American University Application Fee Waiver and Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026

American University Application Fee Waiver and Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026

American University Application Fee Waiver and Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026

Applying to universities in the U.S. can be costly, but American University (AU) is committed to ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of talented students worldwide. AU offers both an application fee waiver and the prestigious AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) for international students.

Application Fee Waiver at American University

The standard application fee at AU is $75, but qualifying students can apply without paying this fee.

How to Apply Without Paying the Fee (Domestic Students)

  • Log in to the Common Application.
  • Under Member Questions in the General Section, select:
  • “Yes – I qualify for a pre-approved AU waiver.”
  • Submit your AU application separately (if submitting to multiple schools, you must apply to AU independently to use the waiver).
  • Students with a waiver code can also enter it in the AU-specific section of the Common Application.

Learn more about AU application fee waiver

Fee Waiver for International Students

International applicants can only qualify for a fee waiver if they:

  • Apply for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS), or
  • Are referred directly by EducationUSA or other approved non-government organizations.

All other international applicants must pay the $75 application fee.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)

The AU EGL Scholarship promotes educational access, leadership development, and global engagement. It is one of the most competitive scholarships at American University for international students.

Scholarship Coverage

  • Full Scholarship (2 awards annually): Covers full tuition, room, and board for four years.
  • Partial Scholarships (up to 8 awards): Valued at up to $40,000/year. Students must show proof of additional funding to cover remaining costs.
  • Not Covered: Non-billable costs (approx. $4,000/year), such as:
  • Health insurance
  • Books
  • Airfare
  • Taxes and personal expenses

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be an international student requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa.
  • Demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, and community service.
  • Academic excellence with strong English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.).
  • Preference for students from underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Must be graduating from secondary/high school in June 2026 or later.
  • Not eligible if:
  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • You are already enrolled in post-secondary studies

Application Process & Deadlines

  1. Submit the Common Application with all required documents by January 15, 2026.

  2. Submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and essays via your applicant portal by January 15, 2026.

  3. Provide a bank letter and AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) confirming at least $4,000 in funding.

  4. Submit official English proficiency test results.

  5. If selected, participate in Zoom interviews or submit additional essays.

  6. Finalists and awardees will be notified by April 1, 2026.

Apply for AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Why This Matters for International Students

  • The AU application fee waiver for EGL applicants removes an initial financial barrier.
  • The EGL Scholarship provides full or partial funding, opening doors for outstanding students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds.

American University ensures that financial need does not stop international students from pursuing a world-class education in Washington, DC.