Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program. This program offers early-career faculty from African universities the opportunity to spend five months at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, USA. During their stay, scholars are paired with a faculty mentor and have access to the university’s resources to work on research projects, academic degrees, publications, grant proposals, or other academic activities.
The program helps develop the next generation of African scholars by connecting them to international academic networks and supporting research and teaching collaborations across various fields, including engineering, literature, and economics.
Who Can Apply?
Faculty members from universities in Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia can apply directly.
Faculty members from other African countries must be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they have an established relationship.
Program Details
- The UMAPS program runs two sessions each year: August-December and January-May.
- There is only one application process for both sessions. Applicants can express a preference for a specific session, but placement in the preferred session is not guaranteed.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be an early-career faculty member with less than ten years of teaching experience in a college or university in Africa.
- Hold a permanent position at a university or college in Africa.
- Provide a letter of support from your department head, dean, or vice chancellor at your home institution.
- Commit to staying in Ann Arbor for five months.
What the Program Offers
Participants will receive:
- A five-month residency at the University of Michigan, including a faculty mentor and full access to university resources.
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Free housing, medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest living stipend (Note: The program cannot accommodate spouses or dependents).
- Office or laboratory space.
- The opportunity to present your research to the University of Michigan community.
How to Apply
To apply, you must:
- Complete the online application form (only applicants from Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda can use this link).
- Upload your curriculum vitae (CV).
- Submit a research proposal (no more than five pages). Applications from all disciplines are welcome, especially those aligning with the center’s initiatives: AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa.
- Provide the name and contact information of your department head, dean, or vice chancellor, who will submit a letter of support. This letter must be received before your application can be fully submitted.
Applications close on October 15, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Nomination Process
For applicants from countries not listed above, a nomination is required. A University of Michigan faculty member must:
- Complete the online nomination form.
- Submit a letter of endorsement, agreeing to mentor the applicant during the residency and, if possible, provide office space.
For More Information:
Visit the official webpage of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program presents a remarkable opportunity for early-career faculty from African universities to advance their academic and research careers on an international stage. By providing full access to world-class resources, mentorship, and a vibrant academic community, the program plays a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of African scholars.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to enhancing your academic work, I encourage you to apply or seek nomination for this fully funded program before the October 15, 2024 deadline. This experience could be a significant step in your professional development and contribute to the broader academic exchange between Africa and the global community.
