OpenFieldAmerican University Dean's Fellowships & Graduate Merit Awards
AU's top merit fellowship awarded to high-achieving incoming graduate students, providing full tuition coverage and competitive annual living stipends to support full-time research in Washington, D.C.
Application checklist & requirements
These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.
- Academic degree / Prerequisites
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in previous undergraduate or graduate coursework.
- English language proficiency
- Academic IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100.
- Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT)
- GRE General Test optional/recommended depending on graduate department.
- Thesis / Research statement
- Demonstrated academic excellence through writing sample or undergraduate thesis.
- Recommendation letters
- Three academic reference letters submitted electronically via the online portal.
How much will it cost? How much funding is available?
- Financial support / stipend
- Fully funded: 100% full tuition waiver plus an annual living stipend of USD $20,000 to $28,000 for doctoral and exceptional master's scholars
- Application fee
- USD $55 application fee
- Tuition / joining costs
- Full graduate tuition completely waived for fellowship recipients.
Dates and verification
- Application deadline
- January 15, 2027 (Priority scholarship consideration deadline for Fall admission)
- Last source review
- 2026-10-14
Important verification note
Facts reflect official American University documentation reviewed 2026-10-14. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.
Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Editorial standards · Report an issue