AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) promotes educational access and opportunity while enhancing international diversity. Bringing together the best of AU—academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement—AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars achieve, inspire, and serve with vision. The AU EGLs are dedicated to positive civic and social change to help address issues faced by under-resourced, underserved communities in their home country

The AU EGL scholarship covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and board) for two international students who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States. The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses which students will need to pay out of pocket (approximately US$4,000 per year).

• Step 1: Applicants who wish to be considered for AU EGLS full or partial scholarships must first submit their Common application and all supporting documents before January 15, 2026.
• Step 2: Submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and essays via your applicant portal by the required January 15, 2026 deadline. You must complete Step 1 before submitting the AU EGLS application. Late applications will not be considered.

You are NOT eligible to apply if:

• You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, U.S. pending 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.

• Completed application, including essay and CV/Resume
• Application fee of U.S. $75
  • Note: Only first-year students applying for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship and/or students referred directly by EducationUSA or other non-government organizations abroad may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver on a case-by-case basis. All other applicants must submit the U.S. $75 application fee. 
• Academic records for grades 9-12 with official transcripts and certified English translations (if applicable), for each secondary institution attended. Students who study in 3-year secondary school systems only need to provide transcripts for those three years.
• One academic letter of recommendation from a teacher is required; one letter from the school counselor/principal/headmaster is also strongly recommended.
• Demonstrated English proficiency
• No SAT or ACT Needed! AU does not evaluate SAT or ACT scores for students (including U.S. citizens) graduating from secondary schools outside the United States.
• Interruption of Studies Statement if you have already graduated from secondary school at the time of application.