American University Scholarships for International Students 2026

Yes. American University does have some scholarship support for online study, especially in graduate programs. For example, the online International Relations programs in the School of International Service offer tuition scholarships of up to $20,000.

Generally, American University’s scholarships are not limited to just one subject. For first-year international students, AU’s Emerging Global Leader Scholarship says students interested in all majors offered at AU are eligible, so scholarships can potentially support business, STEM-related fields, humanities, social sciences, communications, public policy, law, international relations, education, environment, and arts-related study. Business is clearly included through Kogod, which offers merit-based scholarship consideration for applicants, including international students. STEM is also represented in AU’s program offerings through science, statistics and data, environment, and technology and security fields. Humanities are represented through language, history, and social sciences. For engineering, AU offers an engineering joint degree with Columbia rather than a standalone traditional engineering school. In the recipient stories, Anna Studilko is a good example of environment and policy funding, while Aktham A. Arabeyat shows law and leadership-related funding.

American University is not limiting most scholarships to only one or two nationalities. Its freshman scholarship page says all admitted students, regardless of nationality, are considered for eligible academic and merit scholarships. For international students specifically, AU also offers merit awards and the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship for students who need a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States, so these awards are aimed broadly at international applicants rather than one nationality. The recipient stories themselves also show variety: Anna Studilko is from Ukraine and Aktham A. Arabeyat is from Jordan.

Usually yes, unless you qualify for a curriculum-based or degree-based waiver. For undergraduate international applicants, AU allows students to prove English either through four years of qualifying English-medium study or through testing such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge English, or PTE. For many graduate international applicants, official English test scores are also required unless a waiver applies. The recipient stories reinforce this strongly. According to Anna Studilko, Fulbright required TOEFL and GRE before she reached AU, and according to Aktham A. Arabeyat, he took the TOEFL and prepared through intensive English courses. So in practice, English testing is often a real part of the pathway unless your academic background already satisfies AU’s waiver rules.

For undergraduate admission, AU does not publish one single universal minimum GPA that guarantees admission. Instead, it emphasizes rigorous college-preparatory coursework, and the admitted first-year profile listed a middle 50% GPA range of 3.6 to 4.06. For graduate programs, many AU pages say the usual standard is around a 3.0 GPA in prior undergraduate study, although some programs may still consider applicants below 3.0 depending on the overall file. The recipient stories add useful context. Anna Studilko explained that her Ukrainian system had no direct GPA equivalent, and she said her education “prepared me to write effective essays,” which shows that strong academic preparation can matter as much as a single converted GPA. Aktham A. Arabeyat came in with a PhD in private law, which made his academic background particularly strong.

I did not find a general American University-wide age limit for scholarships. However, some scholarships do have eligibility rules tied to applicant stage. For example, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is for first-year international students and says you are not eligible if you graduated secondary school earlier than 2023. So the better answer is that AU usually cares more about applicant type, academic stage, and eligibility category than age itself. The recipient stories also suggest there is no broad age ceiling: Anna Studilko applied after years of professional experience in municipal development, and Aktham A. Arabeyat was already a judge and PhD-holder when he studied at AU.

A good profile for American University combines strong academics with leadership, service, and a clear fit with the program. For undergraduates, AU’s scholarship pages emphasize academic achievement, English communication, leadership, volunteerism, and community service. For graduate study, the common baseline is a completed bachelor’s degree, solid prior grades, transcripts, recommendations, a resume or CV, and a strong statement of purpose, though exact requirements vary by program.

The recipient stories make this more personal. Anna Studilko brought a background in English language and literature plus real policy work in city development and environmental strategy, which is why the Global Environmental Policy program felt “perfect for me.” Aktham A. Arabeyat brought a PhD, judicial experience, and what he described as a “clear commitment to public service.” That combination of academics, purpose, and impact is the kind of profile that stands out.

Undergraduate: American University asks first-year international applicants for a completed application, essay, CV or resume, the application fee, official grades 9-12 transcripts with certified English translations if needed, one academic teacher recommendation, demonstrated English proficiency, and an interruption-of-studies statement if the student already graduated from secondary school. Students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa must also submit the AU Declaration of Finances form.

Graduate: The exact list varies by school and program, but the common pattern includes the online application, application fee, transcripts from all institutions attended, a personal statement or statement of purpose, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and applicable test scores. Some programs also require a writing sample, prerequisite coursework, transcript evaluation, or financial/immigration documents for visa processing. Aktham A. Arabeyat specifically mentioned tailoring his personal statement and CV, securing strong letters of recommendation, and preparing for the interview, while Anna Studilko noted that Fulbright required TOEFL and GRE.

Yes. Undergraduate: first-year international applicants normally pay a US$75 application fee, although some students, such as certain AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship applicants, may qualify for a waiver. Graduate: many American University graduate programs list a US$55 application fee, including examples in SIS, CAS, SOC, SOE, and the Washington College of Law LL.M. pages, but graduate fees can vary by program, so it is smart to verify your exact department before applying.