American University: Emerging Global Leader Scholarship & International Undergraduate Admissions Guide

If you’re an international student aiming for a U.S. university with strong scholarship support and global engagement, American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. offers a compelling opportunity. Not only does AU welcome undergraduates from around the world, it also offers its prestigious Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS) for outstanding international applicants.

What is the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS)?

The EGLS at American University is designed to recognise international students who have shown leadership, commitment to civic and social change, and the potential to contribute positively to under-resourced or underserved communities in their home countries.

• The scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for selected scholars (for students needing a non-immigrant visa such as F-1 or J-1).
• It is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance.
• In addition to full-scholarship awards, AU offers partial EGLS awards valued at up to US$40,000 per year for other highly competitive candidates.

Who is eligible?

International applicants aiming for this scholarship and admission should meet the following key eligibility criteria:

• Must be non-U.S. citizens, non-permanent residents, and not dual citizens with the U.S.
• Must not have begun any post-secondary studies in a university or college elsewhere at the time of application.
• Must be a first-year undergraduate applicant whose secondary school graduation is expected by the given year (e.g., for the 2026 intake).
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, English proficiency, leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to positive change in their home country.
• International students who will require a U.S. student visa (F-1 or J-1) must provide evidence of financial capability (including bank letter and AU’s Declaration of Finances form) even if they are scholarship candidates.

Application Process for International Applicants

Here’s a breakdown of what international first-year applicants need to do to apply to American University:

1. Submit the Common Application (or university-specific application) along with personal statement/essay and all required academic documents.
2. Pay the application fee (currently US$75 for international first-year applicants). Some fee waivers may apply in special circumstances (e.g., certain scholarship programs or EducationUSA referrals).
3. Upload secondary school transcripts (grades 9–12 or equivalent) with certified English translations, if applicable.
4. Provide at least one academic letter of recommendation (teacher) and strongly encouraged a second (counselor/principal).
5. Demonstrate English proficiency via curriculum or accepted test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge, PTE) unless exempt.
6. Financial documentation: For those needing a visa, submit the AU Declaration of Finances form confirming the minimum amount (for example around US$83,680 for first year) even if applying for scholarship.
7. For EGLS applicants specifically, complete the EGLS scholarship application and essay by the scholarship deadline, in addition to the general admission application.
8. Observe application deadlines: For the fall semester, multiple decision plans exist (Early Action, Early Decision I & II, Regular Decision) with typical deadlines such as November 1 or January 15. Spring semester applicants may apply by earlier deadlines.
9. If selected as a finalist for the scholarship, you may be invited to a Zoom interview or required additional essays.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• AU is located in Washington, D.C., which offers extraordinary access to international institutions, internships, global policy environments and cultural diversity.
• The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is among the few that offer full tuition plus room and board for international undergraduates with leadership and global impact potential.
• Even if you are not awarded the full scholarship, AU offers merit scholarships for international students (partial awards) based on academic ability, leadership and English proficiency.
• The international admission process recognises a wide range of curricula and educational backgrounds; SAT/ACT are not required for many international applicants at AU if applying as first-year students.

Tips for Prospective Applicants from Nepal or Similar Contexts

• Prepare early: Collect your transcripts, translate them if required, get recommendation letters, and plan your personal statement highlighting leadership and service.
• Emphasize what makes you unique: Focus on how you have contributed to your community (for example via your entrepreneurship, youth leadership or civic involvement) and how you intend to use your degree to effect positive change.
• Make sure to meet the financial requirement: Even if you are applying for a full scholarship, you’ll likely need to show proof of funds unless explicitly waived.
• Be mindful of deadlines: Especially for scholarship-eligible applicants, missing the January 15 deadline (for many full-scholarship programs) can disqualify you.
• Demonstrate English proficiency if you studied in a non-English medium environment: Get TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores ready or show alternative evidence via curriculum.
• Apply for the correct category: Make sure you apply as a first-year undergraduate and have not already begun university elsewhere.

If you are an ambitious international student wanting to study in the U.S. and make a meaningful global impact, American University and the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offer a high-potential path. While competitive, the scholarship and the generous merit awards make this opportunity very attractive. With thorough preparation and a strong application, you could gain access to a vibrant global learning environment in Washington, D.C.