University of Michigan Africa Presidential Scholars

UMAPS alumni and program dashboard.

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2008-2027 cohort span
Current Cohort:
Winter 2026 11 scholars

Program Snapshot

Research exchange, mentorship, and long-term academic ties

The U-M African Presidential Scholars program brings early-career faculty from African universities to Ann Arbor for a five-month residency. Scholars are paired with a University of Michigan collaborator and have access to U-M resources to advance a research project, publication, academic degree, grant proposal, or related scholarly activity.

The program is highly competitive. Recent cycles may receive 600 or more applications for roughly 20 places across the annual cohorts, making selection both selective and strategically balanced.

Application Cycle

One annual application round for two cohorts

Application window August 15 through October 15.
Two residency terms UMAPS hosts the Fall cohort from August to December and the Winter cohort from January to May.
Selection approach Review is based on scholarly quality, academic fit, initiative balance, and support from the home institution.

How UMAPS Works

The essentials of the residency in one view

5 months

Residency in Ann Arbor

Selected scholars spend five months at the University of Michigan with time dedicated to research, writing, degree progress, or proposal development.

1 U-M collaborator

Faculty partnership model

Each scholar works with a University of Michigan faculty collaborator and draws on U-M libraries, laboratories, offices, and broader academic networks.

Full support package

Selection and award support

Selected scholars receive airfare, housing, health insurance, research support, and a modest living stipend during the residency.

Community

Moments from the UMAPS network

UMAPS scholars and guests gathered during a community event.
UMAPS participants standing together at an African Studies Center event.
UMAPS scholars gathered together during a center event.
UMAPS group photo in front of an African Studies Center display.
UMAPS participants together during a social activity.

Timeline

Cohort growth across the network

Current cycle

What counts as the current cohort?

UMAPS ran as a single annual cohort from 2008 through 2019. After a COVID pause, the program returned with Fall 2021 and has continued with Winter and Fall cohorts from Winter 2022 onward.

Current cohort
Winter 2026
Scholars in current cohort
22 scholars
Incoming cohort insights
2027 cohort

Reach

Top countries of origin

Partners

Leading institutions

Mentorship

Most frequent hosts

Directory

Search the alumni records

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