Are American University scholarships open for international students?
Yes. The Fall 2027 international first-year cycle is active. General merit consideration happens through the admission application, while AU EGLS requires an additional scholarship process.
Are the scholarships fully funded?
Most American University merit awards for international students are partial, not full. The major exception is the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, which offers two full awards for billable tuition, room and board.
What does AU EGLS not cover?
American University says mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes and miscellaneous expenses remain outside the full EGLS package, at roughly US$4,000 per year.
What is the main deadline?
For the current AU EGLS process, both the university materials and the scholarship application are due by 15 January 2027. Other admission plans have their own dates.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
American University's normal international first-year merit awards are partial scholarships. AU's current page says historical award ranges were US$8,000–US$25,000 per academic year, while its separate AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship can cover full billable tuition, room and board for two students.
Other verified benefits
General international merit awards are partial. AU also offers the separate Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, including two full awards covering billable tuition, room and board plus additional partial EGL awards.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
General AU merit awards do not cover the full cost. Even the full AU EGLS does not cover mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes or miscellaneous expenses, estimated by AU at about US$4,000 per year.
Who is eligible to apply?
International first-year applicants are automatically considered for partial AU merit awards through admission. AU EGLS applicants must complete the separate scholarship process and meet stronger leadership, service, financial and English-proficiency requirements.
General international merit scholarships require no separate scholarship form. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is different: applicants must complete both the university application and the EGLS scholarship process.
Eligible countries
International first-year applicants; AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship has additional international-student conditions.
Language requirements
International applicants must meet American University's English-proficiency requirements. AU EGLS accepts official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, LanguageCert or Cambridge English evidence.
Which documents should you prepare?
- Academic transcripts
- CV or résumé
- Statement of purpose
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- English test certificate
- Two reference letters
How do you apply?
- Apply to American University as an international first-year student.
- Submit all admission documents by the relevant Fall deadline.
- You will automatically be considered for general partial merit awards.
- If targeting AU EGLS, complete its additional application and essays by 15 January 2027.
- Plan for costs that the scholarship does not cover.
Frequently asked questions
Does American University offer full scholarships to international students?
Most AU merit awards for international students are partial. However, the separate AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship currently offers two awards covering billable tuition, room and board, plus additional partial EGL awards. Even the full EGLS leaves some non-billable costs to the student.
Can Pakistani students apply for American University scholarships?
Yes. Pakistani first-year applicants can compete for AU international merit awards if they meet admission and visa-related requirements. Students targeting the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship must also complete its separate application, leadership-focused essays, financial documentation and English-proficiency requirements.