University of Michigan African Studies Center · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Applications are open for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027 to 2028, an academic fellowship that brings early career faculty members from African universities to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, United States. The programme aims to strengthen African higher education by supporting faculty research, encouraging international academic collaboration, and helping scholars develop their own research agendas.
Organised by the University of Michigan African Studies Center, UMAPS provides scholars with the opportunity to work alongside University of Michigan faculty collaborators, access academic resources, and participate in a vibrant research community. The fellowship is intended for academics who want to advance their research, produce scholarly publications, develop grant proposals, and build lasting professional connections.
The programme welcomes applications from a broad range of academic disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. Applicants whose work aligns with the university’s African Heritage and Humanities Initiative, African Social Research Initiative, or STEM Africa initiative are particularly encouraged to apply.
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program was established to strengthen academic institutions across Africa while fostering mutually beneficial research partnerships between African universities and the University of Michigan. Through mentored research, interdisciplinary engagement, and cohort activities, the programme helps scholars develop the knowledge, experience, and networks needed to advance their academic careers.
During the residency, selected scholars work closely with a University of Michigan faculty collaborator on a research project or another relevant academic activity. They can use university libraries, computing resources, and other facilities to support their work. Depending on their academic goals, scholars may develop research manuscripts, prepare publications, pursue research related to an academic degree, or work on competitive grant proposals.
UMAPS also promotes interaction among scholars from different disciplines and African countries. Participants take part in academic presentations, seminars, workshops, and community activities designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and the development of collaborative research relationships.
The programme expects fellows to return to their home institutions with stronger research capabilities, expanded professional networks, and knowledge that can contribute to teaching, scholarship, and institutional development.
Selected UMAPS scholars receive support and access to resources intended to make their research residency productive.
• A stipend to help cover food, clothing, and personal expenses.
• Housing during the fellowship residency.
• Utilities, including wireless internet access.
• Access to University of Michigan libraries and computing facilities.
• A one time research allocation of US$1,000 for eligible academic expenses, such as books, laboratory equipment, or conference participation.
• Access to university facilities and services through a University of Michigan identification card.
• Opportunities to work closely with an experienced University of Michigan faculty collaborator.
• Opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, academic presentations, and selected courses as auditors.
• Participation in the UMAPS Research Colloquium Series and interdisciplinary academic activities.
• Opportunities to develop publications, research proposals, and other scholarly outputs.
• Connections with international researchers and fellow scholars from across Africa.
• Opportunities to build long term academic partnerships and strengthen research collaboration between African institutions and the University of Michigan.
Applicants should review the official programme information carefully to understand which expenses are covered. The programme handbook states that visa fees and certain domestic travel and accommodation costs in the scholar’s home country are not reimbursed.
UMAPS accepts applications from a wide range of academic disciplines. Research proposals that connect with the following initiatives are encouraged.
African Heritage and Humanities Initiative
This initiative supports research in the arts, humanities, and interpretive social sciences, including work examining African cultures, histories, identities, and social experiences.
African Social Research Initiative
This initiative promotes social science research on democratic governance, distributive politics, income dynamics, poverty, gender, health, and development.
STEM Africa Initiative
This initiative supports research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with an emphasis on advancing scientific knowledge and developing solutions to important challenges.
Applicants whose research falls outside these specific areas may still apply, as the programme welcomes scholars from diverse academic disciplines.
Applicants must meet the programme’s academic and institutional requirements.
• Be an early career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system for fewer than ten years.
• Be currently employed in an ongoing position at a university or college in an African country.
• Be actively engaged in teaching or academic work at their home institution.
• Demonstrate institutional support through a recommendation letter from a department head, dean, or vice chancellor.
• Be able to undertake a five month residential stay in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Present a scholarly research proposal that explains the intended academic work during the fellowship.
• Be prepared to work closely with a University of Michigan faculty collaborator and participate in programme activities.
• Have a research interest that can benefit from the university’s academic resources and research environment.
• Not have previously received a UMAPS fellowship.
The programme accepts direct applications from faculty members at institutions in Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
Faculty members working in other African countries may apply only if nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship. The African Studies Center does not arrange introductions to potential faculty nominators.
Preference is given to applicants without extensive international experience outside Africa.
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information before completing the online application.
• A completed online application form.
• An up to date curriculum vitae.
• A scholarly programme or research proposal of no more than five pages.
• The full name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor responsible for providing the institutional support letter.
• A letter of support from the applicant’s home institution.
Applicants from countries requiring a University of Michigan faculty nomination must also ensure that the nominated faculty member submits the required endorsement. The endorsement should confirm the faculty member’s willingness to serve as a mentor during the residency, meet regularly with the scholar, and provide office space where possible.
Incomplete applications will not be considered, and the home institution’s endorsement must be received before the application can be fully submitted.
The programme is designed for early career academics whose research and professional development could benefit from a period of intensive academic engagement at the University of Michigan.
Applicants should present a clear research agenda, explain the significance of their proposed work, and demonstrate how the residency will contribute to their academic development. The proposal should also establish a connection between the applicant’s research goals and the resources or expertise available through the university.
Institutional support, eligibility, the quality of the proposed academic work, and the ability to participate fully in the residential programme are important considerations. Applicants should ensure that their materials are complete and that their research plans are realistic for the duration of the fellowship.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan African Studies Center
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