2025 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) invites early-career faculty from African universities to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This initiative fosters the growth of emerging African scholars by connecting them with global academic networks, reflecting U-M’s dedication to collaborative research and teaching across various fields, including engineering, literature, and economics.
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support, covering all housing expenses (including a private room and bath in a suite), medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest stipend for living expenses.
This post will outline the specifics, eligibility criteria, benefits, program duration, and application process for interested applicants.
Numerous scholarship opportunities are also available in countries across Europe, the United States, and Canada. Check out some highlighted options below:
Details for the 2025 African Presidential Scholars Program:
The UMAPS program operates two cohorts annually—from August to December and from January to May—with a single application round for both. Applicants can indicate their preference for a specific cohort during the application but cannot be guaranteed placement in their preferred cohort upon acceptance.
Unfortunately, the ASC is unable to assist prospective applicants in connecting with U-M faculty, nor do we recommend direct outreach to them.
Since its inception in 2009, the UMAPS Program has welcomed scholars from Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Gabon, and Zambia, representing various disciplines aligned with multiple initiatives.
Requirements for the 2025 University of Michigan Presidential Scholars Program:
To apply for the 2025 University of Michigan Presidential Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be an early-career faculty member with less than ten years of experience in higher education, currently teaching at a college or university in Africa.
- Hold a permanent position at an African university or college.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from the head of their department, dean, or vice chancellor, demonstrating support from their home institution.
- Commit to a five-month residency.
Previous UMAPS fellows are ineligible to apply, and preference will be given to those without significant international experience outside Africa.
Duration and Benefits of the 2025 African Presidential Scholars Program:
Scholars selected for the UMAPS Program will receive:
- A residency for four to six months at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, paired with a faculty mentor and full access to university resources.
- Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor.
- Free housing (including a private room and bath in a suite setting), medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest stipend for living expenses.
- Office/laboratory space.
- An opportunity to present their research to the U-M community.
During their stay, scholars will collaborate with a faculty mentor and utilize the University of Michigan’s resources to advance their research projects, academic degrees, publications, grant proposals, or other relevant activities.
Required Documents for the University of Michigan Presidential Scholars Program:
Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission:
- Complete the online application form (This application cycle is for candidates from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda only).
- Upload a curriculum vitae using the online application.
- Provide a scholarly research proposal (no longer than five pages). Applications from diverse disciplines are welcome, with a preference for those aligning with the center’s initiatives—AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa.
- Include the complete name and contact details of the recommending department head, dean, or vice chancellor from the applicant’s home institution.
Applications will be reviewed after the closing date of October 15. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply for the 2025 University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (Step-by-Step):
Interested and qualified candidates can click the button below to access the scholarship application webpage.
For applicants outside Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda, a nomination is required from a U-M faculty member familiar with the applicant’s work. The nominating faculty member must:
- Complete the online nomination form (accessible only by University of Michigan faculty).
- Submit a letter of endorsement confirming their willingness to serve as a mentor throughout the residency, commit to regular meetings, and, if possible, provide office space for the candidate.
Upon receiving the nomination form and letter of support, UMAPS will email the nominated candidate an invitation with a link to the application portal specifically for nominated applicants; please refrain from using the standard application portal.
Deadline: October 15, 2024
Visit HERE to check out many more Scholarship opportunities.
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