The 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.
About the UMAPS Fellowship
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. Rather than focusing on degree study, the fellowship enables participants to dedicate their time to independent research while working closely with a University of Michigan faculty mentor.
Fellows become part of a vibrant scholarly community, participate in academic seminars, engage in collaborative research, and contribute to the University of Michigan’s intellectual life. The program welcomes applications from a broad range of academic disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, STEM fields, public health, education, agriculture, and interdisciplinary research.
For the 2027 cycle, the African Studies Center has also expanded eligibility to include scholars teaching at universities in Egypt through its partnership with the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS).
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for early-career faculty members currently teaching at colleges or universities in Africa. Applicants must have taught in higher education for fewer than ten years and hold an ongoing academic appointment at their institution.
Direct applications are welcomed from faculty members based in the following countries:
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Uganda
Faculty from other African countries may also be eligible, but they must first be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they have an established academic relationship.
Previous UMAPS fellows are not eligible to apply, and preference is given to candidates who have had limited international academic experience outside Africa.
Fellowship Structure
The UMAPS program hosts two cohorts each year:
- August to December
- January to May
Applicants may indicate their preferred cohort during the application process, although final placement depends on program availability.
Throughout the residency, fellows remain in Ann Arbor for five months, conducting research under the guidance of their faculty mentor while participating in seminars, workshops, and the UMAPS Research Colloquium Series. The fellowship emphasizes meaningful scholarly exchange and the development of sustainable partnerships between African institutions and the University of Michigan.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must satisfy all program requirements.
Essential eligibility criteria include:
- 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.
Applicants must also obtain a letter of recommendation from their department head, dean, or vice chancellor. The application cannot be fully submitted until this institutional endorsement has been received.
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted through the official online application system during the annual application cycle.
Applicants are required to prepare:
- A completed online application form
- A current curriculum vitae
- A scholarly research proposal of no more than five pages
- Contact details for the department head, dean, or vice chancellor providing institutional support
The research proposal should clearly outline the proposed project, demonstrate academic significance, and explain how the residency at the University of Michigan will strengthen the research. Applications aligned with the African Studies Center’s thematic initiatives—including African Humanities, African Social Research, and STEM-Africa—are particularly encouraged, although scholars from all disciplines are welcome.
Nomination Process for Other African Countries
Scholars teaching in African countries outside the direct application list must follow a nomination process before accessing the full application portal.
The University of Michigan faculty nominator must:
- Complete the online pre-application form.
- Submit a letter of endorsement.
- Agree to serve as the applicant’s academic mentor during the residency.
- Commit to regular meetings and, where possible, provide office space.
Only after the nomination has been approved will the prospective fellow receive an invitation to complete the full application.
Important Dates
The UMAPS application cycle opens annually from 15 August to 15 October.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 15 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 October 2026 |
| Fellowship duration | Five months |
| Available cohorts | Aug–Dec or Jan–May |
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and only submissions made through the official online portal will be considered.
Why Apply?
The UMAPS Fellowship offers far more than a research residency. It provides early-career African academics with access to world-class research facilities, mentorship from distinguished University of Michigan faculty, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a global network of scholars committed to advancing knowledge across Africa and beyond. For faculty seeking to strengthen their research profile while building lasting international partnerships, UMAPS represents an exceptional opportunity for academic growth and institutional impact.
