University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program With Flights, Housing and Monthly Stipends

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) 2027 is offering an opportunity for eligible early-career academics across Africa to spend several months conducting research and building international academic collaborations in the United States.

The programme supports faculty members working at African colleges and universities and provides selected scholars with funding that includes accommodation, medical insurance, research support, a living stipend and round-trip airfare.

Applications for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program are open, with interested candidates expected to complete the application process before the October 15, 2026 deadline.

The programme is designed to strengthen research capacity, connect African academics with international scholarly networks and support collaborations across disciplines including science, engineering, literature, economics and other academic fields.

What Is the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program?

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program, commonly known as UMAPS, brings early-career faculty members from African universities to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for an academic residency.

During their stay, selected participants are paired with faculty collaborators and receive access to University of Michigan resources to support their academic and research work.

The residency can support a range of scholarly activities, including research projects, academic publications, grant proposals and other professional work connected to a participant’s field.

Since its establishment in 2009, the programme has hosted scholars from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Gabon and Zambia.

2027 UMAPS Scholarship Benefits and Funding

One of the major attractions of the 2027 UMAPS fellowship is its financial support package.

Selected scholars are expected to receive support covering major expenses associated with their residency in the United States. The benefits include round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to Ann Arbor, accommodation, medical insurance, research funding and a modest living stipend.

Participants may also receive office or laboratory space, depending on the nature of their academic work.

The programme gives scholars access to University of Michigan facilities and resources while creating opportunities to present their research to members of the university community.

For African academics looking to expand their research networks and gain international experience, the fellowship offers an opportunity to work closely with scholars in their respective fields.

How Long Is the University of Michigan UMAPS Residency?

The UMAPS programme hosts two cohorts each year.

One cohort runs from August through December, while another runs from January through May. Applicants can indicate their preferred cohort during the application process, though placement in a particular session is not guaranteed.

The residency generally lasts between four and six months, depending on the programme arrangements.

During this period, scholars are expected to remain in residence and actively participate in their proposed academic or research activities.

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Who Can Apply for the 2027 African Presidential Scholars Program?

The 2027 University of Michigan Presidential Scholars Program is targeted at early-career faculty members currently working in Africa’s higher education sector.

Applicants must have taught in the higher education system for fewer than 10 years and must currently hold an ongoing position at a university or college in Africa.

Candidates must also demonstrate support from their home institution. This includes obtaining a letter of recommendation or support from an appropriate institutional leader, such as a department head, dean or vice-chancellor.

Applicants must also be able to remain in residence for the required period.

Previous recipients of the UMAPS fellowship are not eligible to apply again. The programme also indicates that preference may be given to candidates who have not had extensive international experience outside Africa.

Required Documents for the 2027 UMAPS Application

Applicants are expected to prepare several documents before submitting their applications.

Candidates must complete the online application form and upload an up-to-date curriculum vitae.

Applicants must also submit a scholarly programme or research proposal of no more than five pages. The programme accepts candidates from a broad range of academic disciplines, while proposals connected to relevant University of Michigan initiatives may also be encouraged.

Applicants must provide the complete name and contact information of the department head, dean or vice-chancellor who will provide institutional support.

Incomplete applications will not be processed after the deadline.

Special Application Process for Some African Countries

The application process differs depending on an applicant’s country.

The regular application portal for the current cycle is available to eligible applicants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

Applicants from other African countries may require nomination by a University of Michigan faculty member familiar with their work.

Under this process, the nominating faculty member must complete the required nomination procedure and submit a letter indicating their willingness to support and mentor the prospective scholar during the residency.

Once the nomination requirements are completed, the prospective participant receives an invitation to access the appropriate application portal.

University of Michigan UMAPS 2027 Deadline

The deadline for applications for the 2027 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program is October 15, 2026.

Applications are expected to be reviewed after the deadline, and candidates are advised to ensure that all required documents and institutional support information are submitted before the application window closes.

For eligible early-career academics in Africa, the programme represents a significant opportunity to conduct research in the United States while developing long-term academic partnerships.

With funding covering several major costs, including travel, housing and research-related support, the UMAPS 2027 programme could be an important opportunity for African university faculty seeking international research exposure and professional development.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application route that applies to their country before submitting their materials.

FAQ: University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2027

What is the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program?

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) is an academic residency and fellowship programme for eligible early-career faculty members from African colleges and universities. It provides selected scholars with an opportunity to conduct research and collaborate with University of Michigan faculty in Ann Arbor.

Is the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program fully funded?

The programme provides substantial financial support for selected scholars. According to the programme details provided, benefits include round-trip airfare, accommodation, medical insurance, research support and a modest living stipend.

Who is eligible to apply for UMAPS 2027?

Applicants must be early-career faculty members who have taught in higher education for fewer than 10 years and currently hold an ongoing position at a university or college in Africa.

Applicants must also demonstrate support from their home institution and be available to remain in residence for the required period.

Can Nigerians apply for the University of Michigan UMAPS 2027?

Yes. Nigeria is listed among the countries whose eligible applicants can use the designated regular application route for the current application cycle.

Which African countries can apply directly for UMAPS 2027?

The information provided for the 2027 cycle lists Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda for access to the designated regular application portal.

Applicants from other African countries may be required to follow the faculty nomination route.

What is the deadline for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program 2027?

The stated application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Applicants should complete their submissions before the deadline because incomplete applications are not expected to be processed.

How long is the UMAPS residency?

The programme information states that selected scholars may spend approximately four to six months at the University of Michigan.

The programme operates with two cohorts, generally running from August to December and January to May.

Does UMAPS provide free accommodation?

Yes. Selected scholars are provided accommodation as part of the programme’s support package. The details provided describe housing with a private room and bathroom in a suite-style setting.

Does the University of Michigan UMAPS fellowship cover flight costs?

Selected participants receive round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan, according to the programme details.

Does UMAPS provide a monthly stipend?

The programme provides a modest stipend to support living costs during the scholar’s residency.

What documents are required for the UMAPS 2027 application?

Applicants are expected to submit an online application, a curriculum vitae and a scholarly programme or research proposal of no more than five pages.

Candidates must also provide the contact details of an appropriate representative from their home institution, such as a department head, dean or vice-chancellor, who can provide institutional support.

Do applicants need a research proposal for the University of Michigan fellowship?

Yes. Applicants are required to submit a scholarly programme or research proposal. The proposal must not exceed five pages.

Can applicants from all African academic disciplines apply?

The programme welcomes applicants from a wide range of disciplines. Research proposals aligned with relevant University of Michigan academic initiatives may also receive particular encouragement.

Can previous UMAPS scholars apply again?

No. Previous recipients of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program are not eligible to apply again.

Is international experience required for UMAPS?

Extensive international experience is not listed as a requirement. The programme information indicates that preference may be given to applicants who have not had extensive international experience outside Africa.

How do applicants from African countries outside the direct application list apply?

Applicants from countries outside the designated direct application group may require nomination by a University of Michigan faculty member familiar with their work.

The nominating faculty member is expected to complete the required nomination process and submit a letter supporting the prospective participant and indicating a willingness to serve as a mentor.

What can scholars do during the UMAPS residency?

Selected scholars can work on research projects, publications, grant proposals and other academic activities. They may also collaborate with University of Michigan faculty and gain access to relevant university resources.

Where will selected UMAPS scholars study or conduct research?

Selected scholars will undertake their residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.

Is UMAPS available for undergraduate or master’s students?

Based on the eligibility requirements provided, the programme is designed for early-career university faculty members, rather than undergraduate or regular master’s degree students.

When will the 2027 UMAPS programme take place?

The programme hosts two cohorts each year, with one generally running from August to December and another from January to May. Successful applicants may indicate a preferred cohort, though placement is not guaranteed.