African Presidential Scholars Program 2027 Abstract & Quick Facts

Fellowship Host: University of Michigan
Host Country: USA
Category: Fellowships 
Benefits: Full Scholarship • Accommodation• Monthly Stipend • Research Allowance • Medical Insurance
Eligibility: Early Career Researcher from 50+ African Countries
Deadline: October 15, 2026

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2027 Details

he 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.

African Presidential Scholars Program Benefits

UMAPS Fellows will receive:

• Four to six months residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, paired with a faculty mentor with full access to the university’s resources
• Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Free housing (private room & bath in a suite setting), medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest stipend to cover living costs.
• Office/Laboratory space
• Opportunity to present research to the U-M community
• Scholars are paired with a faculty collaborator during their stay and have full access to the University of Michigan’s (U-M) resources to further their work on a research project, an academic degree, publications, grant proposal, or other relevant activity.

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program Requirements

To be considered for the UMAPS 2027, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• 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.

Required Documents for University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program

To complete your application, prepare the following documents in advance:

• Complete the online application form » (IN THIS APPLICATION CYCLE, this link can only be used by applicants from the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda)
• Upload a curriculum vitae using the online application
• Upload a scholarly program/research proposal (not to exceed five pages). Applications from a wide range of disciplines and schools are welcome; applications that align with the center’s disciplinary initiatives—AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa—are encouraged
• Provide complete name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution who will be writing their letter of support
• Applications will be reviewed after the closing date on October 15. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

How To Apply for African Presidential Scholars Program 2027

The step-by-step guide to apply for the UMAPS 2027 is as follows;

• Visit the official application portal (Click the link below).
• Complete the online application form. 
  IN THIS APPLICATION CYCLE, the form can only be used by applicants from the following countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Uganda.
• Upload the required documents.
• For applicants from outside Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, a nomination is required and needs to be completed by a U-M faculty member familiar with the work of the prospective applicant. The nominating faculty must:
  • Complete the online pre-application form (includes required nomination letter request to University of Michigan faculty).
  • Submit /upload a letter of endorsement that indicates their willingness to serve as a mentor during the length of the residency, commit to meet regularly, and if possible, provide office space for the prospective participant
• Submit your application by the deadline.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

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