American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, 2026 – Apply Now

The American University in Washington, D.C., USA, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Emerging Global Leader Scholarship. This prestigious award is designed for outstanding international students who aspire to pursue a fully-funded Bachelor’s degree in the United States while demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, civic engagement, and social impact. The scholarship not only provides access to world-class education but also empowers recipients to return home and contribute to the development of under-resourced and underserved communities.

Host Institution(s): American University, Washington DC, USA
Level/Field(s) of study: Any undergraduate study offered at the University
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

Scholarship value: The AU EGL scholarship covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and accommodation). The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, and miscellaneous expenses (approximately U.S. $4,000).

It is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study, based on continued satisfactory academic performance.

Eligibility: The scholarships are  for students from any country who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or dual citizens of the U.S. and another country.

However, preference will be given to:

1. International students who have overcome various obstacles and challenges as well as those from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds.
2. A minimum 3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA (or in the top 10% of graduating class) for 9th-12th grades.
3. A demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and to advancing the needs of people in their home country.
4. Students with one of the following:
   1. 95+ TOEFL iBT (all subscores must be 20 or above)
   2. Sub-scores of 24+ on the paper-based TOEFL (Taken after May 31, 2017)
   3. 7.0+ IELTS (all subscores must be 6.0 or above)
   4. 33 minimum SAT Reading subscore
   5. 29 minimum ACT English
   6. 65 minimum PTE
   7. 125+ Duolingo (all subscores must be 115 or above)
   8. Cambridge Assessment English score of 185 or higher. Each sub-score must be 169 or higher.
5. Students who are still enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating by June 2026.

You are NOT eligible to apply if:

– You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or dual citizen of the U.S. and another country.

– You are enrolled in or have already begun any post-secondary studies at another university in your home country or the United States.

– You graduated secondary school earlier than 2023.

Application process: To apply to the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, you must apply and complete the AU EGLS application. CLICK HERE to begin the application process.

It is important to visit the official website for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. The  official Scholarship Website is: http://www.american.edu/admissions/international/egls.cfm