Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program. This prestigious program offers early-career faculty from African universities the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor. UMAPS scholars gain full access to U-M’s exceptional resources, enabling them to advance their work on research projects, academic degrees, publications, grant proposals, or other significant academic pursuits. This program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of African scholars by integrating them into global academic networks and enhancing U-M’s international partnerships across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering to literature to economics.

Apply Now: UMAPS Program Application

Eligible Countries for Direct Applications

Faculty members from universities or colleges in the following countries are eligible to apply directly to the UMAPS Program: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.

For applicants from other African countries, a nomination by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they have an established academic relationship is required.

Program Overview

The UMAPS Program runs two cohorts annually: from August to December and January to May. While there is only one application round for both cohorts, applicants can indicate their preference for either cohort during the application process. However, acceptance into a specific cohort cannot be guaranteed.

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Requirements for Applicants

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

• Early Career Faculty: Applicants should be faculty members who have been teaching in the higher education system for less than ten years and are currently employed at a university or college in Africa.
• Current Employment: Applicants must hold an ongoing position at a recognized higher education institution in Africa.
• Institutional Support: A letter of recommendation from the head of the department, dean, or vice chancellor of the applicant’s home institution is required. This endorsement must be submitted before the application can be fully processed.
• Residency: Applicants must be able to commit to a five-month residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Benefits of the UMAPS Program

Participants in the UMAPS Program will receive several benefits, including:

• Five-Month Residency: Scholars will reside at the University of Michigan, paired with a faculty collaborator, and have full access to U-M’s vast academic resources.
• Round-Trip Airfare: Travel expenses from the scholar’s home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be covered.
• Accommodation and Support: Scholars will receive free housing (private room and bath in a suite setting), medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest stipend to cover living expenses. Please note that the UMAPS program does not accommodate spouses or dependents.
• Research Presentation Opportunities: Scholars will have the chance to present their research to the U-M community.
• Office and Laboratory Space: Scholars will be provided with office or laboratory space, depending on their field of research.

Application Procedure for University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2025/2026

To apply, applicants must:

1. Complete the Online Application Form: Only applicants from Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda can directly access the online application form through the UMAPS Application Portal.
2. Upload Required Documents: Applicants must upload their curriculum vitae (CV) and a scholarly program or research proposal (not exceeding five pages). Proposals from a wide range of disciplines are welcome, and submissions that align with the center’s disciplinary initiatives—AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa—are encouraged.
3. Provide Recommendation Letter Details: Applicants must submit the name and contact information of their department head, dean, or vice chancellor, who will be writing their letter of support. This letter is required to complete the online application process.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date of October 15, 2024.

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Nomination Process for Non-Eligible Countries

For faculty members from countries outside the direct application list, a nomination by a U-M faculty member is required. The nominating faculty must:

• Complete the Online Nomination Form: Accessible only to University of Michigan faculty through a U-M login.
• Submit a Letter of Endorsement: The nominating faculty must provide a letter of endorsement, committing to mentor the applicant during their residency and, if possible, provide office space.

Additional Resources and Information

For further details and to explore the full range of opportunities available through the UMAPS Program, visit the Official UMAPS Webpage.

For more information on the African Studies Center (ASC) at the University of Michigan, which supports this program, please visit: African Studies Center.

You can also learn more about the University of Michigan’s broader international programs and initiatives by visiting their International Institute: U-M International Institute.

By participating in the UMAPS Program, scholars gain access to a vibrant academic community and unparalleled resources, all aimed at furthering their research and academic careers on a global stage.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024

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