The programme brings selected early-career faculty from African universities to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a residential research fellowship. Scholars have the opportunity to advance their research, work with University of Michigan faculty and develop international academic connections.
UMAPS 2027–2028 at a Glance
Programme: University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Level: Early-career faculty/researchers
Programme type: Residential research fellowship
Application period: August 15 – October 15, 2026
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Programme duration: Five-month cohorts
Target: Faculty members of African colleges and universities
What Is the UMAPS Program?
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program is designed to support the development of the next generation of African scholars.
Selected scholars spend time at the University of Michigan working on research while becoming part of an international academic environment.
The programme also encourages collaboration between African universities and the University of Michigan.
Who Can Apply?
UMAPS is primarily aimed at early-career faculty members teaching at African colleges and universities.
Applicants are expected to have an academic research project or scholarly programme that they intend to develop during their residency.
The University of Michigan welcomes applications across a wide range of disciplines, with research connected to areas including African humanities, social research and STEM-related fields encouraged.
Eligible African Countries
Faculty members can apply directly if they are from universities in:
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Uganda
Applicants from other African countries may apply through a nomination process involving a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.
Important for Nigerian applicants: Nigeria is not included in the University of Michigan's list of countries eligible for direct applications. A Nigerian applicant would therefore need the required nomination from a University of Michigan faculty member with an established relationship.
What Does the Programme Provide?
The UMAPS programme provides scholars with an opportunity to spend a residential period at the University of Michigan and access the university's academic resources.
Scholars work with faculty mentors and can use their residency to advance research projects, publications, grant proposals and other scholarly activities.
The programme also provides opportunities for academic networking and collaboration between African and American universities.
What Do Applicants Need?
Applicants are required to complete the online application and provide academic information, including:
- A curriculum vitae
- A scholarly programme or research proposal
- Details of their academic institution
- Contact information for the department head, dean or vice chancellor who will provide a letter of support
The research proposal must not exceed five pages.
Applicants from countries requiring nomination must also have the required University of Michigan faculty nomination and endorsement.
Application Deadline
The application cycle closes on:
October 15, 2026
The University of Michigan states that applications are reviewed after the closing date and that incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applicants should therefore prepare their documents early rather than waiting until the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the University of Michigan African Studies Center's UMAPS application system.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and determine whether they qualify for direct application or require nomination.
Official Application Information
University of Michigan UMAPS Application Information
Important Note for Nigerian Applicants
Nigerian academics should pay particular attention to the programme's country requirements.
Nigeria is not currently listed among the countries eligible for direct application. Applicants from countries outside the listed group need a University of Michigan faculty member who already has an established relationship with them to nominate them. The University of Michigan also states that its African Studies Center cannot facilitate introductions to University of Michigan faculty.
Final Thoughts
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program is an opportunity for early-career African academics to spend a research period at a major U.S. university while developing their academic work and international research connections.
The October 15, 2026 deadline gives prospective applicants time to prepare their research proposal, academic CV and institutional support documents.
Before applying, applicants should confirm their eligibility and review the latest instructions on the official University of Michigan website.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Programme requirements, eligible countries and application procedures can change. Applicants should verify all information on the official University of Michigan website before submitting an application.
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