The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program is now open and African students are encouraged to apply. Once selected, you are matched with a faculty collaborator and given full access to the resources of the University of Michigan.
This facilitates your work on publications, grant proposals, research projects, academic degrees, and various other activities. By integrating you into global academic networks, the program aims to nurture the next generation of African intellectuals.
The initiative aligns with U-M’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching partnerships in diverse fields such as engineering, literature, and economics.
Students from Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia are encouraged to apply. Students from other African nations must be nominated by a University of Michigan faculty member with whom they already have a formal relationship.
The UMAPS program runs two cohorts annually, from August through December and from January through May. Each cohort has only one application round, and you can specify your preferred cohort during the application process. However, enrollment in a specific cohort is not guaranteed after program admission.
Scholarship Details:
- University of Michigan is the host institution.
- Studies will take place in the USA
- Supports Undergraduate studies
- Open to African students
- The last day to submit your application is 15th Oct 2024.
About Host University:
The Institution of Michigan is a well-known public research institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in 1817, making it the state’s oldest university.
Their hallmarks are creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It is essential to Southeast Michigan because it empowers communities and uses state-of-the-art research to solve social problems.
The student body at the University of Michigan is diverse and welcoming, hailing from around 80 different nations. The establishment prioritizes honesty and reciprocity, making an effort to establish an environment where everyone is accepted and has the opportunity to grow from one another.
Scholarship Benefits:
You enjoy the following benefits when accepted into the UMAPS program:
- You become a faculty collaborator and enjoy five months of residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with complete access to the university’s resources
- Enjoy a round-trip travel expense to Ann Arbor, Michigan from your nation of origin.
- Free housing which includes a private room and bath in a suite setting, health insurance, a research allowance, and a meager living stipend.
- Space for offices and laboratories
- Chance to showcase research to the University of Michigan community
Requirements for Selection:
- You must be an early career faculty member currently employed at an African college or university, having worked in the higher education sector for less than ten years.
- You must hold a permanent position at an African college or university.
- Possess a letter of recommendation from the vice chancellor, dean, or head of the department to show support from your home university.
- Please be aware that you will not be able to finish your application until you have received confirmation from your home university.
Important Things to Note About Selection Process:
- Applications from outside of Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda must be accompanied by a nomination form.
- The form must be filled out by a U-M faculty member who is acquainted with the candidate’s body of work. The academic member proposing must:
- Fill out the nomination form online using this LINK
- Send in or upload a letter of recommendation expressing his desire to mentor the potential participant for the duration of the residence, commit to meet frequently, and, if feasible, provide office space.
How to Apply:
- You must first fill out the application online. Get the online form HERE.
- Using the web application, upload a curriculum vitae.
- Upload a research proposal or scholarly program, no more than five pages in length.
- Give the full name and contact details of your home institution’s department head, dean, or vice chancellor who will be providing your letter of recommendation.
- Before you can finish and submit your online application in its entirety, this needs to be supplied.
