AUA Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship

Overview

The AUA Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship is offered by the American University of Armenia to students from a defined set of countries in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus, as well as to alumni of the United World Colleges network from any country. It provides financial support toward tuition and fees at AUA for students who combine strong academic records with a demonstrated commitment to volunteering and social contribution.

The scholarship is tied to the Scholae Mundi framework, which treats civic engagement as a core element of the award alongside academic achievement. Since the 2022–23 academic year, selection has prioritized continuing students with strong records and new applicants who demonstrate both competitive scores and a track record of social responsibility. A generic list of community activities will not be enough; reviewers look for documented, consistent engagement with real social impact.

Eligible nationalities are defined by country of citizenship rather than by ethnicity or ancestry. If you are a citizen of one of the listed countries and meet the academic and civic criteria, you can apply regardless of your background. UWC alumni from any country are eligible as a separate pathway. The scholarship is available at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Country of Citizenship

You must be a citizen of one of these countries: Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Russia, Georgia, Iran, Uzbekistan, or the Republic of Artsakh. If you are a United World Colleges alumnus or alumna, your country of citizenship is not a limiting factor; you may apply from any country.

Academic Requirement

Strong academic scores are required. From the 2022–23 cycle onward, new applicants need scores that place them among the more competitive candidates in the pool. A mediocre academic record combined with strong community engagement alone is not enough to qualify.

Civic Engagement

A genuine, documented commitment to volunteering and social contribution is part of the selection criteria. You should be ready to describe specific organizations, projects, dates, and measurable outcomes. Vague references to “community involvement” are not treated as evidence of eligibility.

Ongoing Requirements

To retain the scholarship each year, you must maintain good academic standing as defined by AUA and continue to fulfill the volunteering and social contribution components attached to the Scholae Mundi framework.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Financial support applied toward AUA tuition and fees
• The exact award amount varies by recipient and is determined by AUA; contact the Financial Aid Office for current figures

How to Apply

1. Confirm your eligibility: Verify that you are a citizen of one of the listed countries, or that you have UWC alumni status and can provide verification.
2. Apply for AUA admission: Submit your admission application to your chosen undergraduate or graduate programme. Scholarship consideration requires an admission offer.
3. Contact the Financial Aid Office: Ask AUA's Office of Financial Aid for the Scholae Mundi scholarship application process specific to your intake year. Processes may vary slightly between cycles.
4. Document your civic engagement: Prepare specific, verifiable documentation of your volunteering history and social contribution activities. This is a required element, not an optional add-on.
5. Submit all materials by June 30: Ensure your admission application and all scholarship documents are received by the June 30 deadline for Fall admission.
6. Continuing students: If you already hold the scholarship, ensure your academic record meets AUA's good standing threshold before the annual renewal review.

Required Documents

• AUA admission application and supporting materials
• Evidence of citizenship from an eligible country (such as a passport) or UWC alumni verification documentation
• Documentation of volunteering and social contribution activities, including organizations, dates, and roles
• Academic transcripts and test scores
• Scholarship essay or personal statement as required by AUA's Financial Aid Office for the current cycle

Key Dates & Deadlines

The deadline for Fall admission scholarship consideration is June 30 each year. Continuing students are reviewed according to AUA's internal academic calendar. Contact the Financial Aid Office for the specific dates that apply to scholarship renewal decisions in your programme cycle.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Document your civic engagement with specific projects, organizations, roles, dates, and evidence of social impact rather than broad descriptions
• If you are a UWC alumnus or alumna, mention this clearly at the start of your application and provide your UWC verification early in the process
• Apply for admission as early as possible since scholarship consideration is tied to rolling admission processing
• Ask the Financial Aid Office what the current year's award amount looks like before making your enrollment decision, since the value varies
• Review AUA's academic standing requirements carefully so you understand what you need to maintain once you receive the scholarship

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the scholarship is awarded automatically to all citizens of eligible countries — it is competitive
• Describing volunteering activities in vague terms without naming organizations or showing any measurable social contribution
• Missing the June 30 deadline and expecting to be considered for the same academic year
• Letting your GPA drop below AUA's good standing threshold after receiving the scholarship, without understanding the retention consequences

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AUA Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship apply to students from any country if they attended a United World College?

Yes. UWC alumni from any country are eligible regardless of their citizenship, as long as they meet the academic and civic engagement criteria.

How much does the AUA Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship actually cover?

The amount varies by recipient. The scholarship is applied toward tuition and fees, but the exact figure depends on AUA's assessment and available funds. Contact the Financial Aid Office for current award figures before making your decision.

I am from Georgia. Do I qualify as a citizen of an eligible country for the Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship?

Yes. Georgia is on the eligible countries list.

Can I hold both the AUA International Scholarship and the Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship?

Contact AUA's Financial Aid Office directly to confirm whether these awards can be combined. Scholarship stacking policies are set by the university and may change between cycles.

What happens to my AUA Scholae Mundi Scholarship if my grades drop?

You must maintain good academic standing to retain the scholarship. Falling below AUA's threshold puts renewal at risk. Review AUA's academic standing policy and the specific retention criteria for the Scholae Mundi award when you receive your offer letter.

Is there a separate application form for the Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship?

Contact AUA's Office of Financial Aid. The process may be integrated with the main admission application or involve a separate form depending on the intake year. Do not assume; ask explicitly.

Are students from the Republic of Artsakh still considered eligible given the current regional situation?

The published eligibility list includes Republic of Artsakh citizens. Contact AUA directly to confirm how this is handled for your specific case and what documentation is accepted as proof of citizenship.

What does "commitment to volunteering and social contribution" mean in practice for the Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship?

AUA looks for documented, sustained involvement in community or social projects: organized volunteering with an NGO, community leadership roles, social enterprise work, or similar activities maintained over time. A single one-off event does not meet the standard.

Does the Scholae Mundi Scholars Scholarship cover accommodation or living costs?

No. The scholarship is applied toward tuition and fees only. You will need separate funding for housing, meals, and other living expenses in Yerevan.

Does the scholarship have a minimum GPA requirement for new applicants?

From the 2022–23 cycle, new applicants need competitive academic scores. AUA has not published a single numeric threshold publicly. Contact the Financial Aid Office for the current benchmark used in the selection process.