The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to empower international students through academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement. Offered by American University in Washington, D.C., this scholarship enables high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds to study in the USA without financial burden. If you’re seeking a scholarship in the United States for undergraduate studies, this is one of the best programs to consider, read on for full eligibility details and application steps.
The 2026 AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship not only covers full tuition, room, and board but also provides a platform for young leaders to contribute to positive civic and social change. Open to students from all nationalities and academic fields, this competitive scholarship reflects AU’s commitment to international diversity and inclusion. It’s an ideal opportunity for future change-makers looking to study free in the USA while gaining world-class education and leadership experience.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: USA
- Host: American University (AU)
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 15 January 2026
Benefits of the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- The AU EGL Scholarship covers all AU expenses.
- It provides full tuition fee coverage. Hence, making it easier for students to study in the USA.
- Moreover, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers room and board (accommodation).
- The scholarship does not cover other expenses such as compulsory medical insurance, books, plane tickets, and miscellaneous expenses.
- The AU EGL scholarship is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study, based on continued satisfactory academic performance.
- The university also offers eight partial scholarships valued at $40,000 per year.
- It is a fantastic opportunity for students from around the world to pursue education in the United States for free.
Eligibility Criteria for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Preference will be given to international students who have overcome various obstacles and challenges, as well as those from diverse and under-represented socioeconomic and global backgrounds.
- Applicants should have demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteering, community service and advancing the needs of the people in their home country.
- Preference is also given to students enrolled in secondary or high school and graduating by June 2026.
- Students with one of the following will be considered for the AU Scholarship 2026:
- 85+ TOEFL iBT
- 6.5+ IELTS
- 610 minimum SAT EBRW
- 25 minimum ACT English
- 60 PTE minimum
- 120+ Duolingo
- In addition, students in the IB system should plan to graduate with a full IB diploma in at least 3 HL subjects. Students studying in the British A Levels system must complete at least 3 A levels and complete 13 years of study by August 2025.
You are NOT eligible to apply if:
- You are a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident, or Dual US Citizen and Other Country.
- You graduated from secondary school before 2023.
- You are enrolled in or have already started post-secondary studies at another university in your home country or in the USA.
How to Apply for American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Visit the official portal: AU EGLS Application Website
- Complete the online application via the AU EGLS application system.
- Step 1: Submit the Common Application before the deadline (required for eligibility).
- Step 2: Submit the AU EGLS application and essays through the applicant portal.
- Apply under Regular Decision for Fall 2026 to be considered.
- Applicants will be notified by 1 April 2026.
- Upload official English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026 (EGLS) awards full tuition, room, and board to two international undergraduates annually, renewable for four years, with up to eight partial awards available. Open to non‑U.S. citizens graduating by June 2026 who show leadership, service, academic excellence, and financial readiness (bank letter + AU DFF US $4,000). Apply via Common Application + EGLS portal by January 15, 2026.
What is the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS) is a merit-based award for international undergraduate students, awarding full tuition, room and board at American University. It’s renewable up to four years and open to two full‑award recipients annually
Who is eligible to apply for American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
International applicants (not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) graduating secondary school by June 2026 who demonstrate strong leadership, academic excellence, community service, and resilience. Applicants must require a U.S. F‑1 or J‑1 visa
What does American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship cover?
The full scholarship covers all billable expenses including tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plan at AU. It does not cover non‑billable costs like health insurance, books, travel and personal expenses (approx. US $4,000/year)
How long is American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship renewable?
EGLS is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance throughout their program at AU
How many scholarships are awarded?
Each year, American University awards two full Emerging Global Leader Scholarships. Additionally, up to eight partial EGLS scholarships valued at up to US $40,000/year may be offered from the same applicant pool
What is the application deadline?
Applicants must submit the Common or Coalition Application and all required materials, including EGLS essays, by January 15, 2026. Late submissions are not considered
What are the steps to apply?
Step 1: Submit Common or Coalition Application with all documents before Jan 15, 2026. Step 2: Once invited, submit EGLS application and essays via applicant portal by the same deadline
Are test scores required?
Applicants must meet AU’s English proficiency requirements; EGLS applicants submit official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE or Cambridge test scores via AU admissions, as specified in the official instructions
Do I need to prove finances?
Yes. Applicants must submit a bank letter and signed AU Declaration of Finances (AU DFF) via the applicant portal, each confirming at least US $4,000 in available funds to demonstrate financial readiness
What qualities does American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship prefer?
Preference is given to international applicants from under-resourced or underserved regions, who have demonstrated overcoming obstacles, leadership, volunteerism, community service, and commitment to civic and social change in their home countries
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