American University's merit awards for international transfer students are partial, not full, scholarships. They are based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership 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 2009–2010 academic year, merit awards for transfer students ranged from U.S.$6,000 to U.S.$15,000 per academic year. These funds are only available for two years of study and are based on successful continued academic performance. Similar scholarship award amounts are predicted for 2010–2011.

Important for international transfer applicants who wish to be considered for AU's partial scholarships:

1. March 1 is the preferred deadline for fall (August) and spring (January) semesters.
2. Plan to apply for fall (August) semester. Pending availability of funding, spring (January) semester may also be an option.
3. Make sure your application packet is complete and on time and includes the completed AU Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form. (Your CFIS must demonstrate that you have funds available for your first year of study. Plan to have similar funding available for each additional year of undergraduate study until you complete your degree.)
4. You do not have to submit a separate application for AU merit awards. All qualified transfer applicants who submit complete application packets by March 1 are automatically considered for eligibility for our partial scholarships. Transfer applicants will be notified of any merit awards shortly after they receive an admissions offer.
5. Due to the competitive nature of AU transfer awards, priority will be given to qualified applicants who have successfully completed at least two semesters of postsecondary education prior to applying to AU.
6. AU merit awards are offered only at the time of admission. There are no further opportunities to apply for AU partial scholarships once you have begun your studies.
7. No increases in scholarship amounts are available from year to year. The initial amount of your AU merit award remains constant for all years of study at AU.
8. Costs for the 2009-2010 academic year are estimated at US$51,243. This includes tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, insurance and personal expenses. For all subsequent years, expect a 6 percent increase per year.

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 2009–10 academic year, total costs are estimated to be US$51,243. For all subsequent years, expect a 6 percent increase per year.

* Please visit ISSS for the AU Cost Guide, sample bank letters and the newly updated CFIS form for further guidelines and information.

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