University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027
Apply for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027, a fully funded residential fellowship for early-career African faculty members. Hosted by the African Studies Center in Ann Arbor, this prestigious five-month fellowship enables scholars to advance independent research while working alongside a University of Michigan faculty mentor.
UMAPS targets early-career academics with fewer than ten years of teaching experience who hold ongoing appointments at African colleges and universities. Direct applications are welcomed from eleven eligible countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, while faculty from other nations may apply through a Michigan faculty nomination.
The program strengthens academic collaboration between African and U.S. institutions and fosters the next generation of African researchers. Applicants submit a CV, a five-page research proposal, and institutional support documentation. Two cohorts run annually (August–December or January–May).
Overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027 |
| Host | African Studies Center (ASC), University of Michigan |
| Location | Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA |
| Type | Residential research fellowship (non-degree) |
| Duration | Five months |
| Eligibility | Early-career African faculty (fewer than 10 years teaching) |
| Cohorts | Aug–Dec or Jan–May |
| Applications open | August 15, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
About the UMAPS fellowship
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program is a prestigious residential fellowship hosted by the African Studies Center (ASC) at the University of Michigan. The program invites outstanding early-career faculty members teaching at African colleges and universities to spend five months in Ann Arbor advancing their research.
Unlike traditional scholarships focused on degree study, UMAPS enables participants to dedicate their time to independent research while collaborating closely with a University of Michigan faculty mentor. The fellowship strengthens institutional partnerships between African and U.S. universities and supports the next generation of African researchers through interdisciplinary scholarship and long-term academic collaboration.
For those seeking other prestigious opportunities to study in the United States, explore the fully funded Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program in the USA.
Fellowship benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Research residency | Five months at a leading global research university |
| Faculty mentorship | Work closely with a University of Michigan faculty mentor |
| Academic collaboration | Access to interdisciplinary research networks |
| Institutional partnerships | Strengthen ties between African and U.S. institutions |
| Full funding | Fully funded residential fellowship |
Eligible countries
Direct applications are welcomed from faculty members based in the following countries:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa |
| East Africa | Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda |
| West & Central Africa | Cameroon, Ghana |
| North Africa | Egypt |
For a broader list of funding options, check out these fully funded scholarships for African students.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for the UMAPS fellowship, applicants must satisfy all program requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment | Current early-career faculty at an African college or university |
| Experience | Fewer than ten years of teaching in higher education |
| Residency | Ability to reside in Ann Arbor for the full five months |
| Institutional support | Strong support from home university |
| Commitment | Dedication to collaborative research and academic engagement |
| Recommendation | Letter from department head, dean, or vice chancellor |
Application timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Fellowship duration | Five months |
| Available cohorts | August–December or January–May |
How to apply
Applicants submit a CV, a five-page research proposal, and institutional support documentation through the official application page.
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Official application page | University of Michigan UMAPS Apply |
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for UMAPS 2027?
Applications open on 15 August 2026 and close on 15 October 2026. Two cohorts run annually: August–December or January–May.
Is Cameroon eligible for direct application?
Yes. Cameroon is one of the eleven countries from which direct applications are welcomed, alongside Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Can I apply if my country is not on the list?
Yes, but faculty from other African countries must first be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they have an established academic relationship.
Is UMAPS a degree programme?
No. UMAPS is a residential research fellowship, not a degree programme. Participants dedicate their five months to independent research alongside a Michigan faculty mentor.
Who qualifies as "early-career" faculty?
Applicants must hold a current teaching appointment at an African college or university and have fewer than ten years of teaching experience in higher education.
What documents are required?
A CV, a five-page research proposal, institutional support documentation and a recommendation letter from a department head, dean or vice chancellor.
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