Scholarships at American University for International Students?

I'm interested in applying to American University as an international student. Can anyone share information about the types of scholarships available for international students there? Are they competitive? Any tips on increasing my chances would be awesome!

American University generously offers several scholarship avenues for international students, and these can be broadly grouped into two categories: merit-based scholarships and need-based aid.

For merit-based scholarships, the most prestigious is probably the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship. This is intended for academically stellar international students who are committed to positive civic and social change. This full-tuition scholarship is indeed competitive, with typically one student selected each year.

Then there's the AU Honors program, a merit scholarship for high-achieving students. This scholarship doesn't cover full tuition but provides a significant amount each year. There are also academic departmental scholarships, awarded by individual departments to outstanding students within their disciplines.

Unlike merit scholarships, need-based aid depends on the family's financial situation rather than the student's academic or extracurricular achievements. For international students, AU provides a limited amount of need-based financial aid based on the family's financial circumstances.

Here are some general tips to boost your chances for these scholarships:

1. Strongly emphasize your academic achievements: you'll need to demonstrate exceptional grades and potentially high standardized test scores (though AU is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle)

2. Showcase leadership and commitment to community: AU values students who show a dedication to civic and positive social change. Seek out and highlight experiences where you contributed to your community or demonstrated leadership.

3. Well-crafted essays: Take the time to write thoughtful, authentic, and polished responses to essay prompts. This is your chance to distinguish yourself from other students and share a compelling personal narrative.

4. Apply early: This not only demonstrates interest in the school, but in some cases, can also increase your chances of securing scholarship funds.

Do note that it's always important to check AU's website for the most recent information, since offerings and requirements may vary from year to year. Each individual scholarship will also have specific application requirements, so be sure to review those carefully.