University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Fellowship 2027-2028

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027-2028: Fellowship Opportunity

Applications are open for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027-2028 program. This fellowship is designed for early-career faculty members from African universities to conduct research and collaborate with faculty at the University of Michigan. The program aims to strengthen African higher education institutions by supporting their faculty.

Application Closing Date: October 15, 2026
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Programme Duration: Five months
Stipend: Modest living stipend provided
Minimum Qualification: Early-career faculty member with less than ten years of teaching experience at an African university.
Opportunity Type: Fellowship/Residency Program

About the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program

The UMAPS program brings talented, early-career faculty from universities across Africa to the University of Michigan. The goal is to help these scholars grow their academic careers and contribute to the development of higher education on the continent. Participants are paired with a faculty collaborator at the University of Michigan.

They receive full access to the university’s extensive resources. This support allows them to advance their research projects, work on academic degrees, prepare publications, or develop grant proposals. The program fosters international academic networks and supports U-M’s commitment to global research and teaching collaborations.

About the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines. The university is committed to advancing knowledge and preparing students for leadership roles in various fields.

Through programs like UMAPS, the University of Michigan actively engages in international partnerships. It seeks to contribute to global academic advancement and support scholars from around the world. The university offers a rich academic environment with extensive resources for research and learning.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The UMAPS program accepts applications from faculty members teaching at universities in specific African countries. For this application cycle, direct applications are open to faculty from:

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

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected scholars will benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support their academic and research pursuits. Benefits include:

• A five-month residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
• Pairing with a U-M faculty collaborator for mentorship and guidance.
• Full access to the University of Michigan’s vast academic and research resources.
• Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Free housing, including a private bedroom and bathroom in a suite setting.
• Medical insurance coverage during the residency.
• A research allowance to support scholarly activities.
• A modest living stipend to cover daily expenses.
• Office or laboratory space for research work.
• The opportunity to present their research to the University of Michigan community.

Programme Duration and Location

The UMAPS program involves a five-month residency at the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Scholars are expected to be in residence for the entire duration of the program. Please note that the UMAPS Program cannot accommodate spouses or dependents.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the UMAPS program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an early-career faculty member who has taught in higher education for fewer than ten years.
• Currently be teaching at a college or university in Africa.
• Be employed in an ongoing position at a university or college in Africa.
• Provide an institutional endorsement letter from their department head, dean, or vice chancellor. The application can be submitted while the endorsement letter is pending, but the letter must be received by the deadline.
• Be able to commit to a five-month residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Agree to return to their home country after the program concludes.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic and research potential. Key qualities include:

• A strong academic record and a clear, well-defined research proposal.
• The ability to benefit from collaboration with a U-M faculty member.
• A commitment to returning to their home institution and contributing to higher education in Africa.
• Good communication skills to engage with faculty and present research.
• Adaptability and a willingness to immerse in a new academic environment.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for ambitious, early-career faculty members from African universities who are looking to deepen their research expertise and expand their academic networks. It is suited for individuals who have a clear research agenda and can demonstrate the potential to benefit from a structured residency at a leading global university. The program is particularly beneficial for those who aim to contribute significantly to their home institutions and to the broader academic landscape in Africa.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) uploaded via the online application.
• Scholarly program/research proposal (not to exceed five pages).
• Full name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor who will submit the institutional endorsement letter.

How to Apply

Interested faculty members can apply for the UMAPS program through the provided online portal.

Click here to apply for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027-2028

Applicants should ensure all required documents are prepared and uploaded correctly. The institutional endorsement letter must also be submitted by the deadline.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The program cannot accommodate spouses or dependents.
• Fellows must return to their home country after the program concludes.
• Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary faculty committee.

Closing Date

The closing date for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027-2028 program is October 15, 2026.

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