American University’s Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS) is among the world’s most prestigious awards aimed at nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Launched in 2011 by then-International Admissions Director Evelyn Levinson, the program was designed to break down barriers for outstanding students from underrepresented backgrounds and to cultivate global citizens who will “achieve, inspire, and serve with vision.” Over its first decade, the scholarship has transformed the lives of students from every corner of the globe, reinforcing American University’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and international diversity (American University).
In this post, we’ll dive into the key features of the EGLS, compare it to other flagship scholarships, examine its broader implications for global education, and offer actionable insights for prospective applicants. Whether you’re still in secondary school, advising students, or simply curious about how elite scholarships shape international leadership pipelines, you’ll find everything you need here.
What Is the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship?
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS) is a fully funded award covering tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan for one outstanding international student each year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study (American University). More than a financial package, EGLS provides:
- Mentoring & Leadership Training: Scholars attend special leadership seminars and connect with AU faculty, administrators, and alumni who guide their civic-engagement projects.
- AU Diplomat Ambassador Role: Recipients serve as university ambassadors, representing AU at recruitment events and on social media, strengthening the campus’s global identity.
- Professional Development: Through internships, research projects, and networking opportunities, EGLS Scholars gain real-world skills to drive positive change in their home communities.
By combining world-class academics with intensive leadership cultivation, EGLS exemplifies how scholarships can go beyond cost relief to actively shape global changemakers.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Meeting the baseline requirements is crucial. Preference is accorded to students who:
- Are International, Non-U.S. Citizens
Must require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States (OYA Opportunities, Opportunities Circle). - Maintain Academic Excellence
- Minimum 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or top 10% of class) for grades 9–12.
- Demonstrate Leadership & Service
- A track record of volunteerism, community service, or civic-engagement activities that address needs in their home country (American University, Scholarships for Development).
- Meet English Proficiency Benchmarks (choose one):
- TOEFL iBT 95+ (all subscores ≥20) or TOEFL PBT 24+ in each section
- IELTS 7.0+ (all subscores ≥6.0)
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing ≥630 (or 33 reading subscore)
- ACT English ≥29
- PTE ≥65
- Duolingo English Test ≥125 (all subscores ≥115)
- Cambridge Assessment English ≥185 (all subscores ≥169)
- Be Current Secondary Students
- Enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating by June of the application year (e.g., June 2025 for Fall 2025 entry) (American University, Opportunities Circle).
- IB/A-Level Specifics
- IB students: full diploma with at least three Higher-Level subjects.
- A-Level students: complete three A-levels and 13 years of education by August prior to matriculation.
Tip: If you’re uncertain about your equivalency (e.g., different national grading scales), reach out to AU’s Office of International Admissions early for guidance.
Application Process & Timeline
Applying for EGLS involves two parallel steps:
- Admission to American University via the Common Application or AU’s online portal.
- EGLS Scholarship Application, which opens in September and requires additional essays and documentation.
| Step | Deadline | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| AU Regular Decision Application | January 15 (2025) | Common App or AU portal, transcripts, test scores |
| EGLS Supplementary Application | January 15 (2025) | Four short-answer essays, resume, leadership statement |
| Financial Documents Submission | January 15 (2025) | Bank letter, AU Certification of Finances (AU CFIS) |
| TOEFL/IELTS Score Submission | January 15 (2025) | Official score reports |
| Finalists Interview | February–March (2025) | Two rounds of Zoom interviews |
| Scholarship Notification | April 1 (2025) | Award letters emailed |
Pro Tip: Since AU’s admissions and scholarship deadlines coincide, start your materials by October to allow time for test scheduling and bank statements.
Comparing EGLS to Other Prestigious Global Scholarships
How does EGLS stack up against other elite awards in terms of coverage, selectivity, and network? Below is a snapshot comparison:
| Scholarship | Coverage | Annual Recipients | Selectivity | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU EGLS | Full tuition, fees, room & board; renewable 4 years | 1 | ~100 applicants → 5 finalists → 1 winner | Leadership, civic engagement |
| Chevening (UK) | Tuition + living allowance, airfare, visa fees; up to 1 year master’s | ~1,500 | 40,000+ applicants globally | Future leaders, policy & diplomacy |
| Fulbright (USA) | Tuition/fees, living stipend, health insurance; 9–24 months | ~4,300 | ~10 candidates per country/year | Cultural exchange, research |
| Erasmus Mundus (EU) | Tuition, travel, living stipend; 1–2 year joint master’s | ~2,000 | Varies by consortium | Academic excellence, mobility |
| Gates Cambridge (UK) | Tuition, maintenance stipend; up to 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (master’s) | ~90 | ~5% admission rate at Cambridge | Leadership, public service |
Insights from the Comparison
- Scale vs. Exclusivity: While Chevening and Fulbright award thousands annually, EGLS’s singular slot heightens its prestige and prospective impact on AU’s campus diversity.
- Renewability & Duration: EGLS’s four-year renewable model contrasts with most one-year master’s scholarships, allowing deeper academic and community engagement.
- Leadership Emphasis: All programs stress leadership, but EGLS explicitly integrates scholars into AU’s ambassadorial network, fostering sustained peer cohorts.
Implications & Insights into Global Education Dynamics
1. Scholarships as Soft-Power Instruments
Governments and institutions deploy flagship scholarships to project influence and cultivate affinity. The U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright and the UK’s Chevening alumni often ascend to policymaking roles, reinforcing bilateral ties. Similarly, AU’s EGLS bolsters American University’s global brand, supporting AU’s strategic goal to enroll 25% international students by 2028.
2. Access & Equity in International Education
By targeting students “from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds,” EGLS tackles historic inequities in U.S. higher education. The fully funded model addresses persistent affordability gaps that disproportionately affect scholars from low-income countries.
3. Leadership Pipeline & Return-Home Ethos
Most global scholarships expect alumni to give back—through cultural exchange or community development. EGLS’s mission mirrors this: scholars commit to improving under-resourced communities in their home countries, creating a virtuous cycle of capacity-building.
4. Post-Campus Impact & Alumni Networks
EGLS alumni form a tight-knit cohort, accessing AU’s global alumni network of 13,000+ international graduates. This network fosters cross-border collaborations, from public-health initiatives in Southeast Asia to renewable-energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Tips for Crafting a Stand-Out EGLS Application
- Tell a Cohesive Story
- Connect personal challenges to future aspirations.
- Highlight a concrete leadership project, its outcomes, and lessons learned.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell
- Quantify impact: e.g., “I led a team of 20 volunteers to teach digital literacy to 150+ rural students,” rather than generic statements.
- Leverage Your Uniqueness
- AU seeks scholars who enrich campus diversity; reflect on cultural experiences or underrepresented perspectives you bring.
- Polish Your Essays & Interview Skills
- Practice concise, authentic storytelling.
- Anticipate questions about global issues, leadership challenges, and your vision for civic engagement back home.
- Engage with AU Early
- Attend AU’s virtual information sessions and reach out to current EGLS scholars or alumni for firsthand advice.
Conclusion
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is more than a financial award—it’s an incubator for tomorrow’s world-leaders. By offering full financial support, immersive leadership development, and a powerful ambassadorial role, EGLS stands out among global scholarships as a four-year, cohort-based, and impact-driven program. For high-achieving international students who have surmounted challenges and are passionate about community transformation, EGLS provides both the resources and the platform to amplify their vision.
If you meet—and exceed—the eligibility thresholds, now is the time to plan your application, showcase your leadership story, and embark on a journey that could redefine your global impact. Best of luck, future Emerging Global Leader!
References
- “Will You Be Our Next AU Emerging Global Leader Scholar?” (American University)
- “Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for International Students” (American University)
- “American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2025–2026” (Scholarships for Development)
- “The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship in USA (Fully Funded)” (OYA Opportunities, Opportunities Circle)