2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program | Fully Funded

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) is accepting applications from early-career faculty members at universities across Africa for a funded research residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The program provides African scholars with opportunities for research collaboration, faculty mentorship, academic networking, and access to the University of Michigan’s research resources. Selected scholars will spend several months at the university working on a research or academic project.

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program Summary

• Host Country: USA
• Host Institution: University of Michigan
• Program: African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
• Category: Fellowship
• Eligible Countries: African countries
• Duration: 4–6 months
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Deadline: October 15, 2026

About the UMAPS Program

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program supports promising early-career academics working at higher education institutions in Africa.

During the residency, scholars are paired with a University of Michigan faculty collaborator and gain access to academic facilities and research resources. The fellowship can support work related to research projects, publications, grant proposals, academic programs, and other scholarly activities.

Applications are welcomed from scholars across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the 2027 UMAPS program must:

• Be an early-career faculty member who has taught in higher education for fewer than 10 years.
• Currently teach at a college or university in Africa.
• Hold an ongoing academic position at an African higher education institution.
• Provide institutional support through a recommendation from a department head, dean, or vice chancellor.
• Be available to stay at the University of Michigan for approximately five months.
• Not have previously participated in the UMAPS fellowship.

Preference may be given to applicants with limited international academic experience outside Africa.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholars will receive support that includes:

• Round-trip airfare to and from Ann Arbor.
• Free accommodation with a private room and bathroom in a suite setting.
• Medical insurance.
• Research allowance.
• Living stipend.
• Office or laboratory space where applicable.
• Access to University of Michigan research and academic resources.
• Faculty mentorship and research collaboration.
• Opportunities to present research to the University of Michigan community.

The residency generally lasts between four and six months, with cohorts running from August to December and January to May.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Scholarly program or research proposal of no more than five pages.
• Contact details of a department head, dean, or vice chancellor who will provide the required institutional support letter.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official University of Michigan African Studies Center UMAPS webpage.
2. Review the application requirements and instructions.
3. Complete the appropriate online application form.
4. Upload your CV and research proposal.
5. Provide the details of the institutional representative responsible for the support letter.
6. Submit the application before the closing date.

For the current application cycle, applicants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda have a direct application route.

Applicants from other African countries may need to be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member. The nominating faculty member must complete the required nomination process and provide an endorsement before the applicant receives an invitation to apply.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program is October 15, 2026.

Eligible African faculty members are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposal and supporting documents early.

APPLY HERE