Also, the university offers partial scholarships up to $40,000 per year.
International students who show leadership potential, financial need and are committed to changing the world are recognized with the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2025. The scholarship covers all program expenses including tuition, books, accommodation and airfare.
Recipients will also have access to special resources and opportunities as well as mentorship and support from American University staff and faculty. For international students who want to study in the US, the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a great option.
A new generation of leaders who will change the world will receive ethical leadership training and real world experience through the AU Emerging Leadership program in America.
For prospective applicants, this post is a comprehensive guide that outlines the details, requirements, prizes, documents needed and application process.
Disclaimer Notice: This is a general educational blog, giving out information concerning scholarship, school fees, Cut off marks, student results, admission form, and other school news guides. We are not affiliated with the Government or any educational institution.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for International Students 2025/2026
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) increases international diversity while advancing educational opportunities and access.
Based on sustained good academic performance, the AU EGL scholarship is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study. Students can apply if they are interested in any of the majors that AU offers.
The student body at American University is diverse, representing 123 countries and all 50 states. Many of her students are U.S. citizens attending high school outside of the United States and many are international students which adds a unique perspective to our community of changemakers.
You will be academically challenged at American University and you will have access to one of the world’s most international cities.
American University Global Leader Scholarship Requirements:
To be considered for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship you must meet the following:
- Be a student from a diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic background or an international student who has overcome many obstacles and challenges.
- a minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 which puts you in the top 10% of your graduating class for grades 9-12.
- a proven commitment to community service, leadership, volunteering and changing the lives of people in your home country.
Students with:
1. 95+ on the TOEFL iBT (every subscore needs to be 20 or higher) 2. Sub-scores of 24+ on the TOEFL, which is administered on paper, after May 31, 2023 3. 7.0+ IELTS (every subscore needs to be at least 6.0) 4. At least 33 SAT ACT English reading subscore of at least 29 and a minimum of 65 PTE 125+ Duolingo (every subscore needs to be at least 115) 5. English proficiency of 185 or above on the Cambridge Assessment. Every subscore needs to be at least 169
- students who will graduate by June 2025 and are now enrolled in secondary or high school.
- Important: IB students should aim to get a full IB diploma with at least three HL subjects upon graduation. Before August 2025, students enrolled in the British A-Levels system must have completed 13 years of coursework and at least three A levels.
AU Global Leader Scholarship Duration and Award
- One internationally student who requires a non-immigrant visa (ideally an F-1 or J-1 student visa) in order to study in the United States is eligible for the AU EGL scholarship, which covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, housing, and board).
- Non-billable expenses like required health insurance, books, airfare, taxes, and other incidental fees (about US$4,000 annually) are not covered by the scholarship.
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2025 Eligibility:
- Enrolled in high school or secondary school and graduating by June 2025.
- US nationals and students studying in the US are not eligible.
- IB students should take at least three HL subjects and graduate with a full diploma.
- British students should earn three A levels after 13 years of study.
- committed to serving the community, volunteering, and leading in the home country.
- Students from diverse, disadvantaged backgrounds who have faced many challenges will be given preference.
English language requirements:
- TOEFL IBT score of 95 or higher with sub-scores of 24 or higher in the paper-based version and 20 or higher in the other categories.* 6.0 IELTS
- 33 SAT Reading
- 29 ACT English
- 65 PTE
- 120+ Duolingo (every subscore 110+)
- 169+ (every subscore 185+)
Required Documents:
- Application form.
- Language proficiency.
- Financial certificates.
How To Apply for American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for International Students 2025
To apply for 2025 American University Global Leader Scholarship, follow;
- Click the icon below to access American University scholarship page.
- Submit your Common or Coalition application together with all supporting documents by December 1, 2024 if you want to be considered for AU EGLS full or partial scholarships.
- Apply for AU EGL Scholarship and submit your essays through your applicant portal by December 1, 2024 deadline.
- Finish Step 1 before submitting AU EGLS application.
- Late applications will not be considered.
FAQs on American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for International Students
1. How does American University measure the long-term impact an applicant hopes to create after graduation?
American University wants students who want to make real changes in their home countries after their studies. The committee looks closely at your long-term goals, especially how realistic and thoughtful your plans are. If you write you want to “help your country”, that’s not enough. You must clearly explain what kind of change you want to bring, who it will benefit and how you will do it. Whether you want to improve education, healthcare, law or environment, you should show you’ve already taken small steps or have ideas that can grow with the right support. They want to invest in people who will go back and build, not just succeed for themselves.
2. If I had to stop school for a time due to financial or personal reasons, will this hurt my chances?
Not necessarily. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship looks beyond grades and test scores. If you had to take a break from school because of financial hardship, illness, family loss or other serious issues, you should explain your story in your application. The committee respects students who get back up again after falling. What matters most is how you used your time and what you learned from the situation. If you went back to school and kept working hard, that shows strength and maturity. They’re not looking for perfect students—they’re looking for strong, determined students who never give up.
3. Will having a background in activism or social movements help my chances?
It can—but only if it’s genuine and you explain clearly what you did and why it matters. American University wants students who are already helping others, not just people who talk about change. If you’ve been involved in social justice, human rights, environmental protection or other movements, you should share what your role was and the results of your actions. Even if you worked behind the scenes—writing, planning or supporting others—this can show your commitment to change. The key is to connect your past actions to your future goals, showing a clear path of purpose.
4. What if my school or country doesn’t have many extracurricular activities—can I still show leadership?
Yes, you can still show leadership in many other ways. American University understands not all students come from schools with clubs or structured activities. If you helped your family run a business, tutored younger children, took care of relatives or created your own small project in your community—these all count. Leadership is not just shown through formal titles or school groups. It’s about action, creativity and care. If you found ways to help others, improve a situation or lead in small ways, that can be just as powerful as being the president of a club.
5. How can I make my scholarship essay stand out without using big words or complicated language?
To make your essay stand out be honest, personal and specific. You don’t need to use big words to impress anyone. Share real experiences from your life. Tell a story only you can tell. What changed you? What made you care about the problems in your community? What do you want to fix and how will you start? Use simple language, write from the heart and explain why this scholarship matters to you. A true story in simple words is more powerful than a perfect essay with no soul.
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