Admissions

Abroad at AU students at the Lincoln Memorial.

Program Requirements

The program aims to attract outstanding students from all over the world. Applicants need to meet the following admission requirements:

• Currently enrolled at the undergraduate level in a university outside the United States.
• Completed one full-year of undergraduate studies.
• Students need to fulfill English Language Requirements.
• All students study in the US on a J-1 "exchange visitor" visa (General Visa Information).

Application Instructions

In order for your application to be complete, you need to submit the materials listed below:

1. Application form. Complete the application form online.


2. Essay answering the question: Why Do You Want to Study at American University? This essay question should be filled in directly on the online application form.

Other than the online application and essay, all other documents must be sent by post to American University, AU Abroad-Abroad at AU, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Rockwood Building , Washington , DC 20016-8039.


3. A clear copy of the photo/identification page of your passport.


4. Official transcript from the university you currently attend (if the transcript is not in English, you will also need to provide a certified English translation)


5. One letter of recommendation from an academic professor on official university letter head.


6. Proof of English Language Proficiency based on one of the tests listed below. Official score reports can be sent directly from the testing agency upon request.
   
   1. TOEFL (minimum: 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 80 Internet based). Institutional code: 5007
   2. IELTS (minimum: 6.5)
   3. SAT I Reasoning Test (minimum: 530 Verbal). Institutional code: 5007.
   4. SAT II Subject Test (minimum: 970 English Language Proficiency). Institutional code: 5007.
   5. Or: two approved academic English writing courses from a US college or university (case by case)


7. Financial documents. You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds available for your academic and living expenses. All documents must be original (no copies) and in English. All documents must be current (can not be more than 3 months old) at the time of application in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability include the following:
   
   1. Official Bank Statement, stamped and signed by a bank official
      sample of bank document 1, sample of bank document 2
   2. Official Bank Letter summarizing account holdings of liquid assets
      sample of bank letter

   If student is being supported by family and the bank documents are not in the student's name , they must be accompanied by letter of sponsorship (including duration, amount, and nature of sponsorship)
   sample of sponsor letter

   1. Scholarship letter outlining the dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship
      sample of scholarship letter

With the exception of the online application and essay, all other application materials must be sent by regular mail. If you choose to fax us a copy of your application materials you must submit the original documents by regular mail as well.

Fax: +1-202-885-1370
or
Mail: AU Abroad-Abroad at AU
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Rockwood Building
Washington, DC 20016-8039.

Please note that all materials must be received by the Abroad at AU office by the application deadline.

 What happens after Abroad at AU receives my application?

1. After we receive your application, we will send you an e-mail acknowledging the receipt of your application materials.
2. Abroad at AU will review your application and send you the admission decision.
3. Admitted students can schedule an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country. For a complete list of US Embassies and Consulates abroad go to: http://usembassy.state.gov/.
4. In the meantime, Abroad at AU will send you your admit packet, consisting of your admission letter, Certificate of Eligibility to assist in applying for your J1 visa, and other information. Make sure you will take all necessary documents to your visa interview.
5. Admitted students need to check the Admitted Students page.