The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholar Program (AU EGLS) 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding international students who are passionate about leadership, community impact, and academic excellence. The program is designed for young leaders who want to create meaningful change in underserved communities while earning a world-class education in the United States.
AU aims to bring together motivated students from around the world and provide them with the tools, resources, and support needed to become future changemakers. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars lead with vision, serve with purpose, and return home ready to create powerful social impact.
About the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The AU EGL scholarship is a fully funded award that covers all billable American University costs, including:
- Full tuition
- Room and board
- Campus fees
This financial support is offered to two international students who need a non-immigrant student visa (F-1 or J-1).
However, students must pay non-billable costs such as books, health insurance, flights, taxes, and personal expenses, estimated at around $4,000 per year.
The scholarship is renewable for four years as long as the scholar maintains strong academic performance.
Students from any major offered at American University are welcome to apply.
Also Apply For: Atlantic Fellows Equity Program 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)
New Partial Scholarships Added
In addition to the two fully funded awards, AU now offers up to eight partial scholarships, valued at up to $40,000 per year.
There is no separate application for the partial scholarship; selection is automatic for eligible applicants.
Partial scholarship recipients must show proof of financial support for any remaining balance. For example, if offered $40,000 per year, the student must demonstrate $42,000 in available funds for their first year.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You cannot apply if:
- You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or dual U.S. citizen
- You have started or completed post-secondary studies
- You finished high school before 2023
Application Process for 2026
The AU EGLS selection process has two required steps:
Step 1: Submit the Common Application
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Include:
- Required supporting documents
- English-translated transcripts
Step 2: Complete the AU EGL Scholarship Application
Deadline: January 15, 2026
This step can only be started after completing Step 1.
Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2026.
Preference Is Given To Students Who:
- Come from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds
- Demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and community service
- Show commitment to improving their home country
- Meet AU’s English proficiency standards
- Are graduating from secondary school by June 2026
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Official English proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge)
- A bank letter showing at least $4,000
- The AU Declaration of Finances Form
- (If applicable) A recommendation letter from an EducationUSA adviser or a U.S. State Department program
Semi-finalists may be invited for a Zoom interview or asked to submit additional essays.
Applicants not selected as finalists may still receive admission to AU and be considered for partial merit scholarships.
Why Apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The program opens the door to:
- A top-quality U.S. education
- Leadership development and global engagement
- A diverse international community
- Opportunities to build impactful projects
- Becoming a leader dedicated to social change
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars leave the university prepared to serve their communities and inspire future generations.
For more information, visit the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholar official website.
