American University has opened its Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) for Fall 2026, a highly competitive opportunity designed for international students who don’t just dream big, but plan to take what they learn in the USA and return home to create real civic and social change. If you’ve been leading in your community, pushing through obstacles, and building a track record of impact, this scholarship is one of the most powerful “study in the USA fully funded” doors you can knock on right now.
Benefits Of AU Emerging Leader Scholarship
This scholarship is built to remove the biggest barrier for talented students: the cost of studying in the United States. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship awards two full scholarships that cover all billable American University expenses, including full tuition, room, and board—a rare package for undergraduate students. The scholarship is also renewable for up to four years, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance.
On top of the full awards, AU has introduced something even more exciting: up to eight additional partial scholarships worth up to US$40,000 per year. These partial awards do not require a separate application—students who successfully complete the AU EGL scholarship process may be considered automatically.
One important detail: the scholarship does not cover non-billable costs like mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses. Students should expect to pay around US$4,000 per year out of pocket. If you receive a partial scholarship, you may also be required to show proof of additional funds beyond the US$4,000 minimum, depending on how much your scholarship covers.
Eligibility Requirements
The AU EGLS is meant for students who have the talent to thrive at a top US university—and the heart to take that education back to serve their communities. You can apply if you are an international student who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States, and you are interested in any undergraduate major offered at American University.
Preference is given to applicants who have faced significant challenges or come from diverse, underrepresented, or underserved socioeconomic backgrounds, and who can demonstrate a genuine record of leadership, volunteerism, and community service. You must also meet the university’s English proficiency requirements through official testing results.
However, you are not eligible to apply if you are a US citizen, US permanent resident, pending permanent resident, or dual citizen of the US, if you have already started post-secondary studies in your home country or the United States, or if you graduated from secondary school earlier than 2023. AU also prefers applicants who are still in school and will graduate by June 2026.
Apply: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
Deadline
This opportunity has a strict two-step process, and both steps must be completed on time. To be considered for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (full or partial), you must submit your Common Application and all supporting documents by January 15, 2026, and then submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and essays through your applicant portal by January 15, 2026 as well. Since Step 2 cannot be completed without Step 1, the smartest strategy is to apply early and keep your documents ready. Finalists and scholarship winners will be notified by April 1, 2026.