American University (AU) welcomes qualified undergraduate international students who are committed to high academic standards, who are pursuing a rigorous and challenging secondary school curriculum, who have excellent writing skills in English and who are committed to leadership, volunteerism and community service.
How to Apply
To be considered for admission to AU, your application and supporting documents must be submitted by the appropriate deadline and must include all of the following:
- Completed application form
- Application essay of 500 words
- Statement of Interest (50-75 words)—for AU application only
- Academic records
- Two letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, community service and extracurricular activities
- Demonstrated English proficiency (minimum TOEFL iBT 80/ CBT 213/ paper based 550, or IELTS 6.5)
- Completed Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS)
- Application fee of U.S.$60.00
Tip: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above, including the CFIS, must be submitted on time by the indicated deadline. Incomplete or late applications will reduce your chances of being admitted, as well as disqualify you from merit scholarship consideration.
Please note: TOEFL is not required of students attending international or bilingual secondary schools outside the United States for at least three years (grades 10, 11 and 12) where English is the only medium of instruction. A telephone interview may be recommended instead.
The SAT is not required for students educated outside the United States, regardless of citizenship.
Applicants graduating from a secondary school in the United States must submit SAT or ACT scores.
Tip: We strongly recommend that you use a courier service to send your complete application packet to:
International Admissions
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Hamilton Building
Washington, DC 20016, USA
Tel: +1-202-885-6000
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
(for applicants living outside or within the United States and for applicants who wish to be considered for merit awards)
- Early Decision: November 15
- Regular Decision: January 15
Spring Semester
- Students living outside the United States: September 1
- Students living within the United States: December 1
Tip: First-year applicants who wish to be considered for AU merit awards (partial scholarships) should apply for the fall semester.
Early Decision
The Early Decision Plan at American University is an application option for freshman students for whom American University is their first choice. It is a binding program, which means that when you apply as an Early Decision candidate, you agree to enroll at American University, if admitted, in exchange for receiving your admission decision early.
The deadline for Early Decision is November 15, and students will be notified of their admission decision by December 31. In addition, Early Decision candidates who are eligible are also notified of their honors and merit scholarship status at the point of admission.
Remember that as an Early Decision candidate at AU, you may apply to other schools while your application to AU is being reviewed. However, if you are offered admission to AU, you must withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities at that time.
