The UMAPS, a transformative study University of Michigan opportunity, invites early-career faculty from African universities for a five-month African scholars research residency at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, founded in 1817 and ranked #21 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Hosted by the African Studies Center (ASC) since 2009, this program supports disciplines like Engineering, Literature, Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities, STEM, and Arts, fostering a cross-disciplinary research odyssey. As a global academic catalyst, UMAPS strengthens African higher education by connecting scholars to international research networks.
Scholars collaborate with U-M faculty mentors, accessing world-class resources like the Hatcher Graduate Library, research labs, and data archives to advance research projects, publications, grant proposals, or academic degrees. Engineering scholars develop innovative technologies, while Social Sciences researchers explore governance frameworks. Humanities faculty delve into African cultural narratives, and STEM participants tackle global challenges like climate change, aligning with ASC’s initiatives: African Heritage and Humanities Initiative (AHHI) for arts and cultural research, African Social Research Initiative (ASRI) for social science studies, and STEM-Africa for scientific advancement. Since 2009, UMAPS has hosted 200+ scholars from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond, with 25% publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
The UMAPS promotes global academic networking. Scholars engage in seminars, workshops, and research symposia, connecting with U-M’s 50,000+ students and faculty from 120+ countries. The program’s inclusivity framework supports diverse African institutions, fostering cross-continental collaboration. Cultural events, like Ann Arbor Art Fair or U-M’s Africa Week, and scholar-led initiatives, such as ASC Research Forums, enrich the diverse research experience, with 15% of alumni leading academic reforms in Africa.
Residing in Ann Arbor, scholars experience a cross-disciplinary research odyssey. They explore Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum, Detroit’s Motown Museum, or Lake Michigan, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Ann Arbor Film Festival, Michigan Football games, or Detroit Jazz Festival deepen engagement. U-M’s North Campus, with advanced research facilities, libraries, and collaboration hubs, supports a global research immersion, enhanced by connectivity to London, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Ann Arbor’s safe, academic environment (U.S. News Best Places 2025) complements scholarly pursuits.
Join a global cohort to champion African academic excellence, embrace U.S. research diversity, and shape a transformative future with UMAPS!
University of Michigan African Scholarship Program:
Host Country:
•USA
Host organization:
•University of Michigan
Scholarship Duration:
•5 months
Benefits of the University of Michigan African Scholarship Program:
•Selected members will get 5 months of residency at the University of Michigan and will collaborate with a faculty member of the university to have access to the university’s resources.
•Round-trip airfare will be given from your home country to Michigan.
•Free accommodation which will include a private room & bath in a suite setting will be provided.
•Medical insurance will be given.
•A research allowance will also be provided.
•A modest stipend to cover the living expenses will be given.
•You will get an office and laboratory space to work on your projects.
•You will get an opportunity to present your research work to the community of Michigan University.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Michigan African Scholarship in the USA:
1. Faculty members of colleges or universities from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia can directly apply while members from other countries in Africa cannot apply directly to UMAPS but they have to be nominated by a faculty member from University of Michigan who are already familiar with each other.
2. Applicants should be early career faculty members who have already taught in the higher education system for not more than 10 years.
3. Applicants should be currently teaching in a college or university in Africa. Candidates should be working in a current position in Africa.
4. Applicants should provide a letter of recommendation from the Dean, HoD or Vice Chancellor of their home institute.
5. Without endorsement from the home university, applicants cannot submit their application form.
6. Applicants should be physically available in residence for 5 months.
7. Members who have already attended previous fellowships cannot apply for this program.
8. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents Required for the University of Michigan African Scholarship Program:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Research proposal in not more than 5 pages in a PDF document.
12. Endorsement letter from home university.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in October 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
