Academic Opportunities at American University

American University (AU), located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers a world-class education tailored to ambitious Indian students aspiring to study abroad in the USA. With over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven schools and colleges, AU emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, global perspectives, and hands-on experiences. For the upcoming intake in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025, Indian students can explore majors in high-demand fields like business administration, computer science, international relations, and environmental science, which align perfectly with India's growing sectors in tech, finance, and sustainability.

• School of International Service (SIS): Ranked among the top for international affairs, this program is ideal for Indian students interested in diplomacy, global policy, and development. Engage in simulations of UN debates and collaborate on projects addressing South Asian issues like climate change and trade with India.
• Kogod School of Business: AACSB-accredited programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship provide pathways to internships at Fortune 500 companies. Indian students benefit from courses on emerging markets, including India's digital economy.
• School of Public Affairs: Focus on public policy and data analytics, preparing you for roles in government or NGOs. AU's proximity to Capitol Hill offers unique access to policy internships.
• College of Arts and Sciences: Diverse options in STEM, humanities, and social sciences, with strong support for international students through ESL programs and academic advising.

AU's quarter system allows flexibility, enabling you to graduate faster or pursue dual degrees. As an Indian student, you'll find dedicated advisors to navigate the F-1 visa process and credit transfers from Indian institutions like IITs or Delhi University.

Career and Internship Opportunities

Washington, D.C.'s status as the U.S. political and economic hub makes AU a launchpad for global careers. Over 90% of AU graduates are employed or in further studies within six months, with median salaries exceeding $60,000 USD annually— a significant boost for Indian students returning home or staying in the USA via OPT (Optional Practical Training).

The AU Career Center provides personalized support, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs tailored for international students. Key opportunities include:

Opportunity Type	Description	Benefits for Indian Students
Internships	Paid positions at organizations like the World Bank, IMF, or U.S. State Department. AU's co-op program integrates 6-12 months of work experience.	Build U.S. work experience for H-1B visa eligibility; many Indian alumni secure roles in consulting firms like McKinsey or Deloitte.
Networking Events	Annual career expos with 200+ employers, including Indian multinationals like Tata and Infosys.	Connect with AU's 10,000+ strong alumni network, including 500+ from India, for mentorship and job referrals.
Study Abroad Exchanges	Partnerships with universities in India (e.g., JNU) and global partners for short-term exchanges.	Enhance your resume with cross-cultural experience; credits transferable back to Indian degrees if needed.

Indian students often leverage AU's location for summer internships on Capitol Hill, gaining insights into U.S.-India relations that are invaluable for careers in public service or international business.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

AU fosters a research-intensive environment, with $50 million in annual funding. Undergraduate and graduate students participate in faculty-led projects through the Undergraduate Research Initiative, presenting at conferences like the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

• Key Research Centers: The Center for Asia-Pacific Policy offers projects on India-U.S. strategic partnerships, while the Institute for Innovation in Health and Education supports STEM research relevant to India's healthcare challenges.
• Funding for Internationals: Grants up to $5,000 for Indian students via the Global Scholars Program, covering travel to India-focused conferences.
• Innovation Hubs: Access to makerspaces and startup incubators, where Indian entrepreneurs have launched ventures in fintech and AI, supported by AU's venture fund.

For the next intake, apply early to join ongoing projects—many Indian students contribute to publications, boosting PhD applications to top U.S. universities like Harvard or Stanford.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

AU is committed to making education accessible for international students from India. Merit-based scholarships range from $10,000 to $30,000 USD per year, covering up to 50% of tuition. No separate application needed—scholarships are awarded upon admission.

• International Student Scholarships: Based on academic excellence (e.g., 85%+ in Class 12 or 3.0+ GPA), leadership, and essays on global impact.
• Need-Based Aid: Limited for internationals, but AU partners with organizations like EducationUSA for loans and work-study options (up to 20 hours/week on campus).
• India-Specific Awards: The AU India Scholarship provides an additional $5,000 for students from underrepresented regions in India, plus cultural grants for Diwali events.

Total cost of attendance is around $70,000 USD/year, but with scholarships, many Indian students manage with family support or external funding from Indian banks like SBI. Deadlines for Fall 2024: January 15 for priority scholarships.

Student Life and Support for Indian Students

AU's diverse community of 2,000+ international students (10% from India) ensures a welcoming environment. The International Student Services Office assists with orientation, visa renewals, and adjusting to U.S. life—from handling homesickness to celebrating Holi.

• Clubs and Organizations: Join the Indian Student Association for Bollywood nights, cricket matches, and career panels with Indian diplomats. Over 200 clubs, including South Asian Society and Model UN.
• Health and Wellness: Free counseling, yoga sessions, and vegetarian/Indian cuisine options in dining halls.
• Global Engagement: Study trips to New York or Boston, and virtual connections with Indian universities for collaborative projects.

Prepare for your American University journey by applying now for the next intake. AU equips Indian students with the skills, networks, and experiences to thrive in the USA and beyond—your gateway to a brighter future starts here.