American University, USA Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 |APPLY NOW|

International students who want to begin an undergraduate degree in the United States can consider the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) 2027. The award is designed for students who combine strong academic potential with leadership, community service and a commitment to positive change in their home countries.

For the Fall 2027 intake, American University in Washington, DC, offers two full AU EGL scholarships covering the university's billable expenses. The university also offers up to eight partial awards worth as much as US$40,000 per year. Applicants should read the funding conditions carefully because the full award does not cover every personal or non-billable expense.

Overview of the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2027

The AU EGLS supports international first-year undergraduate students who intend to contribute to civic and social change. Scholars can pursue any undergraduate major offered at American University, subject to admission and scholarship requirements.

The full scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance and meets the university's renewal conditions.

Scholarship Details

• Host country: United States of America
• Host institution: American University, Washington, DC
• Scholarship: AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)
• Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor's degree
• Eligible applicants: International students who require a non-immigrant student visa
• Fields of study: All undergraduate majors offered by American University
• Full awards: Two
• Additional partial awards: Up to eight, valued at up to US$40,000 per year
• Full award coverage: Full tuition, room and board
• Duration: Renewable for up to four years
• Study mode: On campus
• Application deadline: January 15, 2027
• Expected notification: By April 1, 2027

Scholarship Benefits

Two selected international students will receive an award covering all billable American University expenses, including:

• Full tuition fees;
• University room and board; and
• Renewal for up to four undergraduate years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the university's conditions.

American University also makes up to eight partial AU EGL awards available, valued at up to US$40,000 per year. These partial awards are selected from applicants who complete the AU EGLS process; there is no separate application for them.

Important funding note: The full scholarship does not cover non-billable costs such as mandatory health insurance, books, travel, taxes and miscellaneous expenses. The university estimates these costs at approximately US$4,000 per year. Partial-award recipients may need to demonstrate additional funds for expenses not covered by their award.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should review the university's current rules before applying. The published eligibility conditions include:

• You must be an international applicant who will require a non-immigrant visa, preferably an F-1 or J-1 visa, to study in the United States.
• You must be applying for first-year undergraduate admission.
• You must not be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, pending permanent resident, or dual citizen of the United States and another country.
• You must not already be enrolled in or have begun post-secondary studies at another university in your home country or in the United States.
• You must meet the university's secondary-school completion and English-proficiency requirements.
• Applicants who graduated from secondary school before 2024 are not eligible under the published 2027-cycle criteria.

Preference is given to applicants who have overcome significant challenges, come from underrepresented or socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, and can demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, community service and a commitment to improving conditions in their home countries. Students still in secondary school and expected to graduate by June 2027 are also preferred.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents requested through American University's Common Application and applicant portal. The scholarship process specifically requires:

• Completed Common Application and supporting admission documents;
• AU EGLS application and required essays submitted through the applicant portal;
• Bank letter showing at least US$4,000;
• Completed and signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF); and
• Official English-proficiency test results, where required, sent directly to the university by the testing agency.

Accepted English tests listed by the university include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, LanguageCERT and Cambridge Assessment English. Applicants should confirm whether they qualify for an exemption.

How to Apply for the American University Scholarship 2027

1. Review the official scholarship requirements. Read the AU EGLS instructions and confirm that you meet the international first-year applicant conditions.
2. Submit the Common Application. Complete the American University admission application and upload all supporting documents before January 15, 2027.
3. Open your applicant portal. After receiving the portal invitation, use it to access the scholarship application.
4. Complete the AU EGLS application and essays. Submit the scholarship materials through the portal by the stated deadline.
5. Upload financial documents. Provide the signed AU Declaration of Finances Form and a bank letter confirming at least US$4,000.
6. Arrange official English scores. Ask the testing agency to send your results directly to American University if a test score is required.
7. Monitor your portal and email. Finalists may be asked to complete interviews or submit additional essays. The university expects to notify finalists and award recipients by April 1, 2027.

Application Deadline

The deadline for both the Common Application and the AU EGLS application for Fall 2027 is January 15, 2027. The university states that late scholarship applications will not be considered.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Official scholarship information and the application instructions are available on the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship page. Applicants should use the Common Application and the applicant portal as directed by the university.

Why Study in the USA?

Studying in the United States gives undergraduate students access to a wide range of academic programmes, campus learning opportunities and student communities. American University is located in Washington, DC, where students can engage with a city known for public institutions, international organisations and civic activity. The AU EGLS is particularly suited to students who want to connect their education with leadership and social impact.

Important Notes for International Applicants

• This award is for new first-year undergraduate students, not students already enrolled in a university degree.
• Only two applicants receive the full award; partial scholarships are separate and cover less than the full cost.
• Applicants must budget for non-billable expenses not covered by the full scholarship.
• Meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection.
• Always confirm the latest requirements and dates on American University's official website before submitting an application.

Application Tips

• Use specific examples to demonstrate leadership, service and the impact you have made in your community.
• Explain how your intended major connects with the challenges you hope to address in your home country.
• Start the Common Application early so there is enough time to arrange transcripts, recommendations and test scores.
• Check that your financial documents meet the university's stated requirements.
• Proofread every part of the application and submit all scholarship materials before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2027 is a competitive opportunity for international high-school graduates seeking undergraduate study in the United States. Its two full awards cover tuition, room and board for up to four years, while additional partial awards may provide substantial support. Applicants should pay close attention to the first-year eligibility rules, the US$4,000 financial-document requirement and the January 15, 2027 deadline.