How to Apply

To be considered for admission to AU, your application and all supporting documents listed below must be received by the appropriate deadline:

Completed Common Application form, including essay and CV/Resume
Common Application Supplement
Academic records with official transcripts and certified English translations if applicable
Two academic letters of recommendation
Demonstrated English proficiency
Completed AU Certification of Finances (CFIS) form*
Bank letter showing at least $55,289 for first year of study and living expenses*
Application fee of U.S.$65

* Non-U.S. citizens who will need a student visa (F or J) only.

No SAT Needed! AU does not evaluate SAT scores for students (including U.S. citizens) graduating from secondary schools outside the United States. Please do not submit your SAT scores to our office.

Important: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above, including the AU Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) and bank letter, must be submitted on time by the indicated deadline. Your file will not be reviewed until all of the above materials have been received by the International Admissions Office. Late applications will significantly reduce your chances of being admitted, as well as disqualify you from merit scholarship consideration.

The Application Form

Complete the application carefully. Please make sure to include your full name (exactly as it is spelled on your passport), date of birth, complete educational history, country of birth, citizenship, current mailing address and a permanent address outside of the United States, even if you are currently living or studying in the United States.

Application Essay

The application includes an important essay section. Please address one of the essay topics suggested in the application. Be sure to take the time to prepare a strong essay that reflects your ability to organize and express your thoughts clearly.

Your Academic Records

Please have your academic records from each secondary school you attended for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades sent directly from those schools to American University in sealed envelopes. These records should be submitted in their original language and accompanied by notarized English translations if applicable. Include any examination results such as IB, GCSE, GCE, Bagrut, Tawjihi, French Baccalaureate, CAPE, Abitur, Attestat or Secondary School Leaving Certificates.

Certain exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, WAEC, GCE, GCSE and CAPE must come directly to our office from the examination board or authority.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters are required. One must come from a teacher; the second letter may be written by your school's college counselor, your principal or headmaster or another teacher. These letters are confidential. Each letter must be in English. Please have your reference sign or place a school stamp across the sealed flap of the envelope.

English Proficiency

Course work at AU requires strong skills in the English language. All applicants (regardless of citizenship) whose first language is not English are required to take one of the following exams and achieve the indicated scores to demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency.

Please submit one of the following:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
1. Internet-based test score of 80 or higher*
2. Paper-based test score of 550 or higher
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
1. Composite score of 6.5 or higher
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
1. Score of 53 or higher

* To be considered competitive, a 90 iBT score of above is recommended.

Please arrange for scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. (TOEFL Code: 5007)

AU Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS)

Important: Total costs for the 2011-2012 academic year are estimated at U.S.$55,289. Please note that AU does not provide need-based financial aid to non-U.S. citizens. AU merit awards are partial scholarships and very competitive. (Only one-third of admitted international students received merit awards this year.) They are based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, excellent communication skills in English, leadership, volunteerism and community service.

Applicants who require a students or exchange visitor visa (F or J) must submit to the International Admissions Office the AU CFIS form and a bank letter showing proof of at least U.S.$55,289 for your first year of studies and living expenses.

These and all other supporting documents must be received by the following deadlines: