
The AU Emerging Leader Scholarship, a transformative study American University opportunity, invites international students to pursue undergraduate degrees at American University (AU), a student-centered research institution founded in 1893 in Washington, D.C. Ranked among the top 100 U.S. universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025), AU hosts 8,000+ students from 150+ countries, offering programs in International Relations, Business, Political Science, Communications, Environmental Science, Arts, and Social Sciences. As a global change architect, these US undergraduate programs foster a multicultural leadership odyssey, empowering scholars to drive civic and social progress in their home countries.
The AU Emerging Leader Scholarship, launched in 2011, emphasizes leadership development, global engagement, and inclusive excellence, encouraging students to spearhead community-focused initiatives. Scholars enroll in AU’s School of International Service, Kogod School of Business, or College of Arts and Sciences, engaging in experiential learning through internships, research projects, and policy simulations. International Relations students analyze global diplomacy, while Business scholars innovate sustainable enterprises. Environmental Science candidates tackle climate solutions, and Communications majors shape public narratives, contributing to international knowledge. With an 85% graduation rate, AU EGL alumni excel as diplomats, entrepreneurs, or nonprofit leaders, supported by networks like the AU Alumni Association and partnerships with UN agencies, World Bank, and D.C. think tanks.
The AU Emerging Leader Scholarship promotes global leadership networking. Scholars collaborate with peers, faculty, and D.C. professionals from over 100 countries, participating in leadership workshops, diversity forums, and community service projects. AU’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Global Engagement Hub foster cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with U.S. educational equity goals. Cultural events, like D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival or AU’s International Week, and student organizations, such as AU Global Leaders Network, enrich the diverse leadership experience, with 15% of scholars launching social impact ventures post-graduation.
Studying in Washington, D.C., scholars experience a multicultural leadership odyssey. They explore landmarks like Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, or Georgetown Waterfront, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Capital Pride, D.C. Jazz Festival, or Marine Corps Marathon deepen engagement. AU’s Tenley campus, with modern classrooms, research labs, and student hubs, supports a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to New York, London, and Nairobi. D.C.’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits.
Join a global cohort to champion leadership excellence, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with AU Emerging Leader Scholarship!
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship in USA:
Host City/Country:
•Washington DC, USA.
Host University:
•American University.
Program Level:
•Graduation level.
Program Duration:
•The duration of the American University scholarships in the USA is four years.
List of Available Study Fields:
•Master of Science in Nutrition Education.
•Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security.
•Master of Science in Health Promotion Management.
•Master of Public Administration and Policy.
•Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.
•Master of Arts in Economics, Applied Economics.
Benefits of the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship in the USA:
•Full tuition, room, and board for two international students needing a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1).
•Renewable for four years based on satisfactory academic performance.
•AU EGL partial scholarships are available, offering up to eight additional awards valued at up to $40,000/year.
Eligibility Criteria of the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship in USA:
1. Students, still studying in secondary or high school education and are expected to be graduated can apply.
2. Students studying in the USA or belonging to the USA cannot apply.
3. Students of the IB system should plan to graduate with a full diploma and should have at least 3 HL subjects.
4. Students of British A levels must complete 13 years of study with 3 A levels.
5. Minimum 3.8 GPA out of 4.0 in 9th to 12th grades.
6. They are committed to exhibiting leadership, volunteerism, community services, and development in the home country.
7. Students who come across many challenges and belong to diverse underdeveloped backgrounds are preferred.
8. The students are exempted from the English language requirement if their MOI is in English in their previous degree.
9. For English language requirements:
10. 95+ TOEFL IBT with sub-scores of 24+ on the paper-based and 20 or above in other categories.
11. 7.0+ IELTS with sub-scores of 6.0 or above.
12. At least 33 in SAT Reading Sub score.
13. At least 29 in ACT English.
14. At least 65 in PTE.
15. 120+ in Duolingo with all sub scores of 110 or above.
16. 185 or above in Cambridge Assessment English with all sub-scores of 169 or above.
17. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Selection criteria for the AU Scholarship for International Students:
•Competitive rating.
•Interviews.
•Quality of essay submitted.
Documents required for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Financial certificates.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in December 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.