The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious award designed to support international students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership skills, and a commitment to creating positive social change. This scholarship combines financial assistance with opportunities for academic and personal development, helping students become effective leaders dedicated to improving under-resourced communities in their home countries.
Scholarship Benefits
The AU EGLS offers two types of scholarships for 2025:
- Full Scholarships: Covering all billable expenses, including full tuition, room, and board, for two international students who need a non-immigrant visa (such as an F-1 or J-1) to study in the United States. However, non-billable expenses, like health insurance, books, flights, and other personal costs (estimated at about $4,000 per year), are not included.
- Partial Scholarships: Up to eight partial scholarships valued at up to $40,000 per year are also available. Students who receive a partial scholarship must show proof of additional funding beyond an initial $4,000 to cover the full cost of attendance.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, contingent upon the student’s satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, applicants must:
- Not be a U.S. Citizen: This scholarship is exclusively for non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. permanent residents, and individuals not holding dual U.S. citizenship.
- Be in Secondary School: Applicants should still be enrolled in high school, graduating by June 2025, and must not have started any post-secondary studies in their home country or the United States.
- Meet Academic Requirements: Students should have a minimum 3.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or be in the top 10% of their graduating class.
- Demonstrate English Proficiency: Required scores include:
- TOEFL iBT: 95+ (with subscores of 20+)
- IELTS: 7.0+ (with subscores of 6.0+)
- SAT Reading Subscore: 33+ or SAT EBRW: 630+
- ACT English: 29+
- PTE: 65
- Duolingo: 125+ (with subscores of 115+)
- Cambridge Assessment: 185+ (with subscores of 169+)
- Leadership and Community Service: Applicants must show a record of leadership, volunteerism, and community service that aligns with the mission of AU EGLS.
- Educational System Requirements: Students studying under the International Baccalaureate (IB) must complete a full diploma with at least 3 HL subjects. British A-Level students should complete at least 3 A-Levels and 13 years of schooling by August 2025.
Application Process
The application for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a two-step process:
- Submit the Common Application or Coalition Application:
- Complete the application and provide all required documents as per AU’s international instructions checklist by December 1, 2024.
- Submit AU EGL Scholarship Application and Additional Documents:
- Upload a bank letter and a signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (confirming at least $4,000) via your applicant portal.
- Submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or other acceptable English proficiency test scores directly from the testing agency.
- If applicable, provide a letter from an EducationUSA adviser or proof of FLEX or YES program participation to [email protected].
Important: Only applications completed with all supporting documents by December 1, 2024, will be considered. Late submissions will not be reviewed.
Selection and Notification Process
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024.
- Notification of Finalists: By April 1, 2025.
- Semi-Finalist Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may need to complete Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions.
Students who are not selected as finalists may still be considered for general admission to American University and partial merit scholarships. However, they must then submit proof of funding up to $81,620 to cover the estimated first-year costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in high school, graduating by June 2025, and who demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential.
2. What costs does the full scholarship cover?
The full scholarship covers billable costs, including tuition, room, and board. Non-billable expenses, like health insurance, books, and travel, are not included.
3. Are English proficiency scores required?
Yes, applicants must submit official English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) that meet the minimum required scores.
4. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for AU EGLS applications and all supporting documents is December 1, 2024.
5. Is there an interview process?
Yes, semi-finalists may be required to participate in Zoom interviews and submit additional essays.
For more information and application details, please visit the American University EGL Scholarship website.