Fully Funded American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026 USA; The American University (AU), Washington D.C., USA, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS). This fully funded undergraduate scholarship is designed for international students who demonstrate leadership potential, a passion for community service, and a commitment to bringing positive change to their home countries.
The AU EGLS promotes educational access and global diversity by supporting high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds and regions.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Institution: American University, Washington D.C., USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Eligible Countries: International (non-U.S. citizens)
- Host Country: United States
Scholarship Value
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Room and board (housing and meals)
- All billable American University expenses
Additionally, AU offers up to eight partial scholarships valued at up to $40,000 per year for other outstanding international applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be international students who:
- Have overcome various obstacles or challenges
- Come from diverse or underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 (or be in the top 10% of their graduating class) for grades 9–12
- Demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to leadership
- Active volunteerism and community service
- A clear goal to advance the needs of people in their home country
- Meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 95+ (minimum 20 in each sub-score)
- TOEFL PBT (post-May 31, 2023): Sub-scores of 24+
- IELTS: 7.0+ (minimum 6.0 in each band)
- SAT Reading: 33 minimum
- ACT English: 29 minimum
- PTE: 65 minimum
- Duolingo: 125+ (minimum 115 in each sub-score)
- Cambridge Assessment English: 185+ (minimum 169 per sub-score)
- Be currently enrolled in secondary/high school and expected to graduate by June 2025
- IB students: Must complete full IB diploma with at least 3 HL subjects
- British A-Levels students: Must complete at least 3 A-Levels and 13 years of study by August 2025
- Be in need of a non-immigrant visa (preferably F-1 or J-1) to study in the U.S.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to American University for the Fall 2026 intake.
- Complete the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship application by January 15, 2026.
Not sure how to apply? We’re here to help – click here.
Important Notes
- Only one full AU EGL scholarship is awarded per year.
- Partial scholarships of up to $40,000/year may be awarded to other top applicants.
- This scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, or personal expenses.
