The University of Michigan is now accepting applications for the 2025 African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program.
This prestigious fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity for early career faculty from African universities to spend up to six months at the University of Michigan, engaging in scholarly pursuits and collaborating with U-M faculty and students.
About the Program
The UMAPS Program brings early career faculty from African universities to Ann Arbor, Michigan for residencies lasting up to six months. Scholars are paired with a faculty collaborator during their stay and have full access to the university’s resources to further their research projects.
The program supports the development of the next generation of African scholars by integrating them into international academic networks, promoting scholarly exchange, and providing opportunities for independent research.
Scholars can work on a wide variety of projects across all disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and professional schools.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UMAPS Program, candidates must:
- Be an early career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system in Africa for less than ten years
- Be employed in an accredited college or university in Africa
- Have a doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- Be able to demonstrate support from their home institution with a letter of recommendation from their head of department, dean, or vice chancellor
- Be fluent in English
Fellowship Details
The UMAPS fellowship includes:
- Round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
- A monthly stipend of $5,000 to cover living expenses
- Campus housing
- Office space
- Access to the university’s libraries and other resources
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following materials:
- A completed application form
- A curriculum vitae
- A scholarly program/research proposal (not to exceed 5 pages)
- An official letter of support from the head of department, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution
- A copy of the applicant’s passport bio page
All application materials must be submitted in English. The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is October 15, 2024.
Click here to apply for the 2025 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program.
Impact of the Program
Since its inception in 2008, the UMAPS Program has hosted over 100 scholars from more than 30 African countries.
Alumni of the program have gone on to make significant contributions to their fields and communities, taking on leadership roles at their home institutions and beyond.
Dr. Abebe Kebede, a 2018 UMAPS scholar from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, described his experience as “life-changing.”
He noted, “The resources and networks I gained access to at the University of Michigan have been invaluable for advancing my research and teaching. I returned to my home institution with new skills, fresh ideas, and lasting connections.”
The UMAPS Program not only benefits the individual scholars but also strengthens the ties between the University of Michigan and universities across Africa.
By fostering scholarly exchange and collaboration, the program contributes to the global production and dissemination of knowledge.
Conclusion
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity for early career faculty from African universities to expand their research, build international networks, and contribute to the global academic community.
With full funding and access to world-class resources, the UMAPS fellowship can be a transformative experience for scholars looking to take their work to the next level.
If you are an eligible early career faculty member at an African university, consider applying for the 2025 UMAPS Program.
Apply now and take the first step toward advancing your scholarly pursuits and making a lasting impact in your field.
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