Program Overview The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program is an esteemed fellowship designed to support early-career faculty from African universities by connecting them with global academic networks. This program provides scholars with the resources and opportunities available at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, aiming to elevate their research and academic skills.
Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including housing, medical insurance, a research allowance, and a stipend for living expenses, all in a conducive environment for academic growth.
Host Country: United States of America (USA)
Eligible Countries: All African Countries
Scholarship Value: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Round-trip Airfare Ticket
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Program Details
Cohorts: UMAPS offers two cohorts each year:
- August to December
- January to May
Applicants may indicate their preferred cohort, but placement is not guaranteed.
Disciplines: The program spans a broad spectrum of academic fields, aligning with multiple U-M initiatives. Since its inception in 2009, UMAPS has hosted scholars from countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2025 UMAPS Program, applicants must:
- Academic Experience: Be early-career faculty with less than ten years of teaching experience in higher education, currently employed at a college or university in Africa.
- Institutional Support: Provide a letter of recommendation from the department head, dean, or vice chancellor at their home institution.
- Residency Commitment: Commit to remaining in residence at the University of Michigan for five months.
- Previous Recipients: Individuals who have previously received a UMAPS fellowship are not eligible. Priority is given to those with limited international experience outside Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Residency: A four- to six-month stay at the University of Michigan, with a dedicated faculty mentor.
- Travel: Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Accommodation: Private room and bath in a suite setting, along with medical insurance and a research allowance.
- Stipend: A modest monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Academic Resources: Access to office/laboratory space and U-M resources.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to present research to the U-M community.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Online Application Form: Available to candidates from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic and professional experiences.
- Research Proposal: A scholarly research proposal (maximum five pages) aligned with the center’s initiatives (AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa).
- Letter of Support: From the department head, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution.
Note: Applications will be reviewed after the October 15, 2024 deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Application Portal: Interested candidates should click the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button below to access the application webpage.
Nomination for Non-Eligible Countries: Applicants from countries other than Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda require a nomination from a U-M faculty member familiar with their work. The nominating faculty must:
- Complete the online nomination form (U-M faculty only).
- Submit a letter of endorsement agreeing to serve as a mentor and potentially provide office space.
Application Process: Once the nomination form and letter of support are submitted, nominated candidates will receive an email invitation with a link to the specific application portal.
