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American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is awarded to high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree at American University and who are committed to positive civic and social change.

Provider
American University
Host country
United States
Deadline
January 15, 2027
Region
Americas

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
Funding
Partial
Study level
Undergraduate
Deadline
January 15, 2027

Key eligibility criteria

  • International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial

About the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious award designed for high-achieving international students dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. This scholarship provides an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree at American University in Washington, D.C., a city renowned for its global connections and opportunities for leadership development. The program seeks to attract students who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to civic and social change, and who have faced and overcome various obstacles in their lives. The scholarship recognizes academic excellence and a drive to contribute meaningfully to their home countries and the global community. ## Benefits The AU EGLS is a partial scholarship, typically covering a portion of tuition and fees. While not a fully funded scholarship, it significantly reduces the financial burden of pursuing a degree in the United States. The exact amount of the scholarship varies and is determined based on financial need and academic merit. Recipients also benefit from the enriching academic and cultural environment of American University, gaining access to a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities in the nation's capital. This experience is designed to further develop their leadership skills and prepare them to become impactful global leaders. ## Eligibility To be considered for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Be an international student who wishes to return to their home country to promote positive civic and social change. * Have demonstrated excellent academic achievement and strong leadership potential. * Meet the English language proficiency requirements of American University. This typically involves submitting scores from tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Specific score requirements can be found on the university's admissions website. * Preference is given to students from diverse and underrepresented global backgrounds. * Preference is also given to students who have overcome various obstacles and disadvantages. ## Required Documents While the truncation of the official page prevents a comprehensive list, typical required documents for international undergraduate admissions and scholarships at American University include: * **Official Transcripts:** Academic records from all secondary schools attended. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Typically from teachers or counselors who can speak to your academic abilities and leadership potential. * **Essays/Personal Statements:** These essays are crucial for showcasing your aspirations, experiences, and commitment to global leadership and social change. * **Test Scores:** Standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT (if submitting) and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo). * **Financial Aid Application:** This may include forms such as the CSS Profile to assess financial need. ## How to Apply Since the official page is not directly accessible, the general application process for the AU EGLS would typically involve: 1. **Apply for Admission to American University:** Applicants must first apply for admission to an undergraduate program at American University. This involves submitting the Common Application or Coalition Application and all required supporting documents. 2. **Indicate Interest in the Scholarship:** During the application process, there is usually a section or specific form to indicate your interest in applying for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship. 3. **Submit Supplemental Materials:** This may include additional essays or recommendations specifically for the scholarship that highlight your leadership experience and commitment to social change. It is highly recommended to frequently check the American University financial aid and admissions websites for the Fall 2025 cycle for the most up-to-date and explicit application instructions. ## Key Dates Due to the inaccessible official page, specific key dates for the AU EGLS are currently unavailable. However, based on typical university admissions cycles, prospective applicants should anticipate the following general timeline: * **Early Fall:** Scholarship application opens. * **Mid-January:** Application deadline for both admission and the AU EGLS, aligning with regular decision deadlines. * **Late March/Early April:** Scholarship decisions announced. Applicants are strongly advised to monitor American University's official financial aid website for the exact deadlines for the upcoming academic year. ## Selection Criteria The selection committee for the AU EGLS looks for candidates who demonstrate: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic record and a commitment to rigorous study. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of leadership experience and the ability to inspire and mobilize others. * **Commitment to Social Change:** A genuine desire to address global challenges and contribute positively to their home communities. * **Resilience:** The ability to overcome adversity and challenges. * **Financial Need:** While a merit-based scholarship, financial need is also a significant factor in the selection process. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application and all required documents well in advance of the deadline. * **Highlight Leadership and Impact:** In your essays and recommendations, emphasize your leadership experiences, your passion for social change, and how you envision making a difference. * **Demonstrate Financial Need:** Ensure your financial aid application accurately reflects your financial situation. * **Proofread Thoroughly:** All application materials should be free of errors and presented professionally. * **Meet English Proficiency:** Ensure you meet and ideally exceed the English language proficiency requirements. ## Official Source Due to a permanent link error, the direct official source for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship could not be accessed. Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the main **American University Financial Aid website** at [https://www.american.edu/financialaid/index.cfm](https://www.american.edu/financialaid/index.cfm) for the most current information regarding the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship. It is recommended to navigate within the financial aid section to find details specific to international student scholarships and the AU EGLS.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: January 15, 2027. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship deadline & application timeline

    Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (January 15, 2027). Earlier dates are approximate planning suggestions, not provider milestones or requirements. No cutoff time or time zone is added.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out
      20 Jan 2026

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out
      19 Jul 2026

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out
      17 Oct 2026

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out
      16 Dec 2026

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      January 15, 2027

      Provider deadline information: January 15, 2027. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?+

    International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.

    What funding does the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: January 15, 2027. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: International students who require a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) for undergraduate study in any major, who are graduating secondary school by June 2027, and who are not US citizens or permanent residents.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: January 15, 2027. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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