About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program 2027 provides an opportunity for early-career university faculty members in Africa to undertake an intensive five-month research residency at the University of Michigan in the United States.
Unlike degree scholarships, UMAPS is designed as a research fellowship. Selected scholars spend five months in residence at the University of Michigan, where they focus on their independent research while working closely with a University of Michigan faculty mentor.
The program is intended to strengthen research capacity, encourage academic collaboration, and provide African scholars with access to the resources and research environment of a leading global research university.
The UMAPS application cycle opens annually from August 15 to October 15.
For the 2027 cycle, the African Studies Center (ASC) is also partnering with the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) to expand the program's reach into North Africa. Scholars teaching at colleges or universities in Egypt are therefore welcome to apply.
Faculty members from other North African countries may apply only when they have been nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.
UMAPS 2027 Scholarship Overview
Scholarship DetailInformationProgramUniversity of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) ProgramStudy CountryUnited StatesHost InstitutionUniversity of MichiganProgram TypeFellowship / Research ResidencyDurationFive monthsApplication PeriodAugust 15 – October 15, 2026Application Deadline15 October 2026Eligible ApplicantsEarly-career African university facultyGenderMen and WomenFundingFully funded program
What Does the UMAPS Program Offer?
The UMAPS program offers selected scholars the opportunity to spend five months in Ann Arbor, Michigan, undertaking independent research at the University of Michigan.
During the residency, scholars work with a University of Michigan faculty mentor while benefiting from the university's academic and research environment.
The program is therefore different from a traditional master's or doctoral scholarship. Participants are not being funded to pursue a new degree. Instead, the fellowship provides an opportunity to dedicate an extended period to research and academic development.
UMAPS Cohorts
The program hosts two cohorts each year:
August through December
January through May
There is one application round for both cohorts.
Applicants can indicate their preferred cohort during the application process. However, preference for a particular cohort does not guarantee placement in that cohort if the applicant is selected.
Eligible Countries for Direct Applications
Direct applications are accepted from faculty members currently teaching at colleges or universities in the following African countries:
Botswana
Cameroon
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
Rwanda
South Africa
Uganda
Faculty members from other African countries may apply only if they are nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.
Applicants should note that the African Studies Center cannot arrange introductions between applicants and University of Michigan faculty members. It also does not recommend that applicants contact U-M faculty directly for this purpose.
Who Is Eligible for the UMAPS Fellowship?
Applicants must meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Early-Career Faculty
Applicants must be early-career faculty members who have taught in the higher education system for fewer than ten years.
They must also currently be teaching at a college or university in Africa.
Applicants must be employed in an ongoing position at an African university or college at the time of application.
Support From the Home Institution
Applicants must demonstrate institutional support for their participation in the fellowship.
This requires a letter of recommendation from the head of department, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant's home institution.
The institutional endorsement is an important part of the application. Applicants will not be able to fully submit their application until the required endorsement from their home university has been received.
Five-Month Residency Requirement
Successful applicants must be able to remain in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for five months during their fellowship period.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their professional and personal circumstances allow them to participate in the full residency.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Previous recipients of the UMAPS fellowship are not eligible to apply again.
The program also gives preference to applicants who have not had extensive international experience outside the African continent.
This preference should be taken into consideration by prospective applicants when assessing their suitability for the programme.
How to apply