American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for International Students
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is one of the more competitive, high-profile scholarships for international undergraduates in the U.S. It’s designed to support students who have shown leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to social change in underserved or under-resourced communities. If you qualify, it offers a way to get a U.S. education with much of the financial burden lifted.
What It Covers
Here are the benefits typically included under AU EGLS:
- Full Tuition, Room & Board: For two international students each year, AU covers all billable expenses (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals) under the full scholarships.
- Renewable for Four Years: Provided that the student maintains good academic standing, the award can be renewed for the usual four years of undergraduate study.
- Partial Scholarships also Offered: In addition to full awards, AU offers up to eight partial EGLS scholarships, valued at up to US$40,000 per year. These partial awards still require some out-of-pocket funding for uncovered costs.
- Non-Covered Costs: Some expenses are not covered. These include non-billable items like health insurance, books, travel (airfare), personal expenses, visa fees, etc. (Estimated at about US$4,000/year for these extra costs.)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the AU EGLS, international applicants typically must meet all or most of the following:
| Criterion | Details |
| International Status | Must be an international student (needing a non-immigrant visa such as F-1 or J-1). U.S. citizens/permanent residents or dual citizens are not eligible. |
| Secondary School Graduation Timeline | Students should be finishing high school (or equivalent) and plan to graduate by a set date (e.g., June of the intake year). Applicants who graduated too early are disqualified. |
| No Prior Postsecondary Enrollment | Applicants should not have begun postsecondary study (college/university) either in their country or in the U.S. |
| Academic Merit | Strong high school records. Although specific test score minimums may not always be strictly enforced (depending on test-optional policies etc.), applicants benefit from good grades, rigorous coursework, possibly standardized test scores or high performance in IB/A-Levels etc. |
| English Proficiency | Must meet AU’s English proficiency requirements: through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, or Cambridge assessments. Scores must be official and sent by test agency. |
| Leadership / Social Commitment | Demonstrated via community service, civic engagement, social impact projects, overcoming adversity, leadership in school or community, etc. AU weighs this heavily. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong applicants sometimes falter due to avoidable errors. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:
- Missing or Late Submission of Supporting Documents
This includes delayed English test scores, missing transcripts (especially translated ones), bank letters, or Declaration of Finances forms. AU does not accept late submissions for the scholarship application. - Neglecting the Essays / Scholarship-Specific Questions
The scholarship requires separate essay(s) beyond the regular admission essays. Applicants often don’t give enough attention or depth to these, or write generic ones without clearly showing their leadership, goals, and vision for change. Essays matter a lot. - Assuming the Scholarship Covers ALL Costs
As noted, non-billable costs (insurance, books, travel, personal expenses, etc.) are not covered and must be anticipated. Some applicants assume full financial freedom and don’t plan for these extra costs. This often leads to financial stress later. - Weak Evidence of Leadership or Impact
Leadership is more than titles. What matters is what you’ve done: impact, your vision, how you served or improved your community, challenges you overcame. Some applicants list many activities but don’t show real effect or reflection. That weakens their case. - Overlooking Visa / Financial Readiness
Since the scholarship requires proof of ability to cover uncovered expenses (like US$4,000), failure to prepare bank statements or finance documents in the correct format or by the deadline can jeopardize your application. Also, being unaware of or delaying visa paperwork can cause issues.
Relatable Examples
Here are hypothetical but realistic profiles to show how different applicants might succeed or struggle:
- Example 1 (Success Story): Aisha from Nigeria
Aisha has been active in her school’s debate club and a peer tutor, and she ran a local community project teaching digital literacy in her area. She has strong grades in IB/A-Level or equivalent, proficient English test scores, and submits solid essays clearly stating her goals for social change back home. She also ensures her bank letter and Declaration of Finances are in place. She applies by the deadline, and her application stands out. She wins a full EGLS award, covering tuition, fees, room, and board, and budgets carefully for the remaining ~$4,000 of extra expenses via savings + small support. - Example 2 (Partial Scholarship): Carlos from Colombia
Carlos excels academically but has fewer leadership roles. He still shows community service, but doesn’t have as extensive a portfolio. He meets all other requirements, submits everything, but his essays are okay, not exceptional. He gets evaluated and awarded a partial EGLS or an AU merit scholarship instead of the full award. This still significantly reduces his costs. - Example 3 (Missed Opportunity): Lina from Bangladesh
Lina has strong grades and leadership, but her English proficiency test score was submitted late; her bank document had errors; she did not complete one of the required essays by the portal deadline. As a result, although she is admitted, she is not considered for the full EGLS. She learns to plan deadlines well and ensure all components are complete well before the due date for her next opportunity.
How to Apply
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for AU EGLS:
- Check AU’s Official Scholarship Page
Go to the American University website under International Admissions → Emerging Global Leader Scholarship to get the most current details (deadlines, essays, etc.). (American University) - Prepare for the Common or Coalition Application
Fill out the standard application (CommonApp or Coalition) with all required materials: transcripts, school reports, recommendation letters, essays. Do this before the scholarship deadline. - Submit the AU EGLS Application & Essays via the Applicant Portal
After submitting the main application, you’ll use AU’s portal to submit the EGLS-specific essays and financial documents. Make sure both steps are completed by the deadline. - Provide Financial Documents
You need a bank letter and the AU Declaration of Finances (AU DFF). These prove you have access to at least US$4,000 (for uncovered expenses). - Submit English Proficiency Scores
Use tests recognized by the university (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.), ensure scores are official and sent by testing agencies. - Complete any Additional Requirements
If selected as a semifinalist or finalist, there may be Zoom interviews or extra essays. - Await Notification
Applicants are typically notified by April 1 (for the Fall intake) of the decision.
Deadline
- Regular Decision + AU EGLS Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 intake.
- Early Decision / Early Action: Some related admission deadlines are earlier (e.g. November 1), but to be eligible for EGLS you must have both the Common/Coalition application and the EGLS essays submitted by January 15.
- Notification Date: Candidates are usually notified by April 1.
Final Thoughts
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for international students who have proven academic excellence and a heart for leadership and social impact. It’s not just about grades—it’s about story, purpose, resilience, and the ability to show how you plan to contribute to your community and the world.
Here are some key takeaways to maximize your chances:
- Start early: Collect transcripts, financial documents, test scores, and draft essays well in advance. Don’t wait for deadlines to loom.
- Tell your story compellingly: Show real evidence of leadership, service, overcoming obstacles, and future goals. Essays are your chance to stand out.
- Be thorough: Every document, every form must be complete, correctly formatted, officially translated if needed, and submitted on time. A missing piece can undo the rest.
- Plan for the uncovered costs: The $4,000 (or so) that EGLS doesn’t cover isn’t trivial. Be ready to show you can cover that and plan your budget realistically.
- Be authentic: Scholarship committees can tell when students are being genuine vs when they’re just telling what they think the committee wants to hear. Use your own voice, be real.
If you fit the eligibility, are passionate about impact in your home/community, and are willing to put in the effort, this scholarship can change your life. It can open doors academically, professionally, personally—giving you a platform to learn, grow, and give back.
