Apply for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program 2027 - 2028 - a fully funded, five-month research residency at the African Studies Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. UMAPS supports early-career faculty at African universities to advance independent research, collaborate with U-M mentors, and build lasting Africa - U.S. academic partnerships. Applications close 15 October 2026.
This is a research fellowship, not a degree programme. Selected scholars spend five months on campus with round-trip airfare, housing, medical insurance, a research allowance, and a living stipend. One application round covers both cohort options: August - December or January - May.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official U-M African Studies Center UMAPS pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - UMAPS 2027 - 2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) |
| Host | African Studies Center (ASC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| Type | Five-month residential research fellowship (not a degree) |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Cohorts | Aug - Dec or Jan - May (preference indicated at application; placement not guaranteed) |
| Opens | 15 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
| Who | Early-career faculty at African colleges and universities (<10 years teaching) |
| Official page | ii.umich.edu/asc/fellows/umaps |
| Apply | UMAPS application information |
What Is UMAPS?
Launched in 2009 with support from the U-M President and Provost, UMAPS brings talented early-career African faculty to Ann Arbor for intensive research and mentorship. Fellows are paired with a University of Michigan faculty collaborator, gain access to libraries and labs, present their work to the campus community, and return to their home institutions with strengthened research capacity.
The programme aligns with ASC initiatives including the African Heritage and Humanities Initiative (AHHI), African Social Research Initiative (ASRI), and STEM-Africa - interdisciplinary applications are welcome.
Fellowship Benefits
- Five-month research residency at the University of Michigan
- Round-trip international airfare between home country and Ann Arbor
- Free housing (private room and bath in a suite setting)
- Medical insurance during the residency
- Research allowance and a modest living stipend
- Office or laboratory space where available
- Faculty mentorship and collaboration with U-M scholars
- Opportunities to present research and join seminars and workshops
Note: UMAPS generally cannot accommodate spouses or dependents.
Who Can Apply
- Early-career faculty member with fewer than 10 years of teaching in higher education
- Currently employed in an ongoing position at a college or university in Africa
- Able to remain in Ann Arbor for the full five months
- Institutional endorsement from department head, dean, or vice chancellor (required before full submission)
- Not a previous UMAPS fellowship recipient
- Preference for applicants without extensive international experience outside Africa
Application Routes by Country
Direct online application (via the official portal) is open to faculty employed in:
Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.
Faculty from other African countries must first obtain a nomination from a University of Michigan faculty member who knows their work and is willing to serve as a collaborator during the residency. The U-M faculty member submits an endorsement letter as part of the process.
Verify your route on the official apply page before you start.
How to Apply
- Read the UMAPS programme overview and application checklist.
- Prepare a CV and a scholarly research proposal (max five pages).
- Arrange institutional endorsement from your department head, dean, or vice chancellor - your application cannot be fully submitted until this is received.
- If you are from a nomination-required country, secure a U-M faculty collaborator first.
- Submit via the official online application form (direct-eligible countries) before 15 October 2026.
Incomplete applications are not reviewed. Questions: asc-contact@umich.edu.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Contact details for institutional endorser (department head, dean, or vice chancellor)
- Letter of endorsement from home institution (required for full submission)
- U-M faculty nomination/endorsement letter (if applying from a nomination-required country)
Official Links
Apply - UMAPS application information
Official online application form (direct-eligible countries)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Traineeship Programme 2026
- Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026
- Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027
- GMHAC Scholarship 2027 Kenya
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - UMAPS 2027 - 2028
Is this a degree or scholarship for study?
No. UMAPS is a five-month research residency for faculty to advance independent research with a U-M mentor.
When is the deadline?
15 October 2026. The cycle opens 15 August 2026.
Which cohort will I join?
You indicate a preference for Aug - Dec or Jan - May when applying. Final cohort placement is not guaranteed.
Can I apply from Nigeria, Kenya, or Ghana?
Yes - those countries are among the direct-application list. Use the official online portal.
