Program Overview
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program is designed to support early-career faculty from African universities by integrating them into international academic networks. This prestigious fellowship aims to enhance their academic and research capabilities by providing them with the resources and opportunities available at the University of Michigan (U-M), Ann Arbor.
Selected scholars will benefit from housing, medical insurance, a research allowance, and a stipend to cover living expenses, ensuring a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.
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 hosts two cohorts annually:
- August to December
- January to May
Applicants may express a preference for a specific cohort, but placement is not guaranteed
- Disciplines: The program covers a wide range of academic fields, aligning with several U-M initiatives. Since 2009, it has hosted scholars from countries including Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2025 UMAPS Program, applicants must:
- Academic Experience: Be early-career faculty members with less than ten years of teaching experience in higher education and currently employed at a college or university in Africa.
- Institutional Support: Provide a letter of recommendation from their home institution’s department head, dean, or vice chancellor.
- Residency Commitment: Be available to remain in residence at the University of Michigan for five months.
- Previous Recipients: Applicants who have previously received a UMAPS fellowship are not eligible. Preference is given to those with limited international experience outside Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Residency: Four to six months at the University of Michigan, paired with a faculty mentor.
- Travel: Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Accommodation: Private room & bath in a suite setting, medical insurance, and a research allowance.
- Stipend: A modest monthly stipend to cover living costs.
- 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 applicants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic and professional experience.
- Research Proposal: A scholarly program or 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 deadline on October 15, 2024. 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 visit 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 possibly provide office space.
- Application Process: Upon receiving the complete nomination form and letter of support, nominated candidates will receive an email invitation with a link to the specific application portal.