Deadline: January 15, 2026
The American University (AU) Emerging Global Leader Scholar Program 2026 is a prestigious opportunity designed to support exceptional international students committed to leadership, service, and positive social impact. This highly competitive programme offers full and partial scholarships to outstanding applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong dedication to improving their home communities. The American University (AU) Emerging Global Leader Scholar Program 2026 is particularly suited to young leaders aiming to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States while championing change in under-resourced regions.
About the Opportunity
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholar Program enables talented international students to study at American University in Washington, DC. The programme focuses on individuals who are committed to civic engagement, social development, and community transformation.
The scholarship is aimed at students who have excelled academically, demonstrated resilience, and shown clear evidence of leadership potential. Applicants must be ready to contribute positively to their home countries upon graduation.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be international students; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or dual U.S. citizens are not eligible.
- Must be current secondary school students set to graduate by June 2026.
- Must not have graduated from secondary school before 2023.
- Must not have begun any post-secondary studies in the U.S. or elsewhere.
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance and English proficiency.
- Applicants connected to EducationUSA centres or former participants of U.S. Department of State fellowship programmes (e.g., YES, FLEX) must submit a supporting letter from their adviser.
Benefits / Award Details
The programme offers two major award categories:
1. Full Scholarship (for two recipients)
Covers all billable AU expenses, including:
- Full tuition
- Room
- Board
2. Partial Scholarships (up to eight recipients)
Provides up to US$40,000 per academic year.
Note:
The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses, such as:
- Health insurance
- Flight tickets
- Books and course materials
- Taxes and miscellaneous personal expenses
Applicants should budget for approximately US$4,000 per year to cover these additional costs.
Application Requirements / Documents
After submitting the Common Application, applicants will be invited to access the AU applicant portal to complete the remaining requirements.
Required documents include:
- A bank letter confirming availability of at least US$4,000.
- A signed AU Declaration of Finances Form (DFF).
- Official English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, Cambridge), sent directly by the testing agency.
- For EducationUSA-affiliated applicants: an adviser’s endorsement letter.
Semi-finalists and finalists may be asked to participate in a Zoom interview and submit additional essays.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notifications for Finalists & Awardees: By 1 April 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must first complete the Common Application, including all required international student documents outlined by American University. Upon submission, AU will issue instructions for creating the applicant portal account where remaining scholarship materials will be uploaded.
Selection Process
Selection is highly competitive and based on:
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Commitment to community service or social transformation
- Strong academic results
- English language proficiency
- Evidence of resilience or overcoming adversity
- Alignment with AU’s mission for global leadership and development
Additional Information / Terms
- Only two applicants will receive full scholarships, making early preparation essential.
- Strongly recommended: scheduling English tests early and preparing financial documentation well ahead of the deadline.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to return to their home countries after graduation to support development and leadership initiatives.
Host Organisation
American University
Washington, DC, USA
Email: intadm@american.edu
Application Links
🔗 Read More About the Programme
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