American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Overview

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is one of the most prestigious fully funded undergraduate scholarships available to international students in the United States. Offered by American University (AU) in Washington DC, the scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who are committed to civic leadership and who intend to return to their home countries to drive positive change in under-resourced communities.

Nepal qualifies strongly under the scholarship's criteria. Nepal's development challenges — in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance — align directly with what the scholarship looks for in a candidate. Nepali students with strong academic records and a credible track record of community service or leadership are competitive applicants.

American University is located in Washington DC, offering exceptional access to international organisations, US government institutions, NGOs, and global policy environments — an environment particularly valuable for students interested in development, international relations, public policy, or social entrepreneurship.

Both full and partial scholarships are awarded. The full scholarship covers all billable AU expenses including tuition, room, and board. Even students who do not receive the full award may be offered a partial merit scholarship based on academic ability, leadership, and English proficiency.

Eligibility

• International student — not a US citizen, US permanent resident, pending permanent resident, or dual citizen of the US and another country
• Currently enrolled in secondary school and graduating by June 2026 (for the 2026-27 cycle) — the scholarship is for first-year undergraduate students only
• Have not yet begun any post-secondary studies at any university
• Did not graduate secondary school before 2023
• Minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0 or in the top 10% of your high school class
• Demonstrates strong commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service
• Intends to return to home country after completing the degree to serve under-resourced or underserved communities

English Proficiency Requirements

• TOEFL iBT: 95 or above (all subscores must be 20 or above)
• IELTS: 7.0 or above
• Duolingo English Test: 125 or above
• SAT Digital EBRW: 630 or higher (as of March 2023)

Who is Not Eligible

• US citizens, permanent residents, or dual US citizens
• Students already enrolled in or who have begun post-secondary studies at any university
• Students who graduated secondary school before 2023
• Graduate or postgraduate students — this is an undergraduate-only scholarship

How to Apply

The AU EGLS application is a two-step process. Both steps must be completed by the same deadline — late applications are not considered under any circumstances.

1. Submit the Common Application — apply to American University through the Common Application (or Coalition Application) and submit all international admissions supporting documents. This must be completed before you can access the scholarship application. Deadline: 15 January 2026.
2. Submit the AU EGL Scholarship Application — after completing Step 1, access the AU EGLS application and essays through your applicant portal and submit by 15 January 2026. The scholarship essays are separate from your Common App personal statement.
3. Submit supporting financial documents — include a bank letter, AU Declaration of Finances Form, and official English proficiency test scores.
4. EducationUSA or FLEX/YES letter (if applicable) — if you have participated in EducationUSA, FLEX, or YES exchange programmes, include a letter confirming this. It strengthens your application.
5. Finalist interviews — shortlisted finalists may be invited for a Zoom interview or asked to submit additional essays.
6. Award notification — finalists and award winners are notified by 1 April 2026.

AU recommends that EGLS applicants apply Regular Decision for Fall 2026. Some early applicants may be deferred for further consideration for the EGLS award. For queries contact: intadm@american.edu.