You are here: American University School of Public Affairs Gap Year AU Gap Admitted Students

A panoramic view of the American University campus with Gap Year students and buildings in the background

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome you to American University and the Gap Program. You will soon be immersed in the nation's capital-the informational capital of the world and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States. This web page will guide you through your next steps as you prepare to join your Gap program cohort soon.

Fall and Spring Program

To enroll in the AU Gap program, please submit your enrollment deposit of $400 online:

  1. Create your myau.american.edu account using your AU ID, which can be found in your acceptance email.
  2. Login to your myAU portal account and go directly to Eagle Finance. Pay your deposit by e-check or credit card.

Final Deadline for Fall: June 15
Final Deadline for Spring: December 1

Please note that this deposit is nonrefundable and will be held in your student account to be credited toward your tuition.

Your academic advisor will provide you with instructions for registration. Once you have received the registration checklist from your advisor, complete the AU Gap Consent & Pre-Registration Form. After you have successfully submitted this form, our staff will register you for classes according to your responses.

Rules and Regulations

All students must adhere to the American University Academic Integrity Code and Undergraduate Student Regulations. Please make sure to review this information before courses begin.

Questions? Gap Team · augap@american.edu · (202) 895-4900

Our dedicated staff will support you throughout your internship journey. Please look for emails to guide you through writing your resume and cover letter and initiating your internship search.

Questions? Karen Carter • kcarter@american.edu • (202) 895-4968

Housing
After you submit your deposit, you will receive more information about your housing options from the Gap team at your AU email. 

Access Your AU Email 

Dining
American University meal plan options


Questions? Gap Team · augap@american.edu · (202) 895-4900

The District of Columbia Immunization Law requires that all students under the age of 26 provide proof of the immunizations listed on the AU Mandatory Immunization Form

You may submit your records via one of the following:

  1.  Upload the immunization record from your physician's office on the AU student health portal.
  2. The completed/signed/stamped AU Mandatory Immunization Form can be submitted via an email attachment to immunizations@american.edu.
  3. The completed/signed/stamped AU Mandatory Immunization Form can be faxed to (202) 885-1222.

Deadline for Fall: July 15
Deadline for Spring: December 15

Questions? Student Health Center

More Information

AU Gap students must be enrolled in a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Your healthcare coverage must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Provides the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the PPACA with no annual limits. A list of the Essential Minimum Benefits can be found here: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/essential-health-benefits/.
  • Contains no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
  • Covers 100% of Preventative Care as defined by the PPACA. A list of these preventive services can be found here: https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/preventive-care-benefits/.
  • Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international, government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be providing coversage at equal limits to the SHIP.

If you do not have an insurance plan that meets these requirements, then you need to enroll in the AU health insurance plan.

Questions? Gap Team · augap@american.edu · (202) 895-4900

Deadline for Fall: August 1
Deadline for Spring: December 15

American University requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all students who reside on campus or come to campus for any reason. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons are considered following existing protocols.

Gap students are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccine information through their student health portal. See here for further instructions on this process. 

Questions? Student Health Center

More Information

American University offers Allianz Tuition Insurance provided by GradGuard™, a service of Next Generation Group. Please read the terms of the policy thoroughly before purchasing. Key details include:

  • Flexible coverage up to $50,000
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Cost of insurance depends on amount of coverage purchased
  • Price is based on cost of non-refundable tuition, fees, room and board
  • Insurance is paid directly to GradGuard and cannot be added to AU student account. 
  • Insurance must be purchased BEFORE the first day of classes.

For complete information and quote – visit the GradGuard website.