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)

UMAPS programme overview

Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station

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.

Can previous UMAPS fellows reapply?

No. Previous UMAPS recipients are not eligible.

Can I bring my family?

UMAPS generally cannot accommodate spouses or dependents.

Results for “University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars”

University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) 2027 - 2028 (Fully Funded)