No separate application form or process is required for AU merit scholarships.

American University’s merit awards for international students are partial, not full, scholarships. They are based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, excellent communication skills in English, leadership, volunteerism, and community service. No need-based financial aid is available to international students (non-U.S. citizens).

Merit award consideration is highly competitive and the number of scholarships available is limited. For the 2011-2012 academic year, only one-third of all admitted international students received merit awards, which ranged from U.S.$6,000 to U.S.$32,000 per academic year. These funds are renewable for all four years of study based on successful continued academic performance. Similar scholarship award amounts are predicted for 2012–2013.

Important for first-year applicants who wish to be considered for AU’s partial scholarships:

1. Apply for the fall (August) semester, not spring. Fall application deadline is January 15.
2. Make sure your application packet is complete and includes the AU Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form and bank letter.
3. Your CFIS and bank letter must demonstrate that you have at least U.S.$55,289 available for your first year of study, even if you hope to qualify and receive one of AU’s competitive merit awards. Plan to have similar funding available for each additional year of undergraduate study (up to four years total).
4. First-year applicants will be notified of any merit awards together with their admission letter that is sent in the spring.
5. AU merit awards are offered only at the time of admission. There are no further opportunities for AU partial scholarships once you have begun your studies.
6. No increases in scholarship amounts are available from year to year. The initial amount of your AU merit award remains constant for all four years of study.
7. Costs for the 2012–2013 academic year are estimated at U.S.$55,289. This includes tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, insurance and personal expenses. For all subsequent years, expect a 5-6 percent increase per year.

Tip: To be considered for admissions and merit awards, please make sure to submit a complete application packet with all supporting documents, including proof of financial support as stated above, by the application deadline. Incomplete or late applications will lower your chances of being admitted as well as disqualify you from merit scholarship consideration.

Other Sources of Financial Assistance

You may wish to contact the following institutions to seek information on additional sources of financial assistance:

• Your Embassy in Washington, D.C.
• EducationUSA Advising Center in your country
• International Student Organization
• International Student Loans
• Rowe Fund for Students from Caribbean/Latin America (no-interest loan for third and fourth year of undergraduate study)

Applying for a Student Visa

If accepted to American University, students will need immigration documents to present at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the application for an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Study on an F-1 student visa requires an I-20 form, which is issued by AU. Study on a J-1 student visa requires a DS-2019 form, which is issued by the student’s financial sponsor. If the sponsor does not issue the DS- 2019, AU will issue it.

All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an I-20 or DS-2019. For the 2011–12 academic year, total costs are estimated to be U.S.$55,289. For all subsequent years, expect a 5-6 percent increase per year.

If you are currently studying in the United States on an F or J visa and decide to attend AU, you must also submit the “Immigration Transfer-In Form” before your AU I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued.

Please visit International Student and Scholar Services for the AU Cost Guide, sample bank letters, the AU CFIS form and the Immigration and Transfer-In form.

All financial documents must be in English and dated within the past three months to be considered valid.