American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)

The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at American University is a prestigious, highly competitive award for exceptional international high school students. It supports leaders with vision who have overcome challenges and demonstrated commitment to civic and social change in under-resourced communities. Recipients become student ambassadors during their undergraduate studies.

🏆 Scholarship Coverage

• Full scholarship: Covers tuition, room, and board at AU for up to four years

• Partial scholarships: Up to USD 40,000 per year for additional outstanding candidates

• Excluded: Health insurance, books, airfare, taxes, and miscellaneous costs (approx. USD 4,000/year)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an international student (not U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen)

• Currently completing secondary/high school, graduating by June 2026

• Academic record: minimum GPA equivalent of 3.8/4.0 or top 10% of class

• Strong commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service

• Test score requirements (one of the following):

  • TOEFL iBT: 95+ (subscores ≥20)

  • IELTS: 7.0+ (subscores ≥6.0)

  • SAT Reading: ≥33, ACT English: ≥29, PTE: ≥65, Duolingo: ≥125 (subscores ≥115)

  • Cambridge English: ≥185 overall (subscores ≥169)

📝 Application Process

• Step 1: Complete the Common or Coalition Application by January 15, 2026

• Step 2: Submit the AU EGLS application and essays through the applicant portal by the same deadline

• Two full scholarships and up to eight partial scholarships are awarded each year

• Selection may include Zoom interviews and additional essay submissions

🕓 Timeline

• Application deadline: January 15, 2026

• Finalist interviews and finalists selected: Late winter

• Scholarship decisions: Announced by April 1, 2026

• Renewal basis: Based on continued high academic performance through four years