University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027 for Study in the United States (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from outstanding early-career faculty members teaching at African colleges and universities. Hosted by the African Studies Center (ASC) at the University of Michigan, this prestigious residential fellowship provides scholars with five months in Ann Arbor to advance their research, collaborate with leading academics, and strengthen institutional partnerships between African and U.S. universities.

Designed to support the next generation of African researchers, the UMAPS program creates opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship while fostering long-term academic collaboration across the continent.

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.

Requirements

The fellowship is intended for early-career faculty members currently teaching at colleges or universities in Africa. Applicants must have taught in higher education for fewer than ten years and hold an ongoing academic appointment at their institution.

Direct applications are welcomed from faculty members based in the following countries:

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

Faculty from other African countries may also be eligible, but they must first be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they have an established academic relationship.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must satisfy all program requirements.

Essential eligibility criteria include:

• Current employment as an early-career faculty member at an African college or university.
• Fewer than ten years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Ability to reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the full five-month fellowship period.
• Strong institutional support from the home university.
• Commitment to collaborative research and academic engagement.

Applicants must also obtain a letter of recommendation from their department head, dean, or vice chancellor. The application cannot be fully submitted until this institutional endorsement has been received.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through the official online application system during the annual application cycle.

Applicants are required to prepare:

• A completed online application form
• A current curriculum vitae
• A scholarly research proposal of no more than five pages
• Contact details for the department head, dean, or vice chancellor providing institutional support

Application Timeline

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program