The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027 is a fully funded fellowship that brings early-career faculty members from African universities to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, United States.
The program supports the development of emerging African scholars by connecting them with international academic networks, faculty collaborators, and research resources.
Scholars have the opportunity to advance research projects, publications, academic work, and other professional activities during their residency.
University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host University: University of Michigan
- Program Type: Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Eligible Applicants: Early-career faculty members at African universities and colleges
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Accommodation, monthly living stipend, medical insurance, research allowance, round-trip airfare, and access to university resources
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2026
University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program Details
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program brings promising early-career academics from African higher education institutions to Ann Arbor for a funded academic residency.
The program aims to strengthen the next generation of African scholars by integrating participants into international academic networks and supporting research and teaching collaborations across different disciplines.
Since its establishment in 2009, the program has hosted scholars from several African countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Gabon, and Zambia.
UMAPS hosts two cohorts each year, with residencies generally running from August to December and January to May. Applicants may indicate their preferred cohort during the application process, although placement in a particular cohort is not guaranteed.
Selected scholars are paired with faculty collaborators at the University of Michigan and receive access to university resources to support activities such as:
- Research projects
- Academic publications
- Grant proposal development
- Progress toward academic qualifications
- Other relevant scholarly activities
Participants may also have the opportunity to present their research to members of the University of Michigan community.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be an early-career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system for less than 10 years.
- Currently teach at a college or university in Africa.
- Hold an ongoing appointment at an African university or college.
- Demonstrate institutional support from their home university.
- Provide a letter of recommendation or support from a department head, dean, or vice chancellor.
- Be available to remain in residence at the University of Michigan for the required period.
Previous recipients of the UMAPS fellowship are not eligible to apply.
Preference may be given to applicants who have not had extensive international experience outside Africa.
Benefits of University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2027
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support during their residency, including:
- A funded residency at the University of Michigan for approximately four to six months.
- Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Free accommodation with a private bedroom and bathroom in a suite-style setting.
- Medical insurance.
- A research allowance.
- A modest stipend to support living expenses.
- Office or laboratory space where applicable.
- Access to the University of Michigan’s academic and research resources.
- Collaboration with a University of Michigan faculty mentor.
- Opportunities to present research to the University of Michigan community.
How to Apply for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program
Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program webpage.
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
- Prepare your Curriculum Vitae and scholarly program or research proposal.
- Complete the online application and upload all required documents before October 15, 2026.
- Provide the required contact information for the department head, dean, or vice chancellor who will support your application.
For the 2027 application cycle, the regular application portal is available to eligible applicants from the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Uganda
Applicants from other African countries may require nomination by a University of Michigan faculty member who is familiar with their academic work.
The nominating faculty member must complete the required nomination process, submit a letter of endorsement, and indicate their willingness to serve as a mentor during the scholar’s residency.
Once the nomination and supporting documents have been received and accepted, the nominated applicant will receive an email invitation containing instructions and access to the appropriate application portal.
Interested applicants can begin the application process through the official program webpage:
📋 Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form
- A scholarly program or research proposal of no more than five pages
- The complete name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor who will provide institutional support
- A letter of support or recommendation from the appropriate official at the applicant's home institution