University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027

The UMAPS application cycle is open annually from August 15 to October 15. ASC is partnering with the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) to expand the program to North Africa. We welcome applications from scholars teaching at colleges or universities in Egypt. Faculty from other North African countries may apply only if nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) program offers a unique opportunity for faculty members to undertake an intensive five-month research residency at one of the world’s leading research universities. Rather than focusing on degree study, the fellowship enables participants to dedicate their time to independent research while working closely with a University of Michigan faculty mentor.

• Table of Content
• About University of Michigan
• University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship
• Requirements for University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship

• Fully Funded Program to the United States.

Requirements for University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program Fellowship Qualification

Direct applications from faculty members of colleges or universities in the following countries:

• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Uganda

Faculty from other African countries may apply only if nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.

Please note that the African Studies Center cannot facilitate introductions to U-M faculty and does not recommend contacting them directly.

The UMAPS program hosts two cohorts per year—August through December and January through May—with *one* application round for both cohorts. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preference for a particular cohort during the application process, but placement in a particular cohort (upon acceptance into the program) is not guaranteed.

*Previous recipients of the UMAPS fellowship are not eligible to apply. Preference is given to applicants without extensive international experience outside the continent.

All applicants must:

• Be an early career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system for fewer than ten years and is presently teaching in a college or university in Africa. Applicants must currently be employed in an ongoing position at a university or college in Africa.
   
• Be able to demonstrate support from a home institution with a letter of recommendation from the head of the department, dean, or vice chancellor.
  
  Please note that applicants will not be able to fully submit their application until the endorsement from their home university has been received.
   
• Be able to remain in residence in Ann Arbor, Michigan for five months.

If you have any questions about eligibility in your specific case, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected].

Application Deadline

How to Apply

All applicants must:

• Complete the online application form. 
  IN THIS APPLICATION CYCLE, the form can only be used by applicants from the following countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Uganda
   
• Upload a curriculum vitae using the online application
   
• Upload a scholarly program/research proposal (not to exceed five pages). Applications from a wide range of disciplines and schools are welcome; applications that align with the center's disciplinary initiatives: AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa—are encouraged
   
• Provide the complete name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution who will be writing their letter of support. This must be submitted before applicants can fully submit and complete their online application.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date on October 15. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

Only applications submitted through the online system will be considered. 

Nomination Process

For applicants from outside Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, a nomination is required and needs to be completed by a U-M faculty member familiar with the work of the prospective applicant. The nominating faculty must:

• Complete the online pre-application form (includes required nomination letter request to University of Michigan faculty).
   
• Submit /upload a letter of endorsement that indicates their willingness to serve as a mentor during the length of the residency, commit to meet regularly, and if possible, provide office space for the prospective participant

As soon as we receive the completed pre-application, which includes a verified U-M nomination, we will send the nominated candidate an email invitation with a link to the full application portal for nominated applicants; please do not use the regular application portal prior to receiving this approval.

For more Information, visit University of Michigan African Presidential (UMAP) Scholar Program webpage.