Suitably qualified international faculty members of colleges or universities in eligible countries are invited to apply for the African Presidential Scholars Program 2027 at University of Michigan for a chance to study and carry out research work at the university for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The African Presidential Scholars Program offers a fully funded Postgraduate Scholarships to eligible faculty members of colleges or universities who are looking to study or research at the University of Michigan, Canada for the 2027/2028 academic session.
The annual UMAPS program hosts two cohorts per year form August through December and January through May with one application round for both cohorts. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preference for a particular cohort during the application process, but placement in a particular cohort (upon acceptance into the program) is not guaranteed.
SEE MORE: Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships 2026
Eligible Countries
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Uganda
Note: Faculty from other African countries may apply only if nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have an established relationship.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an early career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system for fewer than ten years and is presently teaching in a college or university in Africa. Applicants must currently be employed in an ongoing position at a university or college in Africa.
- Be able to demonstrate support from a home institution with a letter of recommendation from the head of the department, dean, or vice chancellor.
- Be able to remain in residence in Ann Arbor, Michigan for five months.
Please note that applicants will not be able to fully submit their application until the endorsement from their home university has been received. For any questions about eligibility in your specific case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at UmapsInfo@umich.edu.
Method of Application
Applicants for the African Presidential Scholars Program 2027 at University of Michigan must follow the steps below:
- Complete the online application form.
IN THIS APPLICATION CYCLE, the form can only be used by applicants from the following countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Uganda - Upload a curriculum vitae using the online application
Upload a scholarly program/research proposal (not to exceed five pages). Applications from a wide range of disciplines and schools are welcome; applications that align with the center’s disciplinary initiatives: AHHI, ASRI, and STEM-Africa—are encouraged - Provide the complete name and contact information of the department head, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution who will be writing their letter of support. This must be submitted before applicants can fully submit and complete their online application.
Nomination Process
For applicants from the eligible countries above, a nomination is required and needs to be completed by a U-M faculty member familiar with the work of the prospective applicant. The nominating faculty must:
- Complete the online pre-application form (includes required nomination letter request to University of Michigan faculty).
- Submit /upload a letter of endorsement that indicates their willingness to serve as a mentor during the length of the residency, commit to meet regularly, and if possible, provide office space for the prospective participant
As soon as the completed pre-application is received, which includes a verified U-M nomination, you will receive an email invitation with a link to the full application portal for nominated applicants; please do not use the regular application portal prior to receiving this approval.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026.
For More Information: Visit the Scholarship Website.
