youth literacy drive that raised $3,200 and equipped 400 elementary students with bilingual books.”
- Articulate a Cohesive Vision: American University looks for scholars committed to returning to their home countries to effect structural change. Align your target major with tangible community needs in your home region.
- Secure Focused Recommendations: Ask mentors who can directly speak to your resilience, integrity, and proactive leadership, not just your test scores.
For more details, please visit their official website.
