Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is American University’s flagship undergraduate award for international students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and commitment to positive civic change. The program specifically targets students from under-resourced and underserved communities who will return home to address critical social challenges.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity for fully funded undergraduate study in the United States—particularly valuable given the scholarship’s focus on students who have overcome significant obstacles and who demonstrate commitment to community service.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The AU EGLS provides comprehensive funding for two selected international students:
- Full tuition for undergraduate study
- Room and board (campus housing and meals)
- Duration: Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, contingent on satisfactory academic performance
Students must budget approximately US $4,000 per year for non-billable expenses including mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous costs.
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AU EGL Partial Scholarships
American University now offers additional partial scholarships valued at up to US $40,000 per year. These require no separate application—candidates are automatically considered from the AU EGLS applicant pool. Recipients of partial awards must demonstrate additional funds beyond the initial $4,000 to cover the remaining gap.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Require a non-immigrant visa (preferably F-1 or J-1) to study in the United States
- Are currently enrolled in secondary/high school and will graduate by June 2027
- Have not yet begun any post-secondary university studies
- Graduated secondary school in 2024 or later
- Meet American University’s English proficiency requirements
- Demonstrate commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service
You are NOT eligible if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, pending permanent resident, or dual U.S. citizen
- Are enrolled in or have completed any university-level coursework
- Graduated secondary school before 2024
Preference Factors
Selection committees prioritize applicants who:
- Have overcome significant obstacles and challenges
- Come from diverse, underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Show documented commitment to advancing needs in their home country
- Meet English proficiency standards
Application Process
The AU EGLS requires completion of two distinct steps by the deadline:
Step 1: Common Application
Submit the Common Application with all required supporting documents per American University’s international applicant checklist before January 15, 2027.
Step 2: AU EGLS Application
After submitting the Common Application, create your applicant portal when invited. Then submit the AU EGLS application and required essays through this portal by January 15, 2027.
Critical: You cannot submit the AU EGLS application until Step 1 is complete. Late submissions are not considered.
Recommended Admission Plan
While the scholarship deadline aligns with Regular Decision (January 15, 2027), applicants may also apply Early Action (November 1, 2026). Early applicants may be deferred for further AU EGLS consideration. Finalists and award winners receive notification by April 1, 2027.
Required Documents
- Common Application with all supporting documents for international students
- Bank letter confirming minimum US $4,000 available funds
- Completed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF), signed
- Official English proficiency scores sent directly by the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, LanguageCERT, or Cambridge Assessment English). Self-submitted scores are not accepted.
- AU EGLS application and essays submitted via applicant portal
Semi-finalists and finalists must complete Zoom interviews and/or additional essay submissions.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-885-6000
Fax: 202-885-1025
Address: Undergraduate Admissions, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
Strategic Considerations for African Applicants
The AU EGLS explicitly values students from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds who have overcome obstacles—criteria that align with many African educational contexts. When preparing your application:
- Document specific community service and leadership initiatives in your home country
- Articulate clear plans for applying your AU education to address challenges in Zimbabwe or your SADC nation
- Secure English proficiency testing early, as score reporting delays are common
- Prepare the $4,000 financial documentation regardless of full scholarship hopes, as this is mandatory
If not selected as a finalist, your application automatically receives consideration for general admission to American University and partial merit scholarships.
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships