The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship that covers your full tuition, accommodation, and airfare at American University in Washington, DC. This scholarship offers the opportunity to study in the heart of the U.S. capital while preparing to create change in your home country.
This programme offers an amazing opportunity for international students seeking undergraduate funding in the United States.
But there is a lot more to this scholarship than simply seeing the words “fully funded.”
For the 2027–2028 application cycle, American University (AU) says the scholarship will cover all billable expenses for international students like you, with the award renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided you maintain satisfactory academic performance. The university is also offering additional partial scholarships worth up to US$40,000 per year.
This guide explains exactly what you need to know about the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for the 2027–2028 application cycle, including how to qualify, what the scholarship provides, application requirements, deadline, selection process and more.
At the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap on how to apply and win this scholarship.
What Is the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship created for international students who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive social or civic change in the world.
The university provides the Emerging Global Leader Scholars as part of to be commitment to positive civic and social change and to addressing challenges affecting underserved communities in their home countries.
Meanwhile, it is important you know about the type of application American University is looking for, to help you prepare effectively for this great opportunity.
A high GPA alone do not communicate the entire story because the programme looks beyond that.
Your application needs to show what you have done with your opportunities—and what you intend to do with the education you receive.
Is the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Fully Funded?
The main American University Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship is a full scholarship for billable American University expenses.
For the 2027 cycle, American University states that the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Flight fare
The award can be renewed for a total of up to four years of undergraduate study, inasmuch as the you maintain a good academic performance.
However, there is an important qualification.
The scholarship does not cover every cost associated with studying in the United States.
American University says recipients are responsible for non-billable expenses including:
- Mandatory health insurance
- Books
- Airline tickets
- Taxes
- Miscellaneous expenses
The university currently estimates these non-billable expenses at approximately US$4,000 per year.
So while the AU EGLS is a full scholarship for billable university expenses, applicants should not interpret “fully funded” as meaning they will arrive in Washington with absolutely no personal financial responsibilities.
That distinction can make a major difference when planning your application.
New American University Emerging Global Leaders Partial Scholarships
There is another opportunity offered by this university that you should know about.
American University has expanded the AU EGL programme to include additional AU EGL Partial Scholarships worth up to US$40,000 per year.
The university says there is no separate application process for these partial awards.
Instead, talented applicants who successfully complete the Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship (EGL) process can be considered for the partial scholarships.
If selected for an EGL partial scholarship, you would need to provide proof of additional funds to cover costs not paid by the award, beyond the initial US$4,000 requirement specified by AU.
This means you should not think of the AU EGLS application as an all-or-nothing opportunity.
Even if you are not selected for one of the two full awards, successfully completing the EGLS process can potentially put you in consideration for an AU EGL partial scholarship.
Who can Apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The AU EGLS is intended for international students seeking their first undergraduate degree at American University.
Under the current 2027 requirements, you are not eligible if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Are a U.S. permanent resident
- Have a pending U.S. permanent-residency application
- Are a dual citizen of the United States and another country
- Have already enrolled in or begun post-secondary studies at another university in your home country or the United States
- Graduated from secondary school before 2024
American University also gives preference to students who are still enrolled in secondary/high school and will graduate by June 2027.
What kind of student does American University Want?
The university says preference will be given to international students who:
- Have overcome significant obstacles or challenges
- Come from diverse and underrepresented global or socioeconomic backgrounds
- Demonstrate leadership
- Have a record of volunteerism
- Have participated in community service
- Are committed to advancing the needs of people in their home country
- Meet the university’s English proficiency requirements
- Are graduating from secondary/high school by June 2027
Notice the pattern.
American University is not describing leadership as simply holding a school title.
Your leadership can be demonstrated through community projects, volunteering, entrepreneurship, advocacy, student initiatives, social impact projects, or other activities where you have actually contributed to solving a problem.
Does the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Require Excellent Grades?
Academic performance is an important part of the application, but the scholarship’s published criteria go beyond grades.
The university describes American University EGLS as combining academic excellence with leadership development and global engagement.
That means applicants should think about their application as a complete story.
Ask yourself:
What have I achieved academically?
Then ask:
What have I done outside the classroom?
And finally:
Why does my intended education matter for the community or country I come from?
Those questions can help you move beyond a generic scholarship essay.
If you are still researching how to locate opportunities that fit your academic level, our guide on finding free graduate scholarships explains the broader process of identifying legitimate scholarship opportunities and assessing their actual funding.
What Can You Study With the American University EGL Scholarship?
American University says students interested in all majors offered at AU are eligible to apply for the AU EGLS.
That gives applicants considerable flexibility.
Whether your interests are in:
- Business
- Economics
- International relations
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Public health
- Political science
- Communication
- Environmental studies
- Data science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Journalism
- Arts and humanities
You should focus first on whether the intended undergraduate programme is available at American University and whether your academic and career goals make sense for it.
The scholarship itself does not restrict applicants to one academic field.
What Is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Deadline for 2027?
For the current 2027 application cycle, American University lists January 15, 2027 as the deadline for applicants seeking consideration for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship.
The university’s instructions are particularly important because the process has two steps.
Step 1: Complete your American University admission application
You must submit the Common Application and all required supporting documents before the January 15, 2027 deadline.
Step 2: Complete the American University EGLS application
After creating your applicant portal, you must submit the AU EGLS application and essays through the portal by the same required deadline.
American University explicitly states that you must complete Step 1 before submitting the AU EGLS application and that late applications will not be considered.
For students considering Canada, our guide to university scholarships for international students in Canada provides another route for comparing undergraduate funding possibilities outside the United States.
How to Apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The application process becomes much easier to understand when you separate it into individual tasks.
Step 1: Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements
Before writing essays or requesting documents, check the official American University page for the eligibility requirements.
Make sure you are:
- An eligible international applicant
- Applying for undergraduate study
- Not already enrolled in post-secondary education
- Graduating within the eligible timeframe
- Prepared to meet the English proficiency requirements
- Able to demonstrate leadership and community involvement
This first check can save you from spending weeks preparing an application for which you are not eligible.
Step 2: Choose your American University programme
Research the undergraduate degree you want to pursue.
Do not choose a major simply because you think it sounds impressive to a scholarship committee.
Your academic programme should connect logically with:
- Your previous studies
- Your interests
- Your achievements
- Your career plans
- The problems you want to address in your community
A coherent story is easier to communicate than a collection of unrelated achievements.
Step 3: Complete the Common Application
American University requires international first-year applicants to apply through the Common Application.
The university’s international application instructions require academic records and other supporting materials, and the standard application fee is currently US$75. However, first-year international students applying for the AU EGLS may be eligible for an application fee waiver on a case-by-case basis.
Make sure you follow American University’s international applicant instructions rather than relying on a generic Common Application checklist.
Step 4: Create your applicant portal
After submitting your admission application, follow American University’s instructions to create and access your applicant portal.
This portal becomes important because the AU EGLS application and additional materials are submitted through it.
Step 5: Prepare the financial documents
AU’s current AU EGLS instructions require applicants to submit:
- A bank letter
- A completed and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form
- Evidence confirming a minimum of US$4,000
This requirement is easy to overlook.
Do not leave financial documentation until the final days before the deadline.
Step 6: Submit your English proficiency results
American University requires official English proficiency results for applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.
The current AU EGLS page lists accepted tests including:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test
- PTE
- LanguageCERT
- Cambridge Assessment English
The official score report must be sent directly by the testing agency; students cannot simply submit their own results.
American University’s broader international admissions page currently lists minimum scores of TOEFL 85, IELTS 6.5, Cambridge English 176, Duolingo 120, PTE 60, and LanguageCERT 70, although applicants should check the current AU requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.
That means applicants should check whether they qualify through their curriculum before automatically registering for an English test.
Step 7: Submit the AU EGLS application and essays
This is where you need to communicate the substance of your candidacy.
The university requires the AU EGLS application and essays to be submitted through the applicant portal.
Your writing should make clear:
- Who you are
- What you have achieved
- What challenges you have overcome
- How you have demonstrated leadership
- What community or social problems matter to you
- Why American University fits your academic goals
- What you intend to do with your education
- How your future plans connect to your home country
Avoid turning the essay into a list of awards.
Tell the story behind them.
For students researching U.S. opportunities, our guide to the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students provides another example of how major international scholarship programmes can have very different eligibility rules, academic levels and funding structures.
FAQs About the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Is the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship fully funded?
The main AU EGLS covers all billable American University expenses, including full tuition, room and board, for two international students under the current 2027 programme information. It does not cover certain non-billable expenses, which AU estimates at approximately US$4,000 per year.
How much is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship worth?
The full AU EGLS covers billable AU expenses rather than being advertised as one fixed cash amount. In addition, American University currently offers AU EGL partial scholarships worth up to US$40,000 per year.
How many students receive the full AU EGLS?
For the current 2027 application cycle, American University says the full AU EGLS will cover billable expenses for two international students.
What is the AU EGLS deadline for 2027?
The current American University scholarship application page lists January 15, 2027 as the required deadline for both the admission application/supporting documents and the AU EGLS application.
Is the AU EGLS for Master’s students?
No. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship. Students who have already begun post-secondary study are not eligible under the current requirements.
Can students from any country apply?
The scholarship is designed for international students who need a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, pending permanent residents and dual U.S. citizens are excluded under the current eligibility rules.
Can I apply if I have already started university?
No. American University states that applicants who are already enrolled in or have begun post-secondary studies at another university in their home country or the United States are not eligible for the AU EGLS.
What English tests does American University accept?
The current AU EGLS instructions list TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, LanguageCERT and Cambridge Assessment English among accepted tests. Official results must be sent directly by the testing agency.
Grab the Opportunity Right Away
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2027–2028 is more than an opportunity to reduce the cost of an American undergraduate degree.
It is designed around a particular type of international student: someone who combines academic potential with leadership, community involvement, resilience and a desire to contribute to positive change at home.
The financial package is substantial. The two full AU EGLS awards cover tuition, room and board for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Additional AU EGL partial scholarships can provide up to US$40,000 per year.
But the competition and limited number of awards mean you should approach the application strategically.
Start early.
Research your intended programme.
Document your achievements.
Prepare your English requirements.
Get your financial documents ready.
Develop strong, evidence-based scholarship essays.
And most importantly, do not wait until the deadline is approaching before deciding what your story is.
The January 15, 2027 deadline gives prospective applicants a clear target.
If American University is part of your undergraduate plan, now is the time to prepare.
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